Backhoe Possible to us Backhoe w/o FEL?

[AlmostRetired]

I need a backhoe bad. However, I already have a tractor with a nice FEL. Was thinking about adding a smaller tractor (e.g., 7610, CK25) with a backhoe and a mower. However, at this time, my budget does not support a Backhoe, MMM, and FEL. Therefore, was wondering if any backhoes are usable without attaching a FEL...just using front mounted weights for example.

 

[Taylortractornut]

Ive operated several tractors without loaders to go with the backhoe. Most had a dozer on the front, or a pretty good weight set on the front to make it stable while driving. I worked for a utility company that had a Case landscape loader but needed a smaller backhoe so that had a small JD with a hoe only. We put a weight box with a generator on top of it to help balance it out.

 

[coopers]

Just rent one. They should be a nice price. We rent B-21's out for 125 a day and a 50 dollar additional for the backhoe. Not bad.

Blake
WA

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I need a backhoe bad. However, I already have a tractor with a nice FEL. )</font> Check with Woods Equipment dealer to see if they can supply you with a backhoe for your existing tractor. Also Buhler, Koyker, etc. Many backhoe makers already make subframes to fit many brands/models of tractor. Also, you may find that you can have a subframe made by a welder to mount any used backhoe that you may find. Three point backhoes are available, but in many cases they can be bad for the tractor. Kioti's owner's manuals state to not attach a three point backhoe to their tractor, or at least to the CK20 which I have. A welder/fabricator can make the subframe to attach to your FEL frame most likely. John

 

[frank_f15]

wouldn't it be cheaper just to get a BH for your current tractor? or am i missing something? has happened before /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[AlmostRetired]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( wouldn't it be cheaper just to get a BH for your current tractor? or am i missing something? )</font>


Cheaper...yes. However, I noted above that I wanted to get a Backhoe and a mower. You see, I need both. While I could add a Hoe for my tractor, the proper size Hoe would be $6K - $7K. ...forget it. Not going to try to justify it. Mainly, I just want another tractor. It would be cheaper to add a Hoe to my current tractor and pick up a cheap Wally World mower. However, not what I WANT to do.

As to renting, that’s almost always the logical choice. However, where I live, these things disappear fast when a sunny weekend is coming up. Besides, I’m like an artist…you know…spontaneous. I would rather just go get it out of the shed when the urge hits to dig something.

 

[coopers]

Well, then cough up the doe for the hoe and rent a mower when you need one....personally I think you're making it harder than it is.

Blake
WA

 

[KiotiJohn]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Was thinking about adding a smaller tractor (e.g., 7610, CK25) with a backhoe and a mower. )</font> Yet, down the thread you say that you can't justify buying only a BH, but you can buy another tractor with a BH and a mower. I don't get it. Do you think you're going to buy another tractor with a backhoe and a mower for less than only buying a backhoe? Besides, you say backhoes will cost $6-$7,000, but you can find them for much less. I feel that any tractor, bh and mower you buy for less than 6/7,000 isn't going to be a very quality unit. John

 

[rockyridgefarm]

What about trading? My 4310 TLB will support a MMM with the hoe and loader in place. There are many times that having the loader really helps the hoe work, and it is required, anyway.

I paid ~$4800 for the hoe, new with the tractor.

Of course, you may end up wishing for a little machine to mow and a larger one for tlb use...

 

[SPaulsen]

From a safety aspect I would not use a backhoe without some sort of ground contact in the front. You want to create a tripod with the backhoe stabilizers and your FEL. Otherwise, your tractor will not be stable. If $$ are the issue at this time, I would just rent one. Backhoes are extremely dangerous unless you utilize all the safety precautions.