subcompact and compact backhoe owners I want to hear from you.....

[nickel plate]

barry1me,
Step 1: If you are in the market for a CUT or SCUT, broaden your spectrum and look into all other possible attached hydraulic or mechanical implements that you might need now or in the future for your property and choose several tractors that spec out for your needs. As for your BH request, note the hydraulic GPM flow for each tractor and earmark them for your BH choices.

Step 2: Locate those tractors on your list and climb up and sit on them to find out if you physically fit the tractor with no intimidation of a test drive resulting in an implied obligation because you drove it around and maybe pushed some dirt. That comes later after you tighten down the list of possibilities. Tractor operating decks vary in size, deck plan and restrictive foot clutter.
Good luck and do keep us informed of your progress.

 

[igpoobah]

Great thread!

 

[barry1me]

Guys thanks for the awesome replys. Im on 3 acres that is surrounded in pines. I already have about 12 stumps are so, and will have another 13-15 in the upcoming months. Ideally if money was no issue I would buy a $7k zero turn, and buy a $25k tractor TLB. But I dont have the garage space for both or the money for both, plus the 0% financing for 60 months is attractive to me. Once I get the 25 or so stumps out, Im sure I will have little odds and ends BH work to do around the house ...ie putting some small trees in holes, maybe some minor landscaping, maybe use at some family/friends projects. What I will use the tractor for every week in the summer is mowing the 2 acres I have (1 acre wooded/house) and remove snow in the winter. I went and sat on a BX25 B3200, B3300SU, and L3940 Kubotas today. Besides the L3940 I didnt care for the BX and the B series Kubotas. Im pretty sold on the green ones, but just trying to decide between a JD 1026R or a 2520, both will have FEL, and MMM.....BH is not a for sure thing but would be nice for my tree projects and future projects.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

I think frame mount is imperative, as is loaded tires.

Some owner's manuals might say to not load the tires while the BH is attached. I know it's not recommended with the BX25...

 

[Rabenfels]

Have TYM T353 with their BT300 BH (subframe for strength). Had a used BT200 but was too light. Happy with the brand new 300. Digging well in compacted ground, rather good reach, dig out trees and push them over. Lift with chain and hook welded on the BH for loading or move chained to FL hooks. This CUT has plenty of power (35 hp) and I am rather happy with the purchase. BH was 1/2 the price of the tractor with FL. Expensive piece of equipment but I always wanted a BH - now I have arrived ...:thumbsup:

 

[yandeereguy]

I can't relate to any other backhoe out there but I have an 870 with an 8b backhoe and it does the job for sure. It's not an excavator now but it does not take up much room (off the tractor) and is relatively easy to get on the subframe. It treads lightly, much better than any excavator and don't tear up the ground.

whatever you decide make sure its subframe mount and NOT 3pt..

Also make sure the tractor will hold a backhoe that you can actually use

 

[Green Guy]

Guys thanks for the awesome replys. Im on 3 acres that is surrounded in pines. I already have about 12 stumps are so, and will have another 13-15 in the upcoming months. Ideally if money was no issue I would buy a $7k zero turn, and buy a $25k tractor TLB. But I dont have the garage space for both or the money for both, plus the 0% financing for 60 months is attractive to me. Once I get the 25 or so stumps out, Im sure I will have little odds and ends BH work to do around the house ...ie putting some small trees in holes, maybe some minor landscaping, maybe use at some family/friends projects. What I will use the tractor for every week in the summer is mowing the 2 acres I have (1 acre wooded/house) and remove snow in the winter. I went and sat on a BX25 B3200, B3300SU, and L3940 Kubotas today. Besides the L3940 I didnt care for the BX and the B series Kubotas. Im pretty sold on the green ones, but just trying to decide between a JD 1026R or a 2520, both will have FEL, and MMM.....BH is not a for sure thing but would be nice for my tree projects and future projects.

Curious, what didn't you like about the B series Kubota?

 

[barry1me]

Curious, what didn't you like about the B series Kubota?

I like the B2x20 series just not the 3200 or 3300su. To much vibration in the seat and floorboards for my liking. Also Each 3200 I have been has not had a smooth transition of on and off with the PTO. Even the sales guy was not able to get it. I didnt like that. If the 3200 or 3300su didnt have vibration and 3300su had a mid mount I would be more inclined for that model. For me I just feel like the fit and finish is a bit nicer and more refined on a JD 2520 or 2720 vs the B series. Price isnt that much different and Green always has a solid resale value. Nothing against the B series Kubota cuz I think they are great and still could get a 2920 but have to see if I get a CUT or a SCUT. IF a scut it will be the JD 1026r.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I have a BX25. I am pleased with it for digging stumps but then I have plenty of time and little money so went the 0 down 0 interest route. I did not think I would use the BH much but found out it is versatile though slow. It is now on the tractor 25% of the time. I put on 400+ hours a year. I have dug out 12" alders and smaller. I first try to push them over withe the FEL up hoigh or pull over with my Dodge 3500 dually 4WD. If they do not go I dig around the roots and gnaw off the big roots w/the BH bucket. I usually pull tyhe stump from the hole with the pickup then move to burn pile with the tractor after cutting down and shaking out the dirt.. I have 21 acres of forest, a big garden, lots of finished landscaping and managet the forest as a tree farm and forest products producer. That BX 25 is a working fool. See if you can rent one and try it out or do like I did take the plunge. I have a lot of attachments including a QH. Old guys like me like to put everything on wheels or lift with the FEL. I built a 10 X 20 Bridge from RR ties and 2" planking in one weekend. which include excavating 2 trenches 2' widw X 10' long X 4' deep for the sills and filled with gravel.

Ron

 

[Gittyup]

Some owner's manuals might say to not load the tires while the BH is attached. I know it's not recommended with the BX25...

Re-enforces my view of SCUTs: They aren't heavy enough and enough weight can't be added to make them operate a backhoe effectively.

To the OP, the JD2520 is a nice tractor. But there are more capable tractors for less money. Why not consider the Mahindra MAX28XL or a Bobcat CT122, or a TYM T273/T293? The new Mahindra MAX looks to have an excellent TLB setup, they support a MMM too. That would by my choice in your situation.

The 1026r.... well it's a SCUT. So, if you want a mower that can move mulch, push snow quite well, and let's you paw at the ground with little backhoe, the 1026r is the trick. Just don't expect big things from it digging-wise.

JD is attractive if you plan to take the MMM on/off a lot, with their autoconnect. To me, that's it's only advantage.

If you do go with the 2520 and a backhoe, definitely get the tires loaded. It's a pretty light tractor.