Backhoe Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L '30s

_RaT_ · Jun 26, 2003

Re: Questions: ROPs Options and B\'Hoe 90 on L \'30

The scarcity of the L30's certainly makes it tougher for any of us to go to the dealer and play hardball. I understand the ROP's and in fact, knew you mentioned it but just forgot your garage is that low or perhaps high as would be the case for some folks. The boxblade is my specialty, must be your soil, you and/or tractor. Rat... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

glennmac · Jun 26, 2003

Re: Questions: ROPs Options and B\'Hoe 90 on L \'30

David, yes, I currently have a 2910, but am thinking of getting an L3430. If I knew I definitely would not put a backhoe on it, I would definitely get the nonfolding rops. But since I may--or hope-- to get a backhoe, I would get the folding rops if the nonfolding is too low. I was just hoping the nonfolding might be tall enough to clear my (5'9") head. Problem is, I cant find a Grand L in my parts with a nonfolding rops to sit in to test. Net result: if I do get a new Grand L, I will probably get the folding rops.

hayden · Jun 28, 2003

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

I measured the clearance from the seet to the ROPS on the woods. It's 40" with a folding ROPS. The seat could also be lowered another 2" for max of 42" clearance.

hayden · Jun 28, 2003

Re: Questions: ROPs Options and B\'Hoe 90 on L \'30

My local dealer has between 20 and 30 Bs and Ls in stock, in the yard.

hayden · Jun 29, 2003

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

Bradco now has a mount for the L30s too. Attached is a picture of a Bradco 509 mounted on an L4630. Looks like a nice rig.

For all of you lusting after a cab model with Backhoe, I think this new Bradco mount will work on a cab. I took closeup pictures of this mount and of the rear end of an L5030 HSTC and I think the hoe mounts clear the cab mounts, and I think the seat is far enough back to clear as well.

glennmac · Jun 29, 2003

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

Peter, where is the dealer who has all this hardware? I'd like to drive up and take a look.

I heard there was something about the L30's that interfered with Bradco's former frame. Glad to see they have a new one.

I just noticed that the comparison in the Kubota literature is between the BH90 and the Bradco 408, where the BH90 does look better. But the Bradco 509 has significantly stronger digging force than the BH90. Based on this and the unavailability of the BH90, I think I will go with a Bradco 509 if I get a hoe. I'm quoted here about $7000 for the BH90 installed and about $7300 for the 509.

I'm also thinking I could fit under a nonfolding ROPs on the Bradco seat in your pictures.

hayden · Jun 29, 2003

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

It's all at Chappell Tractor in Milford NH.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 1, 2003

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

glennmac, Digging force is something I've been spending a lot of time thinking about lately. I've got at least 10hrs on my Bh90. There have been times that I would have liked some more power on the bucket curl cylinder(breaking roots, removing stumps) but I just don't think my tractor is heavy enough to utilize any more power.The bh90 is strong enough to pull my L3130 right down into the trench if I'm not careful.

Can you leave your 3point arms on the tractor when the backhoe is mounted? I paid $6500 or slightly less for my bh90, maybe that will help you with your negotiations on whichever backhoe you purchase? Good luck.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 1, 2003

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

Glennmac, I have the Bradco 509 on my L 3830 and its truly awesome. I live on a pretty big hill and have had several land slides do to excessive rains. I used the bradco to dig several ditches some in slate and rock and it did great. It takes only a few minutes to get it off. Very heavy duty. I paid $6000. However I did get one other quote for $9800 not including shipping. Hope that helps.

glennmac · Jul 15, 2003

Re: Questions Re ROPs Options and Backhoe on L \'30s

Saw the Bradco 509 on a 3130 recently.

Didn't like the way it mounted on the new axle frames Bradco made for the L '30 Series; thought it protruded much too far to the rear of the tractor. On the old L '10 Series, the Bradco fit so close and tight you had to flip up the tractor seat to get it out of the way of the hoe seat. On the L 30 Series tractors, Kubota put a crossarm between the base of the vertical ROPs arms just above where the toolbox is. This crossarm is smack dab where Bradco's seat would go on Bradco's old L 10 Series axle frames. Bradco's solution was just to project the frames about two feet further rearward so their seat would be aft of the ROPs crossarm. Looks like much too much overhang and leverage to me.

The picture of the BH 90 in the 30 Series brochure shows the seat and operator tight up against the tractor. I do not know how Kubota overcomes the crossarm interference because I haven't seen a BH 90 yet.

So, my current backhoe preference has swung back to the BH90 on the theory that, even though Bradco may have a stronger and more aftermarketable hoe, Kubota's 9 foot hoe probably has the best fit and attachment design because they specifically designed it for the L 30 Series.