Generally speaking, are Kubota excavator buckets and Kubota "backhoe exclusive" buckets equivalent in quality/strength? Is the primary advantage of using the "excavator-compatible" q/a coupler the extensive variety of buckets available, or is it inherently "beefier"? While shopping, I have found that the EX buckets (and the coupler) are quite a bit more expensive than equivalent BH exclusive pieces (all of this is for the BT1000/BT1400 hoe). Thanks
Kubota Backhoe Buckets
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rScotty
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I've wondered the same thing, and don't know the answer. If you find out anything please post it.
Back when we got our M59, I remember a choice of QA vs pin on type buckets, but don't think there was a third choice like there is for the M62.
We got the QA option, but it just now occurs to me that could have been the "excavator-compatible" QA or the "backhoe exclusve" QA type. At the time, the literature just called it the QA type for the BT1200.
Whichever it is, the bucket doesn't need to be any beefier. I use it in rocky mtn granite soil and pull up a lot of boulders. No problem with the buckets. After 1000 hrs of use, the buckets are missing some paint, but there aren't any worn or bent places on the bucket. Even the teeth are in good shape.
rScotty
4570Man
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I’m pretty sure the M59 QA is exclusive to itself but if I’m wrong please correct me because I want to buy a set of weld on ears for it.
4570Man
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I bought an aftermarket bucket for my 310. It worked for the intended use but the quality wasn’t equal to the Deere bucket. A fair compromise since it cost half or less as much. Sometimes I miss the 310. If it had all the options my M59 has I’d still have it. It’s a better constructed and more refined piece all the way around vs the M59 IMO.
rScotty
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I know that Kubota used to sell weld-on ears for the M59 QA backhoe bucket because a local guy bought a pair and made a ripper tooth for his M59. Does Kubota still stock them? They were expensive!
On the 310, its of course a lot larger machine than the M59, but doesn't seem to work any faster in a small space. Where the 310 really shines is for moving material greater distance.
The 310 digs faster than the M59 - although both buckets are 24", the JD bucket holds twice as much.
Lifting capability and overall weight of the 310 is almost exactly double the M59....as is the new purchase price.
But frankly, the M59 can lift and carry 3/4000 lbs, and that's enough for almost any job.
I love the 310's electric parking brake, air ride seat, and smooth ride with a loaded front bucket....
The M59 has a far better transmission and much, much smoother hydraulic controls.
Overall, when a job needs doing I probably use the M59 90% of the time - even in winter. It's just more accurate & user-friendly.
rScotty
4570Man
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The M59 is definitely better in tight places. That’s one of the reasons I got it. The controls on my 310 were first class. I’d rather dig with it vs the M59 anytime. The 310 had replaceable bushings on every pin where the m59 doesn’t. The 310 had a grease fitting every where it touches. The m59 only has 1 per pin. The 310 operator station is a lot better but you can’t fault a machine that’s half the size for that. The 310 shuttle shift was fine. I really don’t care one way or the other there. The M59 loader is pretty stout but the 310 was a lot more stable moving a full bucket. And the stabilizers on m59 are too short. They don’t have much ability to level the machine.
I remember hearing somewhere (dealer?) that the Canadian M59 used backhoe QA buckets and thumbs manufactured by these guys, might be worth a look if you are in the market for a new bucket.
H&H Manufacturing
H&H Manufacturing
