Backhoe Should you buy a good used 2 wheel dive backhoe

[ddbackhoe]

I think that subframe design sucks and the Kubota design is way better. You can flame me if you want but I think in general the Kioti is a pretty solid tractor but the subframe backhoe is not as well thought out as Kubotas. Tractor backhoes in general aren’t for major digging jobs regardless of how good or bad they are. I sold my tractor and bought a full size backhoe. But my 16,500 pound 95 hp backhoe and a 30 hp tractor isn’t even remotely in the same category. I use the L3800 all the time for stuff my backhoe isn’t cut out for.

Anything can be broken if the operator doesn't pay attention or does stupid stuff, one wrong move can turn a piece of equipment into instant junk. Man vs. tree often ends badly for a mediocre operator.

 

[ddbackhoe]

Bad design doing that cross weld as that is common having it break next to the weld. They should have just welded down the sides, not across the top where it broke.

Broke at the path of least resistance. Not enough steel/wrong type for the weight being suspended, too much heat stress on the joint, etc. etc. But if it was a bad design, you'd think there'd be quite a few more posts with similar issues.

 

[EddieWalker]

You didn't say what you are planning on using the backhoe for. How much are they asking for the Kioti and how much is your budget?

I have a 1999 Ford/New Holland 555E 2 wheel drive, open cab that has 80hp and a one yard front bucket that can lift something like 4,000 pounds. It's been very impressive at what it can do. There is no tree that has been too big for it to take out and I've taken out tens of thousands of trees with it. Parts are readily available, but the dealer can be a bit pricey on some things. Fortunately, they know this and have been very helpful in letting me know where else I can go to get some parts that cost less.

If I was buying again, I would save up more money for 4 wheel drive. My neighbor has that on his and it's a significant difference. He's able to do things on days that I can't even get out there. I would also like to have a cab with AC. Here in East Texas, the heat and humidity can really wear you out. Then there are the bugs, and they can be very annoying, and sometimes dangerous if you hit a wasp or been nest.

My biggest improvement was changing the front bucket to a Quick Attach system so I could remove it and install a grapple. I also have pallet forks and a hay spear. For clearing land, nothing is as efficient as a backhoe. Dig up the trees with the hoe, pick them up and carry them to the burn pile with the grapple. An excavator is better at clearing land, but horrible at carrying it to the burn pile. The backhoe does both easily!!!

 

[blacklion66]

He's saying subframes suck & you should go buy an old tired 2wd yellow industrial backhoe instead. He's been crosposting this to several forums, apparently with an ax to grind.

If you look at the subframe damage, it's all rusty. That damage, those cracks & tears have been comming apart for a long time. Some maintnance & occasional inspection. Would likely have prevented this from completely falling apart.

Axe to grind! darn right
Small tractors the manufacturers are playing younger generations the same as automotive makers. A new model every year with all kind of attachments, Most are designed to last about the same time as when the paint starts to fade "trade and refinance is the name of the game":laughing:

 

[4570Man]

That’s not exactly right, and what was the point of your post anyway? I wish I still had my L3240 with a backhoe. It was good for a lot of stuff my 310 isn’t. And my 310 is a lot nicer machine than you’d go buy as a toy. For the money I have in my Bh90 only buys a piece of crap full size backhoe that’s a money pit. I had about 6k in my bh-90 which I got most of which back. Go see what that buys in a full size backhoe. My 310 is worth closer to 40. That’s a pretty big gap.