bradco vs Bh Hoe

tanman · Mar 15, 2004

I am new to this forum so Hello to everyone. In my decision between the NH and the Kubota tractor, I became confused on which backhoe was better and why. The salesman were of no help. The tractor I am purchasing (after going over many variables) is Kubota's L4330. Which Backhoe is reccommended? Why? Thanx

grandad · Mar 15, 2004

You probably wouldn't go wrong with either one. By reputation, the Bradco's are really heavy-duty, commercial grade equipment and have been engineered to fit really well with compact tractors (easy on/off, no major ground clearance loss due to subframe, don't need to take off the 3pt arms when using BH, etc.). That's not to take anything away from Bush Hog. Bradco may be more $$$, though.

I recently looked at Bradco, but bought the factory Kubota BH for my tractor (L4610). Your choice, but you may want to check out the Kubota BH90 hoe.

Bert04 · Mar 15, 2004

I have a 3 point bradco and it works great. Never had any trouble with it. Let us know what you decide and if you like it.

tanman · Mar 16, 2004

Do u have the Bradco on your Kubota or other make?

lamarbur · Mar 16, 2004

I have a Bradco 511, 11 ft hoe, hanging off the back of my Mahindra 41HP tractor. There are absolutely no problems with the hoe, in use, hook-up or other.. They are extremely stout and strong. I think most dealers here will agree that most are nto willing to pay he extra for this hoe. I've heard prices, installed with subframe, anywhere from 8 to 10,000.. It is a hefty price, but then again, you get what you pay for.

Bert04 · Mar 16, 2004

I have the bradco on a new holland 2120

LoganWildman · Mar 16, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I have a Bradco 511, 11 ft hoe, hanging off the back of my Mahindra 41HP tractor. There are absolutely no problems with the hoe, in use, hook-up or other.. They are extremely stout and strong. I think most dealers here will agree that most are nto willing to pay he extra for this hoe. I've heard prices, installed with subframe, anywhere from 8 to 10,000.. It is a hefty price, but then again, you get what you pay for. )</font>

For a Woods 9000 w/o a subframe I was quoted $9000 with 2 buckets and I had to assemble it. Sounds like I was getting ripped.

Bucky4 · Mar 20, 2004

tanman,

I just investigated this topic about 5 hours ago. I had the opportunity to see a Bradco 609 (9ft) sitting next to an L48. (don't know the hoe model)

IMO, the Bradco looked a bit more heavier duty - larger cylinders with self aligning bushings. The sub frames looked very similar, but I'm a newbie and may not have caught all the subtle differences.

I was quoted $9700 for a Bradco 511 in Kub orange with a subframe. The dealer told me his next order will cost about 7-8% more. I was also told the paint color was a $200 option. Ain't that a ripoff?!?!?!?!? ...but ya gotta make it look good too, so ya bite the bullet!

I didn't ask what the price was on the Kub hoe, because after seeing the comparison, I decided Bradco was the way to go.

I'm sure others with more experience will be able to explain the differences a bit better, but just thought I'd throw in my $.02.

bucky4

gray · Mar 20, 2004

Bucky4

Ok, so I have an L48 and that may make me less than far about my veiws?
I looked for the most power and reach I could get in a BH on a CUT. The Bradco was one that had lots going for it. I also wanted an easy on easy off option. As I looked at the forces, the L48 had just a bit more on the bucket and about 1000 more pounds on the boom?
The Bradco is an impressive looking unit but it's weight is + or minus 100# of the Kubota. I have not had any direct comparisons in use so I can not be sure.either of them shine over the other. It may be , they are of equal power and value? On my L48 the BH is a great fit just for that tractor and holds in close to the tractor and alows for better fits in close spots.
If I were after a BH to put on a tractor not designed for a special unit, the Bradco would top the list. Many have said nice things about the controls being smooth and power good.

Still waiting for an extenda hoe option to show up on tractor units.

Bucky4 · Mar 21, 2004

gray,

I didn't mean to slam the L48 hoe or any other for that matter. I am sure the L48 hoe is very reliable and is capable of doing what it was designed to do; however, I just wanted to report what I observed.

This site has been an invaluable aide in my search for a tractor. Without it, I know I would have listened to that first salesman and signed on the dotted line. ...and then several days later, I would have taken out the jar of Vaseline to ease the pain when I realized my mistakes!!! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Please forgive me if I've offended you or others. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

bucky4

gray · Mar 21, 2004

Bucky4,

I took no offense at all in your observation. We can not hide our thoughts if they are to be helpful to others and if others can be helpful to us.

There are good products of many designs and some not so good. I am willing to stick my neck (opinion) out there when I have seen or used one. It is the meet of this forum.

I like to hear yours and others opinions. If I don't agree, I will say so.

Keep the info flowing.

grandad · Mar 22, 2004

Somehow, I doubt there are very many L48 owners out there saying "Sheesh, I wish I had bought that Bradco hoe!" , and likewise, there aren't many Bradco owners having buyers remorse either. Either one gets you top-of-the-heap performance.

gray · Mar 22, 2004

Grandad,

You hit that nail square. Any insights on when either of these companies is going to offer extendahoe options? 2 more feet would be super. Some day?

tanman · Mar 23, 2004

Thanx for the input.

grandad · Mar 23, 2004

Your guess would be as good as mine!

lamarbur · Mar 23, 2004

You're right and your right. I have a 11 ft Bradco and feel it is the top of the line or near enough it isn't worth arguing over. As far as extenda hoe, Hardy has had one for some time. It is the 8 DL model I believe. 8 ft with a two foot extension. It, cost almost as much as buying the Hardy 12 ft hoe. Something to think about here.

Bert04 · Mar 26, 2004

Tanman, Email me, I wanted to talk with you privately. marc2004@adelphia.net

rbargeron · Mar 27, 2004

Gray:

Extended-dipper Bradco backhoes were available in the '90s. And Kubota offered the model L5412 backhoe - which was actually a Bradco. It was available with an optional "PowerExtend" dipper - about 2 feet of extra reach. I have never seen one up close - but there is a photo of it in the Kubota brochure for the L4350, L4850 and L5450. (RaT?)

Making a telescoping dipper is expensive to do well. They are subject to a lot of wear in a very harsh environment. The hose loops are exposed, the slide has to resist jamming from dirt & rocks. As Lamarbur points out, the extra cost can be higher than getting a bigger model hoe, so the market is very limited.