Backhoe To hoe, or not to hoe?

[Famah]

So I think I have found my first tractor, and the time has come to figure out how I want to have it equipped. It is a Kubota L3700 (which is replacing the venerable old L3400). It is basically the same machine as the 3400 with a couple extra horsepower. It come with a quick detach FEL.

I have some really rocky woods that I would like to turn into field. I also would like to be able to skid logs out of the woods after I cut them. So a backhoe sounds great for digging up rocks and stumps, as well as for lifting up cut tress so that I can get a chain around the trunk.

The dealer I have been speaking with has downplayed the usefulness of a backhoe on this size of a machine, as have a couple of my tractor friends. They say that, for the price of a backhoe, I have many, many hours of excavator rental. Then I wold have a machine that is really up to the task.

But I see so many tractors of this size, and even smaller, with backhoes. I have to wonder. What do you think?

What are some of the best reasons to have a backhoe of the size that would go on a 37 HP tractor?

I greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you.

 

[Mousefield]

I don't have many rocks on my place but mostly treed. Part of the reason I got a backhoe was to do light logging and firewood cutting/splitting. We have some large trees and cut into rounds they are heavy. As I am watching my back the backhoe is very usefull in lifting logs high enought for a good cutting height for me. Also lifting the rounds onto my log splitter. To me my tractor would not have been nearly as practical without the backhoe. I am very glad to have the backhoe, works for my application of what I do with it. My tractor is a Kioti CK35 HST.I think you are doing the right thing in thinking about the uses you have for it and also how often you would use it.

 

[sweettractors]

So I think I have found my first tractor, and the time has come to figure out how I want to have it equipped. It is a Kubota L3700 (which is replacing the venerable old L3400). It is basically the same machine as the 3400 with a couple extra horsepower. It come with a quick detach FEL.

I have some really rocky woods that I would like to turn into field. I also would like to be able to skid logs out of the woods after I cut them. So a backhoe sounds great for digging up rocks and stumps, as well as for lifting up cut tress so that I can get a chain around the trunk.

The dealer I have been speaking with has downplayed the usefulness of a backhoe on this size of a machine, as have a couple of my tractor friends. They say that, for the price of a backhoe, I have many, many hours of excavator rental. Then I wold have a machine that is really up to the task.

But I see so many tractors of this size, and even smaller, with backhoes. I have to wonder. What do you think?

What are some of the best reasons to have a backhoe of the size that would go on a 37 HP tractor?

I greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you.

My experience is with a real Case backhoe in the woods and on hilly conditions and it ain't good. These hoes are top heavy and in my opinion are very dangerous in the woods. Be Safe! Ken Sweet

 

[Gizmo2]

So I think I have found my first tractor, and the time has come to figure out how I want to have it equipped. It is a Kubota L3700 (which is replacing the venerable old L3400). It is basically the same machine as the 3400 with a couple extra horsepower. It come with a quick detach FEL.

I have some really rocky woods that I would like to turn into field. I also would like to be able to skid logs out of the woods after I cut them. So a backhoe sounds great for digging up rocks and stumps, as well as for lifting up cut tress so that I can get a chain around the trunk.

The dealer I have been speaking with has downplayed the usefulness of a backhoe on this size of a machine, as have a couple of my tractor friends. They say that, for the price of a backhoe, I have many, many hours of excavator rental. Then I wold have a machine that is really up to the task.

But I see so many tractors of this size, and even smaller, with backhoes. I have to wonder. What do you think?

What are some of the best reasons to have a backhoe of the size that would go on a 37 HP tractor?

I greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you.

LOL,
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/122273-new.html
I would have been lost without my hoe years ago, not so much now but got the new one anyway. The JD 650 was 17hp! Note: If it were not for the BH on the 650 trade in value would not have been near as much either.

 

[sal64]

hello i bought a backhoe for my jd990 4 yrs ago used it about 5 times now it sits havent used it for about 2yrs in my oppinion u could hire someone to do the work much cheaper.

 

[TripleR]

Only you can make the decision on something like this. We bought a good used Case backhoe many years ago and once our projects were done we just parked it thinking we might need it again some day. We didn't and now it needs lots of work to get it back in shape. We rent one on the rare occasions we need it. My brother is going to retire this year and take the time to get it working so we can sell it or maybe he will do some custom work.

If you need one they are great and if you don't they are just a waste of money no matter the size. I will never own another one, but sure would if I had a use for it.

 

[Famah]

Thank you for all of your replies. It seems like a pretty even split of opinion at this point. For those of you who use your hoe regularly, what do you do with it? Mousefield, it sounds like you process a lot of wood, and the hoe comes in handy for that. Given my time priorities, I will most likely be getting most of my wood split and delivered, supplementing with the occasional tree I need to take down for other reasons. But other than processing wood, what are you using your backhoes for?

The rocks I need to deal with vary in size from 12" to boulders that the largest normal excavator will not move. It is sounding like I might be better off renting, but I want to be sure before I give up on the hoe. Thank you again.

 

[jinman]

I see lots of plumbers who own small Kubotas with backhoes. The plumber who did my new house in 2002 had one. More recently, I see lots of mini-excavators used by plumbers and concrete guys to dig footers. All these folks use their backhoes at least a couple of times a week if not more. I think the key to backhoe usefulness is constant use. $6k-$7k extra is a lot of money to pay for once-in-awhile use.

Mousefield has a very good use for his backhoe and will get his money back in saved backbreaking work alone. I'd bet he doesn't often swap the backhoe out for other implements. As I get older, swapping implements becomes more of a chore for me. I've had days where I put three different quick attach implements on the FEL and three different implements on the 3PH. Two of the 3PH implements were PTO driven. I got a lot done, but swapping implements is work no matter how easy you make it.

I used to always say renting was the best solution for a backhoe, but now that I live 30 miles from the closest rental yard, I'm not sure if that is correct. I keep looking at full-size LBHs with envy. I'm just not as sure as I used to be. Perhaps buying, using, then selling isn't a bad idea.

 

[charlz]

I just have a b7100 with a backhoe so not really powerful. I use it to clean ditches, dig trenches, take out or plant small trees and bushes etc. In this size range it is a 'beats the *&^^ out of using a shovel' attachment :laughing:

If you are going to be digging out rocks, trees etc. I would think life out be easier with a rented mini excavator. As Jinman pointed out, it depends on how far away from the rental yard you are.

 

[Mousefield]

Jinman, you are correct in guessing I do not swap out my backhoe often. I leave it on the tractor unless I am going to boxblade and or backblade our road.

Some of the other uses I have used my backhoe for are to, several times, move some good size rocks to block off paths dirt bikes and ATV's were trespassing over. Not to have them speed down our private road and screw it up makes the backhoe priceless. Have also dug a couple of ditches and moved small fruit trees for a couple of neighbor. Have built a couple of walking paths for the wife to walk her goats. We are in a rain forest and lots of dead stuff on the ground, nice the backhoe can pick up large branches, downed trees (some I cut into smaller pieces first) and move it rather than me. Have used it for digging up a number of stumps. Being a 7 ft on a 35hp tractor it will only do so much. If you are looking at moving lots of larger rocks then the excavator is the way to go. Because I use the backhoe lots it would not pay for me to bring in someone often but for only an hour or two, that's not practical. My wife, who bought me the tractor, sees what I do with it and the backhoe and is very happy I have it.

 

[xrjohndeere]

I have one for my JD 4520 and have had it for years. I would not be without it. Renting a backhoe and going to get it everytime I wanted to use it would not be feasible. Just spend the extra money and get it. You will not regret it. I leave mine on 95% of the time. A word to the wise though, stumps are not easy to dig out and if you have alot of them a stump grinder would be better. Big rocks the hoe is the only way to go. Make sure if you get it you get the frame mount and not the 3pt hitch, they are a pain to put on and off. Good luck and happy digging.

 

[Gizmo2]

The money spent now will be recouped if you sell it later, at least a large percentage.

 

[inmaestro]

Like all major tool purchases, it depends. I have a JD3120 with a 447 backhoe attachment I bought used. It has paid for itself in less than two years time. I have used it to dig out along a foundation wall, take out about a dozen good size stumps (12" - 24" diameter), excavate for a planter at church, dig an electrical conduit trench, demo an old house on my property, etc. A decent backhoe rents for about $350 a day around here, so I paid for mine in 10 days use. Yes, I got a good deal on a used one. But even if I paid $7000, it would be 1/2 paid for already, not to mention the convenience.

Yes, it does take 10 or 20 minutes to take it off and on, but it is worth it when I need to dig. No, it is not as capable as a full size machine, but for small projects up to 7 ft deep, it is the cats meow.

If I had it to do over again, I would.

Best of luck.

 

[hr3]

I had a Woods fitted to mine before I bought it,, Takes about 10 min. to put on and off,, and am very glad I did.. I do alot of what you want one for but I don't use it to skid logs out, " Too much weight on the rear and I don't want the loader loaded" But the weight is great to pull them out backwards .

If I had a big job to do I'd rent a big unit but when you rent something you try to use it to it's max for one or two days streight,,, I'd rather just pick away at my projects,, and if it starts raining just come in and do it later..

As for what else I use it for,, ( planted a 20', apple tree for the wife) (Put in a culvert in the driveway) ( Dug a ditch to the barn for power and water) ( Dig up rocks and tree stumps)

 

[Reg]

As with many things; If you don't KNOW whether or not you need it, then you most probably don't.

It is a BIG co$t item, there are most likely better spending alternatives for that money.
Some other more useful and less expensive implements, some excavator time, maybe a bigger tractor, etc.

 

[jinman]

My wife, who bought me the tractor, sees what I do with it and the backhoe and is very happy I have it.

Happy wife. . . happy life.:thumbsup:

 

[flyingcow]

Just got my unit, it came with the backhoe. I've used it just an hour or so. Still debating on selling it. But, if i had to do what your considering, I'd rent a medium(or bigger) sized excavator w/thumb. Thumb is a plus when moving rocks and digging out stumps. It will be alot of beating and thrashing on a tractor mounted BH. Potential to do serious damage to the tractor. Rent the big hoe, buy a Farmi winch for the tractor. Even handling trees with a tractor mounted hoe won't be as easy as you think. Just my opinion.

Also, if you have a contractor handy, talk to him and see what kind of estimate for him to do it when he's handy with his equipment. catch him driving by and it may be cheaper, especially if your talking cash. A capable operator will do the job quick and clean it up good.

 

[dave1949]

I would get a hoe for your tractor to do the small jobs. A thumb is a good addition for stumps and rocks. A hoe is okay for picking up logs, but I would say not a good tool for moving them. A decent 3pth lift boom and some 3/8" chain will do that for little money. Just be reasonable about how much weight you pick up or drag.

I would also rent or hire a big machine once or twice to do the rough, heavy work that will just beat up your tractor.

If you have a backhoe, you will find many uses for it that save you lots of manual shoveling. If you have all your digging done 4-5 years later, you could sell the hoe attachment if you wanted to.
Dave.

 

[kebo]

Curious but just how much "rocky woods do you want to turn into fields"?? If it's a fair size "field" (more than an acre or three) and has lots of rocks (especially large ones) you could be forever trying to dig up rocks, then move them to a pile. How about the tree's? Lots of them to move as well?? Maybe you need to rethink how important the field is to you. If it's real important, then like others suggested maybe it would be better to rent an excavator or else hire it out.

 

[IslandTractor]

My 2 cents: A backhoe on a tractor is often a luxury or a convenience and yet in some situations is clearly worthwhile economically. I'd guess that the first two account for more than the economic argument for most CUT owners who are not charging for their work. I've owned two CUT TLBs and justify it because I cannot get a rental (live on an island) but truth be told, for most situations it would be cheaper to save up BH jobs and occasionally rent a small excavator for a day or contract out larger jobs than to own and maintain a BH. Still, there is justification on convenience grounds and that does count for something.