What to look for in small backhoe?

[keeney]

I have been looking for options on a small backhoe for my John Deere 4100 (18 HP, maybe 2800 lbs with loader attached).

I would like to use it for landscaping (tree planting), sprinkler system install, drainage, utility line install, demolition of an old asphalt driveway and concrete garage slab, removal of an old block foundation (assumed 5' deep), and digging the footings for a garage addition (5' deep).

I know that my tractor is undersized to support a hoe that is really appropriate for the demolition and construction projects, but these are one-time things. If I can get those jobs done with this new tool, the money I would have paid for rental equipment or to hire a professional can enter into the funding side of the equation.

I am sure that maintaining the yard will be an ongoing chore that will periodically require some kind of digging for the rest of my working days.

What are some features, performance issues, or fabrication details I should be concerned about and why?

Are replaceable bushings/pivot pins an issue? Has anybody ever worn out a set?

Does the tightness matter that much? I would assume that a loose hoe would dig just as well, but with less precision and more jerkiness. This may be an issue on a used machine.

Dig Depth? I am assuming that I will be limited to the smallest models in the 6.5 to 7-foot max depth range on this tractor.

Swing arc? Is 180 degrees really that much nicer to have?

Bucket shape? Are there different shapes?

Bucket size? I am thinking about a 12"-wide bucket will be good for this size tractor and backhoe combination in the clay soil I have.

Bucket teeth? Is replaceable necessary? I should think that welded-on would be fine for my light-duty applicaiton. Do I even want/need teeth?

Tractor hydraulics or PTO pump? Is the maybe 3 GPM my tractor can deliver going to be enough to be productive on a small hoe?

Control styles? Are there different control configurations? If so, are there any preferences?

Is bucket curl force or dipper stick force more important? I am asuming that because my tractor is so small and light, that most of the time I will be digging with bucket curl and pry-out type of action vs. crowding with dipper stick.

Is boom lift and or dipper lift capactiy a concern? Or is this only when using the backhoe as a crane or with a thumb to lift heavy objects? I would assume that any hoe would have enough lift capacity for a fully heaped bucket of dirt.

I am not necessarily looking for specific brand or model recommendations, but information on what features are important and what people's experience have been. If anybody has a favorite (or annoying) feature of their specific model that would be intersting to me.

- Rick

 

[rockyridgefarm]

I really enjoy my hoe. It is a 7.5' model, and never has let me down. But it can sure throw my tractor around. If I were in your position, I would price a trade in on a 4210; not necessarily to get one, but to know how much.

That way, as you price adding the hoe to yours, you might decide it is worth the differance to move up. Ordering a new machine plumbed for the hoe is cheaper than adding the hydraulics.

If you are going to add a hoe to yours, you would certainly want a subframe. I think you would be better off with a pto driven pump. I have heard they can be a real pain to hook up, but it would probably be better than adding the plumbing to what you've got...

Of your other points, I imagine you ca accomodate about any compromise. Of what you mentioned, I think that a reduced swing arc would bother me the most. You want to be able to keep your piles away from the trench.

I have a friend who has a little hoe on a Ingersoll 18hp gas engine tractor. He digs like a nut with that think. they call it Mighty Mouse.

 

[SteveH_CT]

Phew - lots of questions - let me see if I can cover a few from my brief experience with mine.

180 Degree swing - This has been very valuable - I'm working an area of my lot that is densly covered by small trees. Typically I go in with a Husky blade trimmer and cut all the brush - then it's tractor time. first thing for me is to dig my way in to remove all the small stumps that are potential tire poppers - then I get to work moving rocks and other large items out. With the 180 swing arc I have to move the tractor less to cover a good area.

Dipper Force??? - Frankly I got jaded by specs all the manufacturers put out - I think there should be total standardization of testing so the specs would be more useful in comparing models. Does the number matter... sure - how dependable are the numbers - I can't say. Like buying a tractor, I'd shop reputable dealers for a BH and I doubt you'd go wrong.

Welded Teeth - Mine are welded and the bucket is still quite new, however I've been prying frozen earth, large rocks, and other items while clearing. No problems yet, and I'm not going easy on it.

12" Bucket sounds like a good size for a BH smaller than mine. I have an 18" and it seems to work well, but I may look into something like a 16 for trenching.

I hope this helps - folks with more experience than me may have more advice for your specific machine.

Good Luck!

 

[RobS]

Your needs sound similar to mine Rick. Last year I picked up a JD #7 hoe for my 790 tractor. It used to be the smallest hoe Deere offered but now there is a #46 for the 4100. I have seen it and it is somewhat smaller than mine. For my needs, this little backhoe is great. Moves a ton more dirt than you could by hand but obviously not something you're going to be digging basements with.

Get bucket teeth but don't worry if they are weld on. You'd have to try pretty hard to break one. 12 inch bucket sounds fine, mine is 16 inch but that's just what it came with. Bucket shape is pretty much what comes with it, not a big deal one way or another on the little ones. Swing and reach will allow you to do more without repositioning the tractor.

You didn't mention attachment. Mine is a subframe mount that installs in five minutes. It takes me longer to remove the tph arms than to install the hoe! For me this was important as I will be using the tractor for many tasks besides the backhoe work. If it is too hard to changeover it will become a chore. I borrowed a friends tph mount hoe and didn't like it for this reason.

I'm running off tractor hydraulics and it's fine. If I were doing it for a living I might want faster speed but as a homeowner the slower speed keeps me out of trouble /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Hope this helps /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[keeney]

The JD model 46 is the most expensive option. Also because it is such a new model, there is no possibility of finding a used one for sale anywhere nearby.

Everyone says the subframe mount is nice on the JD's, but my understanding is that the whole frame comes on and off with the hoe.