Back hoe for L3400 HST

[gregL]

Considering a backhoe purchase. Kubota website and printed brochure seem to differ a bit. Two Kubota hoes listed;
BL 75 and BL4690 B;
3 questions relative to those that I would like confirmation on.
1. How do they mount Subframe or 3 point? ( Is either better)
2. Do they use tractor hydraulics or are they self contained?
3. Do any experienced users recommend one over the other?
And one last request for comment.
Would a different brand (say Woods, etc) be better choice.
Thanks in advance for any comments.

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> 1. How do they mount Subframe or 3 point? ( Is either better) </font>
BH75 Subframe. BL4690 3PH.
I have a BL4690. It can be a pain to put on at times.
<font color="blue"> 2. Do they use tractor hydraulics or are they self contained? </font>
BH75 Tractor Hydraulics. BL4690 has its own PTO pump and tank.
<font color="blue"> 3. Do any experienced users recommend one over the other? </font>
There is another BH75 on a L3400 here on TBN.
I would get the BH75 for digging power and Subframe mounting. Unless you can get a BL4690 for a great price.

 

[Henro]

IN addition to what Ron pointed out, I think the BH75 setup for boom swing is better too.

The BL4690 uses a chain tied to a cylinder to accomplish the swing. The BH75 has a cylinder that acts directly on the boom, without need for a chain (unless my memory is failing me... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif ).

If the BH75 were an option for my B2910 (my dealer doesn't think it is /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif ) I would probably sell or trade in my BL4690 and get the BH75 to replace it... I don't want to buy a new B3030, the B2910 suits me fine...just lust for the better backhoe... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[gregL]

Thanks to Henro and Ron. Seems like the 75 is the way to go.
Checked a few other threads and the issues of safety and stress management, relative to tractor frame, also point the same way.
Will it (the 75) require some Hydraulic vavle additions to the tractor?

 

[Volnavy]

I purchased the 3400 HST with BH 75 and love it. However, make sure the hydraulic control linkage nuts are tight. After 10 minutes of using it, one fell off and several others were loose.

I've dug up several stumps and my father in law is digging a 4 ' deep 377' long ditch for an underground electric line today.

The FEL is great, it is more stable that a bobcat I used to use and seems almost as powerful. The lift height is great for loading a 1 ton dump truck. It also digs great with a tooth bar.

I've got 15 hours on it and highly recommend it, what fun.

 

[Henro]

<font color="blue"> ...and my father in law is digging a 4 ' deep 377' long ditch for an underground electric line today.
</font>

Be curious how long it takes the FIL... I know the best I could probably do would be about 25 feet per hour, four feet deep, with a nice flat bottom...if that. At least in our clay soil... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif