Anybody here have much experience with either 3 point or tow backhoe?

[m7040]

After I got the minix I have never used the backhoe mounted to the 3 point on the the old MF203. It is too slow and difficult to mount if not already mounted. Mounting only as a 3 point will require additional bracing like mine . In my case I used 3/4 inch threaded rods to connect the mounting plate of the backhoe to the frame of the front loader. it is very strong and in fact I broke the arm of the backhoe one time digging out some big rock. If it had not been braced it likely would have broken the cast iron mounting points on the rear transmission case

 

[5030]

I just rent one when I need one. Much less expensive overall.

 

[4570Man]

I used to have a subframe mounted Kubota BH 90. It was all I’d ever had at the time so I was happy. It beat a shovel and I used it to do a lot of work. It had a fixed thumb on it. It was better than nothing but pretty frustrating at times.
Then I sold the Kubota and bought a Deere 310. The Deere was a big step up in machine capability. But I quickly grew frustrated with its lack of versatility. No quick change bucket, no quick change rear bucket and no hydraulic thumb was a drag.
I sold that and bought a Kubota M59. I gained the versatility I wanted but I gave up more performance than I was happy with. The M59 loader was surprisingly strong but the backhoe was lacking. Overall I think the whole machine was lacking. It was a lot better than the BH90 but nowhere close to the commercial build of the 310.
Then I sold that and bought a KX040 mini x with quick change bucket, hydraulic thumb and cab. I’ve been very happy with that machine and still have it. It’s by far the best digging tool I’ve had.

 

[Jchonline]

They’re both virtually useless especially in challenging dirt and the 3 point hoes are prone to breaking tractors. They’re more scarce than they used to be but I would look for a small mini x. They make 12” buckets for the 580 though.

I agree. You are going to be sorely disappointed in a tractor backhoe after using a miniEX and a full size backhoe. I would go MiniEx unless you have multiple other use cases for a small tractor..especially since it sounds like these are commercial endeavors.

 

[rScotty]

The OP asked for opinions on small 3pt backhoes. For years we had only a small 3pt mount BH that was marketed for 20 hp tractors. No subframe at all. We used it on everything from our little 1250 pound 16hp Yanmar up to our Category 2 6000 lb JD.
It never hurt the tractor, but then I don't tend to break things.

It was - still is, my buddy has it now - a dandy and dangerous little hoe.
Damn dangerous because it tends to throw the tractor around. And deadly if you have draft control on the 3pt...it almost got me once that way when I was applying down pressure on the hoe bucket which activated the 3pt draft control. I bailed out sideways just as the BH control levers pinched me against the back of the tractor seat....BTW, that is a common way to get killed on the farm.
The hoe was small and handy in spite throwing the little Yanmar around almost too much to be useful. I imagine a tow behind to be worse. But on the big tractor with category II 3pt hitch and some bushing adapters it got useful work done.

I think you could easily break a little tractor with that BH, but not a big category 2 tractor. Of course some people can break anything. If you are that sort then for sure do not get a 3pt backhoe; you will break your tractor. OTOH, if you are one of those old mechanics whose outdated machinery seems to seems to just go on working forever, go for it.
rScotty

Look back at California's photo in message #12 on this thread. If that's not the very same hoe that we had it is sure close. They called it "frame mounted" because there were some arms on the hoe that clamped to the trator's 3pt arms but I'd call it a 3pt hoe. Had an independent PTO hydraulic pump & res.

 

[Carl_NH]

I agree with rscotty - if you take care and are careful the 3PT BH will do fine. I had the kubota L175 with 3PT Kubota BH and it would do a lot of work but was loose and a night/day difference vs the B21 TLB.

The B21 or for that matter the TLB or rigid frame mount BH will do better than a 3 PT BH. The OP might want to consider smaller TLB like the B21 or B26 for smaller jobs - they can be found for half the price of a mini ex, but agree there is no comparison to the mini ex for digging.

 

[rScotty]

I agree with rscotty - if you take care and are careful the 3PT BH will do fine. I had the kubota L175 with 3PT Kubota BH and it would do a lot of work but was loose and a night/day difference vs the B21 TLB.

The B21 or for that matter the TLB or rigid frame mount BH will do better than a 3 PT BH. The OP might want to consider smaller TLB like the B21 or B26 for smaller jobs - they can be found for half the price of a mini ex, but agree there is no comparison to the mini ex for digging.

You know...that just makes sense. Kubota has made a small but real TLB for decades now. The first B21s are now 20 years old and have a reputation for being tough. They aren't a mini excavator, but they are a real 4000 lb TLB that will dig, carry 1000 lbs in the FEL bucket, and has a road gear.

 

[Smokeydog]

Kubota TLB legacy began in 1989 with the B20. All models favored by landscapers, golf courses and cemeteries for versatility and turf kindness compared to skidsteers. Home Depot rents a B26 TLB $235/day to try.

Never seen a excavator dig a grave but maybe?Recent article about a much sought after local fellow making a living digging graves by hand because of the aesthetics and minimal ground damage.

It really surprised at the high cost of used ag tractor backhoes. Bought farm-grade 4500 Ford backhoe and an used backhoe, bucket and thumb for my M59 for less money.

 

[4570Man]

I agree. You are going to be sorely disappointed in a tractor backhoe after using a miniEX and a full size backhoe. I would go MiniEx unless you have multiple other use cases for a small tractor..especially since it sounds like these are commercial endeavors.

I use my machines commercially or at least semi commercial. I wasn’t under the impression the OP did.

 

[Vigo327]

I never looked into a B20/B21 before but it looks like a nice upgraded version of my B8200 w/bf300 loader and subframe-mounted 6.5ft backhoe. Power steering standard, a little stronger loader, and a little better integrated backhoe with slightly smaller footprint overall. Looks like I should keep my eye out for a cheap one i could buy to fix and sell mine for net profit.

Ive never used a large backhoe but ive used a mini-ex and its true there's no comparison. One of the biggest problems you run into with a small tractor backhoe is the <180 degree swing. It sounds fine until you're doing it, but it really slows you down because you often run out of places to put what youre digging up faster than you run out of reach or depth to dig more out. Repositioning during the dig is tedious as well. In some ways I think a towable machine might be preferable to a 3pt backhoe, but if i were to build one I'd have to build one with a pivoting main body that, even if it couldnt spin circles, could at least spin 250+ degrees to make dropping dirt out of the way easier and to reduce the need to reposition the machine as often.