Buying a Tractor Backhoe: What you Need to Know - Subframe vs 3-Point (
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2021
- Considering buying a backhoe for your tractor? It's a big investment that has been well worth it for me. I cover the reasons why you might consider a backhoe and the differences between the two major types: subframe and 3-point.
As mentioned in my video, this video covers the installation of a 3-point backhoe:
WoodMaxx Backhoe Installation • WoodMaxx Backhoe Insta...
Here's the link to the Messicks video I referenced:
Why you should NOT 3pt mount a backhoe - TMT • Why you should NOT 3pt...
Visit the Companion Project Page on DIYMyWay.net: diymyway.net/2021/02/11/buyin...
Follow Me on Twitter: / diymyway
#DIY #RuralLiving #Kubota #Tractors
Buy or rent...my experience. I had just purchased my property and was about to start clearing some of the land for the house that I was about to have built. Knew I needed to purchase of my tractor and thought I wanted a backhoe. The few dealers with whom I spoke were pleased to quote me. One dealer, to his credit asked a number of probing questions about how I would use the backhoe. Undaunted I was convinced I needed the tractor with a backhoe. While I was at one of the tractor dealers they had a tractor mounted backhoe unit that they could demonstrate. I dug some holes and played with the backhoe; I was impressed and ready to buy.
A few day later I spoke with my house general contract about the tractor I was about to purchase. He told me to reconsider the tractor mounted backhoe. He said, he found for the additional cost a tractor mounted backhoes didn’t work out for most people. The backhoe either didn’t get sufficient use or more likely it was too small for any real work. He offered to allow me to test his midsize excavator that he was using on the foundation of my house. Wow the difference and the ease of operation was amazing. He told me, for the cost of the tractor mounted backhoe I could afford to frequently rent the right size excavator for the job at hand. Doing the math, plus the fact that there are two rental equipment companies within 75 miles of my property it made good sense to hold off on the backhoe option.
Well that has 5 1/2 years ago and I found I only needed to use a backhoe (excavator) a couple of times. The first time was digging out a hill that turned out to be comprised of mostly heavy shale rock. I know that the tractor backhoe could never have handled that task. The second instance was digging out a long wide trench that served as a spillway to the creek 400 feet away, this was a lot of digging. In this case I used a wider bucket than what was available on a small backhoe.
For me the use of larger rental equipment has proven to be the right choice. I fully understand and agree a tractor mounted backhoe would be a good choice if you’re going to use it very often. In my case the break even point was renting a excavator 7 times for a week each time.
For sure, the key is knowing how much you’ll use a backhoe. Sounds like you made the right call for your situation. Thanks for watching!
You covered some great points on if you need a backhoe and the uses for them .Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Jerry! And thanks for watching!
Excellent and thorough discussion on the considerations in making the decision Martin. Thanks for sharing! I am sure many folks will find it very helpful. Cheers!
Thanks, Gord! Yes, there’s a lot to consider in a purchase like that. I have never regretted it because I use it so much. Thanks for watching!
Great presentation, Martin. I love having the compact digging machine. I wish I originally had a backhoe on my Massey 1533. The longer I've had my tractor the more I realize it's been an tremendous asset and helped me complete projects in a portion amount of time rather than working by hand. Excellent points you covered regarding different backhoe set-ups. Hope all is well on your end and you're able to get quite a few projects completed during foul weather. Have a fine week and be well. Don 👍🏽🙂
Hi Don! Thank you, sir! Yep, the backhoe is an awesome tool & toy for folks like us who like to play in the dirt! All is well here, but opportunities for outdoor projects are fewer this time of year due to cold and frequent rain. But that’s starting to change and I look forward to it! I hope you and your family are doing well too! Thanks for watching!
Wow! Just found your website and channel! Fantastic content and will be able to do all the mods I had in mind much better now! Just ordered my BH77 with thumb! Lost the left brake on my tractor after 113 hours and hope that is nothing major. Thanks for doing these videos!
Hi David! Glad you find my channel helpful! You’ll love the backhoe. It’s so much fun as well as incredibly useful for me. Your brake problem could just need a linkage adjustment. I have a video on how to do that. I hope it’s just a simple adjustment. Thanks for watching!
Martin I have the rk37 the choice was a cab or a backhoe both being the same money but since I live in the south I can live without the cab and breaking out windows. I have used the backhoe extensively to pull out Palmetto's and brush along the fence line. Putting electrical lines moving live trees. Water lines money well spent. Only catch is the subframe sits low to the ground. My favorite attachment is the root rake grapple with two clamps. From The Rake shop in Deland Florida. Great advice Martin
Hi Bob! Yeah, a cab wasn’t on my list of must-haves either, but the backhoe has been awesome to have. I lose a couple of inches of clearance with the subframe too, but it hasn’t been an issue so far in the 3.5 years I’ve had the tractor. A grapple is on my radar as well. Thanks for watching!
Very well done video Martin! Somebody that is not sure about getting one, you just helped a lot! I love having both of mine! The subcompact is very strong for it's size but can get into some really tight places, and the compact BH can really move some material fast. Like you I spend most of mine time on my favorite part of the tractor! lol Have a good weekend! See ya in the next one!
Thank you, John! Yep, I’ve seen you have log a lot of hours on your backhoes as well. Thanks for watching!
Great points. I love my BH77 on my L3301. One note: my dealer informed me when I mentioned I was considering a 3 point backhoe that I would void my warranty from Kubota if I mounted a 3 point hoe on the tractor. That sealed the deal for a subframe at the time of purchase.
Another note to someone who’s considering buying one: it’s not an excavator! They’re slower, only swing 180 degrees, and you can’t move the whole machine as easily. Still, $8000 for a hoe is a lot cheaper than buying an excavator for the occasional digging job.
Hi Stephen! Good point about the warranty! And yes, it is not an excavator, but it’s always on site and ready when I need it. Thanks for watching!
Well done, Martin, as always !
Thanks, Larry!
💥 Fantastic points about getting a backhoe. It’s sure is nice to have when you need it.
*Keep on tractoring!* 👍
Hi Jon! Yes, I know that you know how useful backhoes are, since you have two! And you have put them to good use over the years. Thanks for watching!
Great overview. Tractor shopping right now and this helped narrow it down.
Glad it was helpful to you, John!
Another great video Martin. I bought my BH77 used with two buckets and mechanical thumb for $6,000. Then I had to spend another $900 for the sub-frame. I did the install of the sub-frame myself. I have mostly dug out tree stumps so far with it. I did dig a 60' long trench for a friend so he could replace his pipes running from his outside wood burning boiler to his house. Keep the videos coming.
Thanks, MD! The BH77 is an awesome attachment to have for those who plan on playing in the dirt a lot like you and me.
I really wanted to buy a back hoe but I just couldn't justify the cost. It was a about $7 k for my tractor. The 2 main jobs I needed done were running some water and electrical lines on my property and planting trees, I hired someone to do the water and electrical lines and and I bought a post hole digger with my tractor and I use it to make tree holes I have to do some hand digging but hey I am sure I would have to with a back hoe too. I figure I am at least $4k ahead still and if I need other stuff done I can either rent a piece of equipment or hire someone. Plus a another major advantage is I don't have to store or maintain the back hoe. Great videos Martin keep them coming I just got done moving 120 tons a dirt this week another 100 next week, than I should have most my major dirt work done only 2 year later and about 70-80 dump trucks worth. (not my full time job just home improvement).
Hi Dave! That's a LOT of dirt you are moving sound like a major project underway. Thanks for watching!
How's she goin'? Nice video Martin!!! A very good description and explanation of backhoes and their uses. Lots of very good info here my friend!!! Thanks and take care!!
Thanks, Mike! Much appreciated! Stay warm and stay well!
Very helpful. Really good to know that there are different types.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Hey thanks for that. I just came across the video. Really appreciate it..keep up the awesome videos
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!
Good evening Sir👌 Yes in deed a backhoe is so useful for various task 💪👍 With all the works I did on my land and others missions ( My good friends Joe and Mike ! ) It has been paid off with in 2 yrs 👍🧐 Great informative Video Sir Cheers !!!
Hi Dave! Yes, I know I don’t need to convince you about a backhoe. You’ve done a LOT of work with your’s too! Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay Your very well Welcome Sir and their will be more incoming mission for sure for my marvelous sub compact red works horse tractor backhoe combo 🤣💪👍😊
Good Points Martin! I've always been told to stay away from the 3pt backhoes as well. Price is definitely a hard pill to swallow though!
Hi Tyler! Yep, 3-point backhoes are both dangerous and time consuming to put on and take off. A backhoe is very expensive, but worth every penny to me since I have used it so much. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay yep mine has for sure payed for itself already, however it depends what we value our time at!
You gave me the information I needed. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
Absolute clarity and reason in your comparison and BH needs. For me....I'll go rent a mini-excavator which does a better job and more easy to control. At $8K cost difference addition for my tractor....I can get a lot done with a mini-E.
Thank you, Dwayne! Yes, a mini-ex is certainly more powerful and nimble than a tractor backhoe. The ability to swing a full 360 degrees is a big advantage. I may rent one this year to finish expanding our little pond. Thanks for watching!
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thank you so much this was very helpful
Your welcome, Marcus! Glad the video was helpful to you. Thanks for watching!
Great video! A backhoe is really not justified for me as I can't think of anything I've needed or will need it for on my property. There are many other attachments that would be ahead of this in priority.
Thanks, Tim! I understand completely. It wouldn’t make any sense to spend that much money on a backhoe unless you know you’ll use it a lot. So what is the next implement on your wish list? Thanks for watching!
Great job thank you
Thanks for watching, Brent!
Where did you get the bucket that you use for trenching? Do you have a part number for that one?
It’s a BXpanded 4” trencher bucket. Don’t know the part number but you can visit their site and find it easily. Thanks for watching!
I purchased a backhoe for my B-2650 when I purchased the tractor. Not only did I use it for intended projects, but HUNDREDS of others. I love my backhoe. Good advise on staying away from 3-point BH's to be sure. Now I need to watch your video on the hyd. thumb (vs my mechanical one). I also wanted to consider a "top & tilt" setup for the box blade. Did you have additional remotes added to your tractor? How did you activate your hyd thumb? Thanks.
Exactly, Paul! My BH has come to the rescue in many unexpected ways too. Alas, my thumb is not hydraulic, but I’m considering converting it to one in a future project. I wish I had added rear remotes and I may well do that one day too, with a top & tilt in mind. Thanks for watching!
Nice job, Martin. Although I would love to have a backhoe, I don't think I would use it enough to justify the cost. Plus you could not use any "normal" 3 point hitch attachments while the hoe is in place. How difficult is it to remove and install? Nice to know the pros and cons from an experienced user. Thanks, and Cheers!
Hi Peacefield! Yep, you need to know you’ll use one a lot to justify the expense for sure. I can put on or take off the backhoe in 5 to 7 minutes and it takes maybe 10 minutes to take the 3-point hardware on or off, so all in, it’s a 15 to 17 minute conversion. Not bad at all in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
So if I get the sub frame hoe do I still have a 3 point and pto?I want the 3150 and would like to be able to switch from hoe to box blade to tiller without to much trouble? Great video
Hi Bobby! Yes you do. You have to take the 3-point hardware off before mounting the backhoe, but that can be done in less that 10 minutes. Thanks for watching!
What’s the process to remove and attach the backhoe? Just wondering how time consuming it is to switch implements.
It takes me 10 minutes or less if the 3-point hardware is already off. Having the backhoe on a dolly also makes it a quick process: Kubota BH77 Backhoe Dolly Build - Methods Will Work for Any Subframe Backhoe (#54)
ua-cam.com/video/I--ztQj5EPs/v-deo.html. Thanks for watching!
Are there any after market 3 point backhoe attachments that you could recommend? My Kubota dealer quoted my over $10,000.
Hi Mike! I’ve heard that if you but a 3-point backhoe on a Kubota tractor it voids the warranty, so if your tractor is still covered under the warranty, I wouldn’t recommend any 3-point backhoe. If your tractor is out of warranty, then I’ve heard that Woods makes some good ones. Thanks for watching!
Would a bt601 backhoe fit on my b7510 tractor
I have no idea but if the BT601 is a 3 point backhoe, then it will most likely will. However, since you watched the video, you know my position on 3-point backhoes. Thanks for watching!
The bx2670 doesn’t have a kubota backhoe that fits it . Is there a manufacturer that makes a backhoe with subframe for it?
Not that I know of. Thanks for watching!
Having a backhoe would be awesome. In my case I can't justify the cost for something I might need a handful of hours a year.
Then you’d definitely be better off renting one as needed, Dusty. Often, you can rent for a Saturday, delivered Friday evening and you usually get to use it Sunday for free. Thanks for watching!
Just bought a new farmtrac 25hst ,,now im wanting to add a backhoe,,any suggestions on what to buy or not to buy,,,
Hi Charlie! I’m not familiar with Farmtrac tractors, but if they make a subframe backhoe for it, I’d recommend theirs. Otherwise, you can see if any 3rd party company makes a subframe backhoe to fit it. Last resort would be a 3-point mounted backhoe, but make sure it’s sized appropriately to your tractor. Good luck and thanks for watching!
Im with you on the 3 point ,,it just puts too much stress on frame,,farmtrac is made in india,,i had been shopping all the usual brands for a year and to get a 24 hp i was going to have to spend 18k and up,,a dealer in fl marked down all his farmtracs to cost and i bought it with loader for 10999..5 year warranty..similar tractor at LS or john deere is close to 23k..so far it has been a good experience..thanks for the video,,it saved me from making a mistake..
When using backhoe do you put brakes on and leave it in gear or neutral??
Thank you
Hi Todd! I just answered your email with the same question but I’ll post the reply here to: It depends on the situation. If I’m on fairly level ground and expect to have to move the tractor as I dig (like with dig a trench) I’ll leave it in neutral and use the stabilizers and bucket as brakes until I need to move. Then I raise the bucket and stabilizers off the ground and push or pull my tractor with the backhoe to the new position. When I use the stabilizers, I always lift the back tires off the ground because after a while they leak down and the tires are on the ground so I raise them up again. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much for your guidance…
I inherited a small farm and am thinking about backhoe attachments when I buy a tractor
Since you watched the video you already know that a subframe backhoe is the way to go. If you know you’ll use it a lot like I have mine, it can be a good investment. Also, the best deal you’ll likely get on a backhoe is negotiating it when you buy the tractor. Thanks for watching and best of luck with your farming adventures and buying a tractor!
If I get a sub-frame, will that prevent me from using 3 point attachments on the tractor?
No it doesn’t on Kubota tractors if you buy the Kubota subframe and backhoe. I don’t know about 3rd party subframe backhoes. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay Thank you.
There is a reason Kubota, John Deere, Mahindra, LS and every other tractor brand doesn't make 3 point backhoes . Save a couple thousand on a backhoe and ruin a $20,000 or more machine doesn't seem to cost efficient. It's not just the weight of the backhoe it's the pressure of side to side and digging which is what can and will break things.
A f-150 might get a 12,000 lb trailer moving but first time you need to stop or hit a small hill things are going to go seriously wrong.
Exactly right, Chad! Thanks for the visit!
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