46 or 485 backhoe

[skidoo]

So, I am considering either a 46 BH for my 2520 or a 485 BH for a 4520. The 4520 has the top & tilt, so it will be much easier to change 3ph implements than the 2520 along with better control of them. With the BH on the 4520, that nice TNT function would effectively out of service. With the BH on the 2520, it could stay there for longer periods while I use the 4520 to quickly swap other implements. Considering that the two BH's have different capabilities (significant or not?) and maybe connecting it or disconnecting it would not be a big deal, I am not sure which is the better way to go.

If you were in a similar situation, what would you get, the 46BH for the 2520, or the 485 for the 4520 and why? This assumes that you would have both tractors available to you regardless of which choice you made.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Installilng / removing the 447 BH from a 3320 is relatively quick and simple. Probably takes longer to remove / install the 3pth than the BH.

Without knowing what you intend using the BH for, it's difficult to offer much of an opinion. Obviously the 485 is more $$$, more reach, more depth, more power, bigger buckets. Even digging shallow, the tractor will have to be moved less often with the longer reach of 485. Do you need all the extra capability - only you know.

 

[AKfish]

Right tool for the job... Gotta figure out what you need to get done or what you're planning to do.

Funny thing with tractors, though. Once you got one - it's amazing - all the different projects that you can find to do with 'em.

That said; I'd always go bigger and start brainstormin' the next list of jobs to tackle.

Best of luck with whatever you decide.

AKfish

 

[hemiguy]

Skidoo,
As a fellow 2520 owner that does have a 46BH on mine I'll offer what advice i can. As well I've seen your other posts on maybe keeping the 2520 and buying a new or used 4520 too. Of course two (or more) tractors are always better than one!

First of all, beware that some JD compacts with a cab may NOT be compatible with BH's (I believe you mentioned the used one had a cab). 2nd I'm not sure what a 485BH is. I believe the correct BH for the 4520 is the 448.

As far as the 4520/448 vs as 2520/46, if I had a LOT of BH work to do in a limited amount of time AND I was not constrained in very tight work spaces AND money was not an object the choice would be simple: the 4520/448 combo. I've never operated one, but I can imagine that with around twice the weight and HP as a 2520 plus 2 feet extra on the BH length that thing is going to be a beast.

The 46 is a strong BH for its size, but switching BH/3PT takes about 20 minutes each time. I've heard mounting BH's with the rockshaft assist on the 3000/4000 series takes less than 5 minutes without leaving the seat. My 46 works great for digging small stumps, planting trees, short trenches, etc. But at only 6.5 feet, you have to move the tractor a lot to do long trenching (the time thing again). The 448 is 8.5 feet.

In your situation, if I had occasional light BH worK but a lot of loader and blading work to do and wanted the TnT I'd go for the 4520 for that and get the 46. And, if I had a really big trenching job to do fast, I'd rent a mini-Ex.

 

[kennyd]

First of all, beware that some JD compacts with a cab may NOT be compatible with BH's (I believe you mentioned the used one had a cab). 2nd I'm not sure what a 485BH is. I believe the correct BH for the 4520 is the 448.

The 485 is the new version BH that IS compatible with cab model tractors.