Comparison 2wd vs 4wd Backhoe

[Martian]

I've got many threads on here about backhoe comparison as I'm looking to get something for my land. I have a compact and would like to have a secondary tractor as well to do some heavy work. Through my searches I have found a comparable 4wd to a 2wd and similar specs besides can be 3 to 4 thousand dollars more. I was wondering does the price justify or is it more of a mindset.

Thanks.

 

[Opti-Mist]

In the "old" days there was only 2WD. A backhoe is quite able to pick the rear end of the tractor up and move it sideways, foreward and aft (with the loader bucket off the ground) so 4WD is not essential. In fact, I've never used my front wheel assist when using my backhoe, at least not because it was needed. If you foresee applications where it would be more than just useful, get it. But I've not considered it mandatory.

 

[Martian]

That's kind of what I figured. I have my eye on a 93 Deere 310D. Just the basic model 2wd std hoe no cab but has low hours in good shape and is listed at 11500 which seems to be a steal for the age and condition. My only concern was traction with 2wd.

 

[RoyJackson]

That's kind of what I figured. I have my eye on a 93 Deere 310D. Just the basic model 2wd std hoe no cab but has low hours in good shape and is listed at 11500 which seems to be a steal for the age and condition. My only concern was traction with 2wd.

Nice thing about a backhoe tractor is you can use the loader and backhoe to "walk" yourself out of a bad situation.

 

[Qapla]

4WD is not a requirement for using a BH. However, the 4WD comes in handy when using the FEL and most BH's also have a FEL.

If you never plan on using the FEL, save the money on the BH. If you plan on using the FEL only to backfill the holes you dig with the BH, save the money.

If you plan on using the FEL to move and spread the dirt you dig with the BH, I'd give the 4WD more consideration.

 

[LD1]

4wd is nice and would help out "some", but how much is debatable.

Those good old BH's arent anything at all like hanging a small BH off a CUT. They are WAY more massive, and WAY heavier. The FEL is pleanty usefull even on a 2wd BH compaired to a CUT BH in 2wd only.

Example: My buddy and I were building a dirt jump in the middle of the field. Hard packed clay/sod.

I have a smaller L3400 CUT. 1/3yd bucket w/8 teeth. In 4wd and a 700lb blade on + loaded Ags, It was a struggle to get a full bucket. Doable, but had to work at it.

We also had the 4500 BH there as well. 10k machine. 1 yd bucket, 2wd, NO teeth, and 70% tread R4's. No trouble at all filling the FULL bucket.

It really suprised me how well it dug. Because before the 4500, we had an older JD2040 w/loader, and it was about worthless with anything less than 1000lbs on the back.

Point of all this is, I have my doubts how usefull 4wd would be unless you plan on working in really muddy situations with the FEL. Because even if the 4500 had 4wd in my example, it would have not been needed. Infact, I dont think I could even get the wheels to spin. It just powered though everything.

Plus, most people who buy a BH, plan on using it mainly for the BH. And 4wd does nothing to help the hoe out when you are digging with it.

If it were me, instead of looking at 3k more for a comparable 4x4, I would compair dollar for dollar. See how much nicer/newer/bigger of a 2wd you can get with that extra 3k vs spending the 3k on 4wd.:2cents:

 

[cowski]

i would rather have a lower hour 2wd than a high hour 4wd.

 

[Stonehaller]

The FEL on a 13,000+ lb 2WD JD 310D will dig circles around a 4WD drive CUT. There is just no comparison. The only thing you might need 4WD for is if you have to operate in muddy conditions or you have very loose sandy soil. Other than that, save the money.

 

[slowzuki]

Mud is bad in a 2wd backhoe trying to shuttle dirt around. The septic guy brought his 2wd 580 hoe to do my bed, he couldn't move without dragging himself with the hoe. I had to use my Kubota to move all the material, he was just amazed, he had never owned a 4wd.

 

[CurlyDave]

While my BH is much smaller than a JD 310, I use the loader a lot more than the hoe.

I always use 4WD when using the loader. I always use 4WD when using the hoe, because it gives me 4 wheel brakes.

If you land is level, 2WD my work just fine, but if you have hills 4WD has a definite advantage.

 

[jinman]

My LB75.B New Holland is over 17k lb and has 4WD. I run up and down gullies, in loose sand, dig with the 1.3 yd FEL bucket, and back up inclines with a full FEL bucket. If I don't have 4WD engaged, I know it instantly. I absolutely LOVE my 4WD backhoe.

I have a three position switch for 2WD-4WD-4 wheel braking. When in the 4 wheel braking position only 2WD is engaged, but if I'm driving down the road and hit the brakes, 4WD is automatically engaged to aid braking. Otherwise, the tractor is roaded in 2WD to reduce wear and heat buildup.

My LB75.B is a 2005 model that I bought with almost 3700 hours. I paid $21.5k for it, but for that price everything was fixed that needed work. To me, it is worth the money to own a machine that starts instantly and works perfectly everytime I use it: no leaks, no downtime, no worries. It's an awesome workhorse.:thumbsup:

 

[Jay4200]

That's kind of what I figured. I have my eye on a 93 Deere 310D. Just the basic model 2wd std hoe no cab but has low hours in good shape and is listed at 11500 which seems to be a steal for the age and condition. My only concern was traction with 2wd.

The good news is that they weigh 20,000 pounds.

I'd get one with a cab at the very least though.

JayC

 

[LD1]

My LB75.B New Holland is over 17k lb and has 4WD. I run up and down gullies, in loose sand, dig with the 1.3 yd FEL bucket, and back up inclines with a full FEL bucket. If I don't have 4WD engaged, I know it instantly. I absolutely LOVE my 4WD backhoe.

I have a three position switch for 2WD-4WD-4 wheel braking. When in the 4 wheel braking position only 2WD is engaged, but if I'm driving down the road and hit the brakes, 4WD is automatically engaged to aid braking. Otherwise, the tractor is roaded in 2WD to reduce wear and heat buildup.

My LB75.B is a 2005 model that I bought with almost 3700 hours. I paid $21.5k for it, but for that price everything was fixed that needed work. To me, it is worth the money to own a machine that starts instantly and works perfectly everytime I use it: no leaks, no downtime, no worries. It's an awesome workhorse.:thumbsup:

I think also with the newer "style" hoes, they are MUCH shorter over-all then the old ones like dads 4500.

Those older and longer ones, the BH has more counter-weighting effect since it is much farther behind the fel and rear axle than the newer "style"

I forgot about the braking effect too. If very hilly, then I would probabally really consider the 4x4

 

[JasG]

I've got many threads on here about backhoe comparison as I'm looking to get something for my land. I have a compact and would like to have a secondary tractor as well to do some heavy work. Through my searches I have found a comparable 4wd to a 2wd and similar specs besides can be 3 to 4 thousand dollars more. I was wondering does the price justify or is it more of a mindset.

Thanks.

If you are going to be using the front end for digging virgin ground it is a huge asset. If you are only going to be back filling or digging already dug material not needed.

I myself have a 2wd due to it was a great deal and I use it 95% of the time digging withthe backhoe, back filling or moving stuff that has already been dug.

 

[Martian]

Thanks guys. I will be using the backhoe as a complement to my 3120 with 4wd. Reason for the 310D is I can get it for just about as a new backhoe to go on the back of my 3120 and the 310 can dig twice the depth get me whole new machine on top of all the more hp for the same price. Therefore I will be using it as mainly a digging machine and using my 3120 for the loader. I just wanted to make sure it won't get stuck all the time as my land is wet in some areas.

Thanks

 

[Verticaltrx]

Thanks guys. I will be using the backhoe as a complement to my 3120 with 4wd. Reason for the 310D is I can get it for just about as a new backhoe to go on the back of my 3120 and the 310 can dig twice the depth get me whole new machine on top of all the more hp for the same price. Therefore I will be using it as mainly a digging machine and using my 3120 for the loader. I just wanted to make sure it won't get stuck all the time as my land is wet in some areas.

Thanks

I think you will be surprised at how much work you can do with the loader on a 2wd TLB. Weight is key and they have plenty of it. Also, GOOD tires are key. I personally would switch from the R4 tires to a more R1 type tread. They do make them in those sizes, just have to look a bit. That will also make it go better in slick conditions as well.

 

[Martian]

1993 DEERE 310D Machines - Loader Backhoes For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

Here's the tractor I was looking at. As you say tires aren't great but for the price its tough to beat. Any thoughts on it?

 

[Bigfoot62]

I've owned and operated both. There's no comparison. In fact, my experience with a 4WD Tractor/Loader/Backhoe (Case 580 Super E) was so convincing that the last three farm tractors that I've bought have also been 4WD.

As Qapla said, unless you plan on never using the FEL, the 4WD will come in very handy.

 

[avphile]

I have had my JCB 214 4wd drive that weighs almost 18k for almost 10 years for my 15 acres and when i was shopping for used backhoes considered getting a 2wd drive since it was my first backhoe purchase. But after having a 4wd there is no way i would get a 2wd. I engage the 4wd often and it is a major asset for me. They are a great investment and you will make all kinds of new friends when you get one! Good luck.

 

[Martian]

So would you justify spending $11500 on

1993 DEERE 310D Machines - Loader Backhoes For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

Or the cheapest 4wd in my area at $12500 on

1983 CASE 580SE Machines - Loader Backhoes For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

I just see a lot of money in the 4wd. No doubt that I will use it a ton and will LOVE it but were talking thousands more for a comparable to what I was looking at.

Here's some 4x4's under $15000 in my area,

FORD 555D Machines - Loader Backhoes For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

JCB 215 Machines - Loader Backhoes For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

CASE 580K Machines - Loader Backhoes For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

1985 CASE 580SE Machines - Loader Backhoes For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

I also used this to compare the 310D. I usually do this to see how good of a deal it is but never had it come back as the lone ranger. Put in less than this hours, newer than this, for less than this etc. and this is what is left. And its for the entire world, not just my area. So I know I'd be getting a good deal. They actually have a 91 310D on the same lot with more hours and worse condition for the same price.

Loader Backhoes, Used Loader Backhoes, Loader Backhoes For Sale At MachineryTrader.com - Page 1

I love the price and it would be in my yard if it weren't for 4x4. What do you think?