2flints,
I have a JD4100, which is the predecessor to yours, using it much the same way you describe, in addition to a LOT of other uses.
As the others point out, if you want a backhoe, you MIGHT want to look at a bigger tractor - but only if you're gonna be using it a lot. Remember that you can rent a backhoe many many times for just the initial cost of one. And, depending on your usage, you could put a backhoe on the 4115. As for warranty concerns, your warranty is only a year anyway - and you need to learn how to use a backhoe properly to not damage your tractor, regardless of the setup you have. A backhoe is one of the hardest workouts for a tractor - puts a lot of stress on it. I don't have a backhoe - I can't justify even building one myself. I have a neighbor with a backhoe on a JD955, and I have a set of keys to it. (He has a set of key to my tractor too.)
The thing to remember is the size of the tractor - and how appropriate is it for what you're doing with it MOST of the time. There's about 8 tractors with owners on the road I live on - and everyone of them agree that the 4100 is an exceptional tractor for what I do with it - and that's the point. The more implements you have, the more you can do with a tractor. I have more implements than you can shake a stick at, but they are all sized correctly for MY tractor. My neighbor has a 37 hp Kubota - beautiful tractor - but he also has about 55 acres. I have about 3.5, split between lawn and woods, with a large paved driveway. I do a lot of mowing, and a lot of snow throwing. Another neighbor has about 12 acres to mow - and he does it with the same of setup I have (except for a bagger).
A lot of talking there to make a point - the setup would probably work very well for you. However, keep in mind that Kubota and NH also make comparable tractors that would probably work very well too. I looked at them all, and went with the JD because they had all the implements I wanted to do what I wanted to do.
BTW, consider getting the broom for a paved driveway - especially one as big as yours. It's exceptional for cleaning off debris year around, and for cleaning off the little bit of snow left from plowing or snowblowing. I'd VERY HIGHLY recommend it. It fits on the front quick-tatch, like the snowblower and blade. (I have all three.) Also, for the snowblower, consider getting the hydraulic chute rotation and the remote chute cap control - VERY useful when snowblowing, cause they allow you to change the direction you're blowing without getting off the tractor.
Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you.
Caretaker
