Backhoe Backhoes

[JohnInCA]

Ok, I'm about to purchase a backhoe. The local dealer has a BushHog 768H with pump and subframe for $6700. Good price? Also, I would greatly appreciate any comments regarding BushHog quality, as well as any tips on which brand is easiest to mount/dismount, and requires the least amount of 3 pt disassembly. Thanks

 

[mswanson]

Sorry, I can't comment on the BushHog backhoe. I have the New Holland 757 backhoe. It is very easy to put on and take off. Just 2 pins in front, disconnect the hydraulic lines and drive away. Another nice feature is that you also don't have to remove the 3pt hitch arms.

Mike Swanson

 

[hayden]

I'm not familiar with the Brushhog or the NH tractors, but the usual suspects, aside from the NH branded hoes would be Woods and Bradco. I've seen Woods painted blue and mounted on NH tractors.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Don't know, but if you check the classifieds section of this site there was new Kelley hoes for $3750.

 

[John_Mc]

Anyone know how Kelly hoes stack up against Woods/Bradco/NH ?

That's a price I could live with! (Can't read the adds, since the classifieds don't work with Netscape)

 

[Corm]

JohnInCa - I have a Cub Cadet hoe on my tractor. It's made by Woods, and is comparable to a Woods 7500. I'm real happy with it, no problems. I did get a subframe installed with it. There are lot's of opinions as to whether or not a subframe is necessary on a compact tractor hoe. I'm happy with mine, and am convinced it's a better setup.

Whatever you get, I would recommend getting rear remote hydraulic plugs installed, rather than tap into the hydraulic block that powers your loader (assuming you have a loader). They make for a much handier and cleaner hookup, and they come in handy for other hydraulic implements as well (like a 3ph top-N-tilt).

Corm

 

[mswanson]

My NH 757C is plumbed into the 'power beyond' from the loader because the backhoe needs a constant flow and has its own control valves. I also have a set of remotes installed with a control valve on the fender for running a hydraulic top link, snowblower and other applications that don't have their own control valves. Granted it would be easier to hook/unhook the backhoe if the couplers were positioned higher in the back next to my remote valves. As it is now I just have to reach down a little lower to attach the backhoe hoses.

Mike Swanson

 

[bcarter]

Your other option is to get a hydraulic pump that runs off the PTO... This isolates the hoe hyraulics from the tractor hydraulics - ensures that the hydraulic output is matched to the hoe requirements - saves having to run extra plumbing - and makes for a stand alone unit when/if it comes time to sell (works for more tractors).

I have a Woods 7500 with a sub-frame (highly recommend the sub-frame) and I love it. I have only broken my vow of "never picking up a shovel again" a few times... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

Bill

 

[cedarranch]

I bought a Kelley B600 and it has been great. I use it on my Zetor 25HP and my 40HP ford 3600. I bought the sub frame but only used it a few times. I take it off/put it on to many times to deal with the frame. The original drawbar bracket was a little weak and I broke it about a year ago trying to rip out a pine tree stump. Made the new one a little thicker and it has held up to a lot. Overall I am happy with the purchase, and I saved a bunch over the woods/bushhog/etc brands. At first I was worried that I should get the B750, but the B600 has met the challenge.
http://cedarranch.home.mindspring.com/kelley.html

 

[Bill_Ryan]

I have a Woods 9000 (painted NH blue) on a TC35D and like it a lot. Used it extensively this first season popping boulders out of my pastures and yard.

Also started a small pond using it as well.

They cost a lot, so you really need to make sure that it'll pay for itself.

As others mention, go for the subframe mount if you'll be using it for some serious digging or lifting.

Don't forget that bucket width is important as well.

Bill

 

[paccorti]

Bill,

I'm curious. With the location of the TC35D's gas tank, how close can the hoe be mounted to the rear of the tractor. I assume that you need room for the hoe seat and the tank seems like it might be in the way. Does this affect the usability of the hoe?

Peter

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Here's the ad for you netscape users.
Brand new 3 pt. kelley B750 backhoes, 71/2' digging depth, require 35 to 50 hp cat 1 tractor with a single set of remotes, 5-10 gpm. Includes all 3pt. mounting hardware and 15" bucket. $3850.00. email with zip code for a freight quote agwholesaler@hotmail.com

 

[Corm]

bcarter - Good point about the separate pump (especially about the resale-ability of the hoe with a separate pump) I opted not to go that way because it was cheaper for me to use the tractor hydraulics.

One other thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is the size of the bucket. I have a 16" bucket. It works well for digging out stumps, trenches, and the many, many rocks around my place. Originally I wanted to get a bigger bucket, but was talked out of it by a friend of mine. It has turned out to be sage advice. After using my hoe for awhile now, I don't believe it has the power to run a bigger bucket except maybe in real light soil or sand, and I don't believe a bigger bucket would be nearly as handy for stumping. My advice would be to go with a narrower bucket.

Corm

 

[Bill_Ryan]

Hi Peter,

Plenty of room between tank and back of back hoe seat. Doesn't affect usability at all.

Subframe mounts forward under tractor and also to where the 3pth arms would mount.

Drawbacks to a subframe mount are that you lose some ground clearance and you need to remove your 3pth arms to mount back hoe.

I've taken off and put on the back hoe 3 or 4 times so far and have it down to 15-20 minutes time.

Bill

 

[Duckhunter]

I have the Woods 9000 and agree it is an Excellent Hoe! I have subframe on TC45D with the remote PTO pump. Plenty of power. I have the big bucket (24") and small bucket (12"). Handles the 24" fine even in rocky soil. Gannon buckets are tough as nails and easy to replace teeth as needed.