Backhoe B7100HST - rugged enough for a small backhoe?

[davesisk]

Hey folks:

I'm considering a B7100HST....not sure what year. I was wondering if this guy is rugged enough to run a small backhoe without any significant issues. Any thoughts? I've seen one thread on the small backhoe used with a BX18 or BX22 or something like that. I'm thinking the B7100HST is roughly the same size and weight.

I'd plan to put a loader on it first. I'd imagine there's enough hydraulic flow and pressure from the built-in hydraulic pump to run a small FEL with no issues, right?

I've seen that the B7100's have this thermo-siphon cooling system with no pump. Are there any other peculiarities of this particular machine that I should be aware of? Standard 540 PTO and 3PH? I assume they are pretty rugged since there seem to be a lot of them on this board.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[Av8r3400]

My neighbor has one of these with a Woods FEL and 3pt BH on it. The only problem he's had with the BH is a broken top link which was repaired twice under warranty, since then, no porblems. The Hoe is powered by a PTO pump rather than the internal hydraulics.

His only comments are a wish for power steering and a little more size/hp for some applications. I've noticed that his FEL is stronger than mine (BX2230) but my tractor is more manuverable and quicker.