110 TLB vs 4x20/485BH

[skidoo]

I came across a good deal on a new 2008 110 TLB. So, now I am wondering if I would be better off with this vs a new 4x20 machine with the 485 BH. I know there are pros/cons to either such as


110 creep to reposition feature
110 has more lift & hydraulic capability.
110 seems stronger built.
4720 has e-throttle and e-PTO option.
4x20 front loader is removable/110 isn't.
110 may need more balast on rear without BH?
110 is limited to 43 HP where 4120 is about the same, more HP on 3 more models. How important is this?
Is the BH easier to remove/install on one or the other?

So, help me decide. What is the primary reason one chooses a green 4x20 over a 110 or the other way around.

 

[MACDABS]

I owned a 4310 with a 48 hoe before my 110TLB purchased this spring. The 4310 I had for for 5 years no problems and was thinking of trading on a 4000 series also, till I looked at the 110 TLB and operated one for a day before purchased.

The 110 is more like a construction machine , the hoe removes easy for 3 pt attachments and operates much smoother than th 48 hoe , not to mention more dgging force. The loader removel was never much of a issue for me, you can always remove the bucket to shed weight or working in a tight space. Also the 110 seems to move around in a tight spot easier than my 4310 with the 48 hoe. Lack of tilt wheel is the only thing I wish the 110 TLb had.

Macdabs

 

[art]

I am not familier with the Deeres to say one is better then the other but I can safely say with the Kubota pro units the difference is very noticable in the amount you can do in a day!

To a degree, they don't even compare! The added weight and hydraulic capacity makes them a great excavation tool that no way could you begin with a typical compact tractor and add the hoe and loader and be close to equal.

 

[Cidertom]

Having a 4520 and operate a 110 tlb occasionally: My $0.02 (your mileage may vary, weekend operator in closed sandbox)

Sort version: If you need a construction hoe that occasionallly has a three point implement 110. If you are doing typical 3 pt pulling then the 4520.

The 4520 will out pull the 110 any day. The hoe on the 110 beats the 448 hands down. The operator station on the 110 is awkward for traditional row operation. I prefer the 12/12 transmission (not an option on 110TLB). The 110 hydraulic is better. Being able to ditch the loader is an advantage some of us take advantage of. I like the 4520 seat better for long term operation. I don't think the 110 chassis is that much more ( if any) sturdy than the 4x20 tractor.

If I could cross breed them...

 

[CurlyDave]

I agree with Cidertom.

I do landscaping, trenching, gravel road maintenance and some construction with my 110 TLB. It is not really an agricultural machine.

 

[skidoo]

Well, I drove a new 110 today at the dealer. Was curious how it felt on a slope, so I drove it down into the highway burrow pit. It felt solid, but, while on the down slope, the FEL vibrated as I lifted it as if the hydraulics were starved. Is this typical, or it is likely that the hydraulics were just low?

 

[skidoo]

Is the hoe as easy to remove and install the 3ph as a dealer may indicate? Those with a 110, do you ever remove the hoe and if so, about how long does it really take?

 

[CurlyDave]

Skidoo:

I haven't noticed vibration while lifting the FEL going downhill, but I don't do that very often. Usually just enough to get the FEL to clear the ground, and then another foot or so. Keep the FEL low for safety.

My hydraulics moan and groan under light loads, enough that I sometimes look back to see who is putting on a halloween show right next to me. They probably do it under heavy loads too, but I can't hear over the engine noise.

I have never taken the hoe off, but the day is coming sometime. The first time, I am going to schedule an entire morning for it, although it may take less time.

BTW what is a highway "burrow pit"?

 

[skidoo]

The burrow pit is the drainage from the highway. Around here, they are typically about 20 to 30 ft wide and drop like a V. Angles and depth can vary. I would estimate that where I drove it, the slope down was perhaps 20 to 30 degrees. Of course, as one drives straight down, the loader must be lifted fairly high to clear the up slope of the other side. But, it didn't matter how high, it groaned from the first few feet lift...

 

[AKfish]

I drop the hoe from the tractor for 3pt use ALOT! Couple of times a week in the summer. It's much easier to drop and re-hook the hoe up than it is to put the TnT on. The 3pt arms with cylinders are heavy enough and awkward (hoses, etc.).

Takes 20 minutes, usually 'cause I use the time to grease everything up, too.

The 110 FEL is integral to the frame and the lower frame and vertical loader posts are heavy cast iron. There's no way the 400X or the 400CX is as strong or heavy duty. With heavy loads - watch the loader arms and posts on the lighter FEL's flex and move - I don't see that with the 110 loader.

The 110 backhoe (materials, construction, cylinder sizes, etc.) is much heavier duty compared to the 448 (or likely the 485) as well. And the creep reposition feature is the cat's pajamas if you're gonna used the hoe with any frequency. Makes you realize that getting on and off and realigning the hoe on the 4000 (or 3000) machines is a real aggravation with bigger jobs.

I agree with Cidertom that the 4x20 will outpull the 110 with ground engagement implements but for loader or backhoe work - any (I mean any) of the 4000 series won't be in the game at all! I've used my neighbor's 4320 the past couple of year's and the 400X FEL response is... well, (no offense here) puny.

There's only a few changes that I'd like to see on the 110 - cruise control (much needed for mowing, tilling, tedding, raking), tilt steering wheel, better grill guard and a CAB! If the 110 had a cab - the sales of 4000 series machines would likely drop 30% overnight with folk's changing over to the yellow machines - IMO.

I drop my bucket (neighbor does the same with their 4320 and 400X) whenever I'm mowing, raking, tedding, tilling. The skid-steer hookup on the FEL is a sweet feature for that, too.

Long post... but if your purposes are FEL and hoe work with some 3pt use thrown in - the 110. If you're gonna mostly use the machine for 3pt and a little FEL and hoe work thrown in - the 4x20 is the choice.

Best of luck with whatever your decide.

AKfish