Backhoe Kubota VS Woods Backhoe

Mainah · Apr 9, 2003

I want to put a backhoe on my L3710. Dealer sells Woods and of course, Kubota. Dealer recommended Woods as they feel it's more 'hoe' for the buck. Woods 7000 I think VS comperable sized 'bota hoe.
I'd appreciate the group's thoughts and comments....thanks!

Anonymous Poster · Apr 9, 2003

I wanted to do the same thing but the dealer talked me out of it. Reason: the Woods is a much better buy and a lot cheaper. Kubota's is overpriced. For the difference buy a few cans of Kubota Orange and paint it.

hayden · Apr 9, 2003

For the 3710 I'd get a Woods 9000, not the 7500. It's bigger and more powerful. If you want to move up from there, look at Bradco hoes. Much better mounting and more powerful still, but you will be approaching $9k

grandad · Apr 9, 2003

I've been looking at doing the same thing, so here's some additional info... hope it's helpful.

The 2003 'Bota hoes are the BH90 and the 4690. BH90 is a 9' subframe unit that competes with the Woods 9000. Runs on tractor hydraulics. Won't fit on the Grand L 10 series... only goes on new L 30's. Kubota still sells the prior model subframe hoe for the L 10's, but the price is prohibitive... my dealer mentioned $8500+ before I changed the subject.

4690 is a continuing model, a 7 1/2' 3pt unit that competes with the Woods 7500, and fits both the L10's and L30's. Has its own PTO-driven hydraulics. Runs something like $6000. Regardless of whether you go Kubota or other, if you get a 3pt hoe, be sure to get a reinforced toplink bracket.

Even though the 7 1/2' hoes are a bit undersized for your 3710 or my 4610, I have kind of settled on the 4690 for my amateur use. If the application were commercial, the 9-footer would make more sense. I favor staying with the factory unit for a 3pt hoe, rather than one that is generically designed and adapted to different tractor platforms. Woods does make excellent equipment... their 9000 is probably my second choice. You can get it configured as a subframe, pto-driven model, a combination Kubota does not offer (and you can order it painted orange!).

Rick Jay · Apr 9, 2003

I don't think you could go wrong with either the Kubota or the Woods (probably a 7500). I personally prefer (and own) the Woods 7500 with subframe and pump on my B2910. Others have the Kubota and are equally as happy. IF you have a mid-mount mower, the bracket the Woods subframe mounts to might interfere with the mower, so in that case you might wish to go with the Kubota hoe. If you don't use the MMM, it's probably not much of an issue.

My suggestion, however, is to check the price on the Woods 9000 IF it can be put on your tractor. I don't think the price is that much more (what's a thousand bucks among friends) than the 7500 but is considerably more hoe.

As someone else pointed out, Woods can paint their backhoes in Kubota orange.

Good Luck,

~Rick

rdln · Apr 10, 2003

I would buy a woods again too, but I have a subframe mount and find that it ruins ground clearance even with out the hoe on.

If you dont already have rear remote hyd., buy the pto pump.

Not sure if all dealers are the same but mine sold me the first bucket as part of the backhoe (So I got the widest and most expensive) and bought the smallest (8") which seems to be the best for stumping and frost breaking. If I was just gonna buy one bucket it would be a 16".

happy digging

chrisjbell · Apr 10, 2003

For what it is worth, I chose the Woods over Kubota. Mine's a lot smaller /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif, but still a lot of fun /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif. I like the subframe, especially for my lil' tractor. Also, if you can swing a larger hoe, go for it. Especially when digging trenches extra length is a Good Thing - reduces the number of times you have to move.

Anonymous Poster · Apr 10, 2003

I just got a Woods 7500 with pump and subframe on my B7500. Glad I went with the bigger hoe. I would suggest you get the biggest hoe for the model tractor you can. Just my 2 cents.

Boondox · Apr 11, 2003

Jim -- I looked at both and ended up with a Woods 7500 with sub-frame tied to my tractor's rear remote. Absolutely love it, though you'd want to go with the next size up with your larger tractor.

If you find yourself coming to northern VT this summer look me up. Once the snow is gone I'll be remounting my hoe and would be willing to let you dig some trenches for me /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Pete

Mainah · Apr 14, 2003

Thanks to all for your input! Best news is the CFO gave me her blessing to get a hoe this past weekend ....gotta love her eh? So I'm going with the Woods 9000. Thanks to all again! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif