Unnecessary Backhoe

[LawnSpecialties]

I bought a new DK5310SE a couple of years ago. I had them add the backhoe as part of the deal.

For me, it's been a complete waste of money. The thing is great but I've only used it twice in two years. Once to play around and get a feel for it and the other time to bury my dog.

If I were to even attempt to sell just the backhoe, I assume that framework underneath the frame of the tractor would have to be removed? At least I don't think Kioti's without backhoes come with that framework?

If I don't need to remove it, great. But if so, how in-depth of a project is it? Surely it can't be too bad.

 

[GMIslander]

I have a DK45 with a KB2485 BH. 2012 model yr. I have never removed the mounting brackets but I would guess eight caps crews would remove both brackets. Removal would also give you added ground clearance maybe 6 or 8 inches max. The hoe assembly slides on and off fairly easy. It's handy when you need it.

 

[bcp]

I didn't get a backhoe since I didn't foresee much digging. But I wish I had bought it. It would get used 80% of the time as a crane.

Bruce

 

[Doughknob]

It would get used 80% of the time as a crane.

Bruce

It is that much better than a loader for that?

 

[bcp]

The big difference is that you can move something without moving the tractor.

Bruce

 

[4570Man]

It is that much better than a loader for that?

Not IMO. I use my mini x pretty regularly for a crane but a tractor backhoe is probably worse than a loader for lifting.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

It is personal usage, I'm sure, but I definitely use the BH more than the FEL as a crane..... and a come-a-long.... and as a backhoe!

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

One thing of importance.... I believe the Kioti and LS BH's are almost identical (they probably are, with just different color paint). When I purchased my TLB setup, I told the dealer to make sure the 'normal' braces (on a tractor not set up for the BH) came with it. I did get 2 braces.... they would normally go where the BH brackets get mounted.

You might want to look into your specific tractor to see if there were indeed other braces normally mounted.

You probably won't have any problem selling it!

 

[koshari]

just to confim the brackets are required for the subframe, if you want to sell it you will need to sell it as a package. as others have mentioned the brackets just interfere with clearance without the benefit of the backhoe. agree you will unlikely have any issues selling it.

 

[Amvcane]

If you remove the rear backhoe mount from the trans case you will lose the mounting point for the draw bar. Something to think about.

 

[Torvy]

Given current market trends, you may want to consider selling the whole tractor and get yourself one without the backhoe. Traditionally, that would cost you, but today? Who knows? Just figure out how much you need to make on it and don't take less.

 

[shooterdon]

Given current market trends, you may want to consider selling the whole tractor and get yourself one without the backhoe. Traditionally, that would cost you, but today? Who knows? Just figure out how much you need to make on it and don't take less.

That is really worth considering. Even if it costs you a couple of grand...you wind up with a new tractor and full warranty.

In the three years I have had my tractor I have "needed" the BH once, and made do without one. I currently have a project to dig a 100 yard trench but I can rent a trencher for $300

 

[Surshot]

Kubota makes a fair sized 3 point hitch BH with its own hydraulic pump. I used mine to put in 2000’ of electric, water and gas lines through, between and around trees. Utility lines here must be 36” deep. You do not do that with a small trencher. Oh, I forgot the shop field lines, add another 400’. Unless you want to buy or rent a track hoe.

 

[Root Cause]

May not make a difference to you but it is also been a ballast if you have been lifting much with the loader. You need to factor in the cost to replace that ballast if you need it.

 

[grsthegreat]

I have no idea if undercarrage bracing is model specific on the hoe. Maybe it is a thing to consider selling entire package….only draw back i see is you may get stuck with a tier 4 piece of equipment…..then again, i. Not sure if your unit already is tier 4.
when i purchased mine, i thought long and hard about a backhoe. Glad i didnt do it. I have only rented a mini excavator 2x in 10 years since getting tractor.

and a mini excavator will work circles over a tractor mounted hoe.

i used to own a Case 580 extendahoe. Was an amazing piece of equipment for its time. The excavators i rent are at least 2, maybe 3 times faster at digging. Only thing better on full sized units was backfilling and grading. Was easier on Case machine.

 

[LawnSpecialties]

Thanks for all the replies. I had been pondering selling the whole thing as mentioned here. I'm going to go talk to the local Bobcat dealer and call my LS dealer that's about an hour away. If they have something I want in stock, I'll either see what they'll give me on trade or buy something new and sell this Kioti.

I'll try to post back in the future what happens. But it may be awhile. Thanks again.

 

[jimglassford]

The backhoe on a little tractor has limited use, which is probably why it is seldom used. However, if you do not have it, you will need one. In addition to my two tractors, I have a John Deere 310G backhoe. I use it around my property all of the time. I had a pine tree that died and the base was about 14" in diameter. After I cut it down, I used the backhoe to remove the stump in a few minutes. If I did not have the backhoe, I would have spent a few days with a shovel and an ax. I could have then claimed I did not need a backhoe.