Buying Advice First post shopping for Kubota 32 46 HP range question on Backhow attachment

[Raised on a Deere]

Always had my heart set to jump on a compact tractor with loader back hoe deal. I have rented Kubota backhoes a couple of times but was not familiar with the setups. I have been encouraged at buying a new rig, after seeing the prices on some of the package deals L3800 with loader, trailer, mower deals. But now that I am checking out some of the specs it appears the standard L series hydraulics is way below capacity of a legitimate backhoe tractor, 6 or 7 gpm vs 25 gpm or so on backhoe TLB modesl. Leads me to think a backhoe attachment on a L3800 would be extremely limited.

But would it just be slow or would it be slow and weak also. Need some thoughts on this before I decide on forgetting the backhoe, The tractor will be mostly used for bush hogging initially some heavy brush, 2" saplings etc on 15 acres then keeping it mowed, along with some honey do landscaping and gardening projects and other site preparations for out buildings and such.

Seems like it may be more of a fantasy thing, this idea of backing my farm tractor up to a backhoe attachment and digging a ditch or small watering hole or clearing a berm out for a set of stair steps.

 

[murphy1244]

If you truly want to run a backhoe, a TLB set-up is the way to go.

 

[Raised on a Deere]

If you truly want to run a backhoe, a TLB set-up is the way to go.

Thanks, It would be only occasional use so does not have to do work as fast as real backhoe. Just wondering if it will even do equivalent work when digging out rocks, or tough clay etc.

 

[nybirdman]

I have run a B7800 hoe a bit,very useful and capable for the home-owner type.This is a smaller set up than the L3800.It can't compete with a dedicated TLB other than price.Bottom line is the average person will do fine with an add-on type back-hoe.

 

[Raised on a Deere]

I have run a B7800 hoe a bit,very useful and capable for the home-owner type.This is a smaller set up than the L3800.It can't compete with a dedicated TLB other than price.Bottom line is the average person will do fine with an add-on type back-hoe.

Thanks. I have not noticed any disparaging remarks like pos and such which I think would be in evidence if these attachments were look like a backhoe but aren't. I hope to set up a demo just for what other thing I might need to know before I buy but at least my fear of making some totally awful purchase is allayed a bit. Thanks again.

 

[Flying MXZ]

I have a Massey 1635 with a backhoe which is a touch bigger than the Kubota you are looking for. For what you mention using it for I believe it would be absolutely fine. If your "watering hole" turns into a pond it will be too small but then you would want an excavator anyway.

 

[wmonroe]

I have a bh92 on my 5240 and it has been very good so far. It is not as powerful as a 580 Case but it is not as big and not what I expected. Here is a pic of me digging a ditch for electric conduit, dug about 4' deep through frozen ground then about a foot of topsoil and then 3' of shale or clay. It was not easy digging but it handled it fine.

 

[Grandad4]

We've had a backhoe for our Kubota for about 8 years now and it has worked hard and been trouble-free. It's bigger than what you'd have on an L3800, but it easily does trenches, grubs stumps, does septic fields, etc. Compared to a Case 580 or similar, you give up reach and bucket size, so everything is done in smaller bites. Also, it's not made to stand up to some of the heavy use a bigger rig can handle... such as beating on asphalt or ledge, side grading with the bucket, using the boom to lift the back of the rig over a cut trench, etc. The thing is, a new one costs a bunch... you could find a decent full-sized older TLB for the same money. But that would mean you'd have an additional machine - maybe a good thing, maybe not, depending on your situation. If you have a one-time need to get your dirt digging projects done, there's a lot to be said for buying an oldie but goodie full sized TLB and then selling it when you're finished. But if you're like me and need to work away at it over an extended period, it is really handy to have the backhoe always ready whenever you want it without worrying whether that old rig that's been sitting out since the last time you used it has a dead battery, leaky radiator or a hydraulic leak.

Suggest you find a dealer with a demo or used one you can try out. That's the only way to know if it's going to do what you expect.

 

[TroyR57]

I have the BH 76 on a B3200, and until just the other day, I have over worked it with out problem, but seams I may have blown a seal in the main boom cyd now, and it will still pick up, just not hold in place, just a matter of repacking the seals, I have fronds that are willing to help me, so I just need to buy the Kit. The BH you would get on a L3800 now is the BH77, there were some threads of failures early on but I think they have been reworked now, and are trouble free. I use the BH 76 on a friends L3700, and I think mine on just a 32 HP tractor is just as strong as on his larger 37 HP tractor. If you could rent a small track hoe a few times a year, it would do all you need, and use the $7000 dollars savings to cover its rental. I still rent some times, because of what the small track hoes can do, better reach, full 360 rotation, great for cleaning out a pound, and still have my tractor to haul off the spoils.

But the Hoe is a nice accessory, but takes a little time to change out, from hoe to Bush hog on my tractor is about 25 to 35 minuets, on my friends L3700 slight lee longer, as some of the parts are harder to move manually.

 

[Raised on a Deere]

Thanks Grandad4 and TroyR57. From what you are saying I would not be disappointed with the BH 76 on the L3800. I am not looking for what the bigger Case and others can to. the uses you have described are in line with my anticipated style of use. I am keeping my eye our for a TLB but I have already said I am going to pull the trigger on a new but lesser rig if I do not find a turnkey used TLB. those days when I have time to use the tractor come stubbornly and so when the time is there I do not want to spend the day getting it going.