Tractor Sizing Backhoe comparison

[jmt1271]

We have 10 acres, presently 3 in pasture for a couple horses. Wanting to run several hundred feet of drains from the house gutters, and dig a bunch of French drains.

Also need to trench 250 to run power to the barn.

In addition to the regular barn duties etc, also have a small pond I want to clean up the banks.

Mowing is handled by a Scag Tiger Cat so mowing isn't a factor.

I'm looking at everything but lean toward Deere or kubota.

Wanting a small TLB. Honestly prefer a sub compact, but if the backhoe is significantly stronger and has significantly greater reach, in real world use moreso than spec sheets, I'd buy a compact instead.

I like the lighter weight and smaller size of a SCUT though.

Can anyone offer thoughts on which way I should go? Just general observations from those with experience in the path I'm looking to go is very useful.

Thanks.

 

[jmt1271]

Forgot to add our main driveway is 200 feet of gravel and there is a second driveway to the barn that totals probably 1000 feet of gravel so a box blade will be needed as well for general maintenance.

 

[flingwing1969]

As with most things tractor, you will never regret having more HP, a larger hydraulic pump, and more capability. As for a backhoe, one thing I've learned is, no matter how big it is, or how far it reaches, you will ALWAYS want more.

That said, I would not go with a subcompact unless I was always loading it and hauling it to other locations and didn't have my Dodge/Cummins 3/4 ton and 18' trailer to haul it with. I had a Kubota B21 TLB and I loved it - fair power, compact for getting in around my trees and tight spaces by my outbuildings, and very versatile. It's always said it is the smallest tractor you can buy that won't get you laughed off a job site.

That said, the price of a B26 cost much more for just the TLB sat than I paid for my 38 hp LS with 4n1, snowblower, forks plus tractor and hoe. Is the LS as good a machine, I'll have to let you know in ten years which is how my B21 reliably served me with only hydraulic hose failures needing repair. I love the added FEL and TPH lift and the added HP and weight of the LS and it is a pretty good tractor.

The hoe has limited reach and so takes more time to do any job but I have put in a full septic system with it, dug a lot of black oak stumps out with it, and used it and its thumb many times to move large rocks and lift logs for bucking. I live in a pine/oak forest so have a lot of maneuvering around trees to do and I have not had an issue with getting in there with the CUT - but a SCUT would certainly be easier.

 

[mikester]

Buy a used construction loader backhoe, get all your heavy digging work done, then sell it. You'll probably sell it for what you paid for it.

Buy a nice new CUT with a cab.

 

[jmt1271]

Lol don't need a cab. And would rather always have the backhoe as it's a very handy tool.

Just like the loader.

 

[flingwing1969]

Lol don't need a cab. And would rather always have the backhoe as it's a very handy tool.

Just like the loader.

Mine stays on almost all the time, unless I'm chipping, blowing snow, or running my rear blade or BB.

 

[Oldoak]

I would hire a contractor to dig the trench before I would purchase a used loader backhoe with the intention of using it and eventually selling it for what I had in it. You may even have to pour more money into it than the initial cost before you're done with it.

For what you want, I believe you could either purchase a SCUT and work it to it's maximum capability or purchase a SC and just let it purr along. And like has been said, you will always find more uses for the backhoe attachment once you own one.

 

[Code54]

I would look at the B series as a minimum in the Kubota line. The BX is great but i find the hoe is limited by a very short reach.
unless you get a large backhoe I think you may find it difficult to clean up the pond banks with a smaller machine. May want to think about renting a track hoe for a weekend as you can drive along the bank, scoop the bank, swing 180 degrees and dump into a cart/dump truck/etc, slide forward and repeat very quickly. A backhoe is tough for that kind of work as it is slow and the side swing limits the ability to do it easily. Heck it you have time you could even do your long trench and get yourself ahead a bit.

 

[jmt1271]

I would look at the B series as a minimum in the Kubota line. The BX is great but i find the hoe is limited by a very short reach.
unless you get a large backhoe I think you may find it difficult to clean up the pond banks with a smaller machine. May want to think about renting a track hoe for a weekend as you can drive along the bank, scoop the bank, swing 180 degrees and dump into a cart/dump truck/etc, slide forward and repeat very quickly. A backhoe is tough for that kind of work as it is slow and the side swing limits the ability to do it easily. Heck it you have time you could even do your long trench and get yourself ahead a bit.

Great point. The pond project would likely be the only one that exceeded the capacity of a SCUT. Renting an excavator could make it a non issue.

 

[JK22]

For 10 acres, I’d want a B. I love my BX but I push it to the limit with my 5 acres.