Backhoe Or 5 Extra HP?

Hdoilcan · Jul 23, 2015

I can either put my money towards a backhoe or go from a 35hp to 40hp. I will only be plowing my driveway and doing a little fire wood, fel work and property maintenance. Both 35hp and 40hp will be in the same frame size. I don't have a ton of things to do right now with the backhoe but I thought it might be nice to have on hand. I have a bad back so I was thinking the backhoe would be nice for whatever I could use it for instead on using my back....... I think my days of using a shovel for anything is over.
It's $1,600 difference between the 35hp and the 40hp. With rebates the back hoe would be $5,400. So if I went with the 35hp I'd only have to come up with an additional $3,800 for the backhoe.

GPintheMitten · Jul 23, 2015

I think 35 HP should be fine for driveway work and getting firewood etc.

As to getting a backhoe, I think that's a matter of your financial situation. For the occasional project you can probably rent a hoe or mini excavator for less than buying one.

But there is the convenience factor for having it available any time.

I bought a hoe for my Kubota B2620.

NC419N · Jul 23, 2015

Backhoe

Tompet · Jul 23, 2015

For what you described, my vote is for the BH. Your list of chores doesn't seem to indicate 5hp would make much difference. Like you wrote, what is the price of saving your back? A BH may not be for everyone, but they do add to the versatility of your machine and the type of work that can be accomplished and when you want it done. You will enjoy having it.

Btw, you didn't write what brand/model you are going with as your avatar states you sold your Kubota.

drizler · Jul 23, 2015

My backhoe can work wonders with 36 HP.. The hoe is 1000 and with tractor right around 5K. Loaded tires would help but then the Ag tires would tear things up on the lawn a lot more. Still 36 and 5K works extremely well up to stumps that are 10" and as always wet soil is helpful. After that size though you have to resort to picking around more than using brute force.

moriboy · Jul 23, 2015

I had an L3240 that was so underpowered, I ended up trading it in on a bigger machine a year later, and lost my butt..
My vote is get a tractor with plenty horsepower, and get the backhoe later. That will be cheaper in the long run.

Gary Fowler · Jul 23, 2015

I have the Kubota B26 (26 engine HP) and it is plenty strong for pushing, pulling and back hoe use. Granted it is considered commercial grade and may have more umpfh than a regular CUT due to the extra weight but the engine is plenty for my chores. I do have the P7010 for the extra heavy stuff if needed but rarely do I need that except when I am moving tons of material long distances. The triple capacity bucket is great for that but the B26 is great for finesse work.
If you have the need for a backhoe, get one. I would also suggest getting a hydraulic thumb rather than manual as it makes so much easier working to pick up items from large to small without leaving the tractor. I have put over 300 hours on mine in 3 years, not all of it doing my chores but also assisting my neighbors when asked. I would never be without my B26. If I had to go back to one tractor the LS P7010 would be the one to go.

TJP89 · Jul 23, 2015

Backhoe, if it's the same frame size.

What tractors are you considering?

DaveNJ · Jul 23, 2015

I'm going for a backhoe. Frequent rental costs for a few hours work at a time and transportation are frustrating. Borrowing often resulted in replacing hoses and repairs I had to make on someone else's machine. It also makes sense when working with a smaller tractor. You can't rip out a bank with a 25 hp tractor loader like a cat D8. Given time you can pick it apart with a hoe and push the pieces away. But mainly, at 61, my days of digging and moving things by hand are beginning to get rough.

4570Man · Jul 23, 2015

My tractor is 32 hp in the largest frame available for 32 hp. I would like about 40 hp in the same frame size, but I sure wouldn't trade my backhoe for 8 horses. The extra 8hp would let me work a little faster, but wouldn't do anything I can't do now. Losing the backhoe would take away half the usefulness of my tractor.