Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[California]

I did talk to my Kubota dealer about the 3 point and he didn't think it would cause any damage or be an issue. In fact Kubota used to sell the 3 point as well.

My sig photo below, and photos 1,2,3 in this post, show the backhoe that was sold with either Kubota or Yanmar logo on it. This was around 1980 for their 20~30 hp models. These are well made, if you find one used in good condition, get it! The Deere-logo versions for 650,750 etc have a near-identical operator manual so were likely also made by ARPS. Deere's have conventional swing-down outriggers.

 

[D2Cat]

If you use a 3pt BH you need to be extremely careful, you can bust out the rear of your tractor. That is why they are not readily available. You really need a subframe when attaching a BH to a tractor. You might get an opinion from more than one dealer!

 

[MoArk Willy]

I've put the backhoe on the back burner for now.
Just bought a zero-turn and that's all I plan to spend this year.

 

[Imold]

Here's a prior thread discussing just that question. See my posts in it where I reference a previous thread where I asked that, then went and bought a 3-point hoe instead. Now after a decade using the 3-point backhoe I think it was the right choice for my applications - mostly taking out stumps in my orchard for re-planting, and I've done a few ditches with it. Also used it to rip out blackberry jungle on steep slopes between the orchard terraces.

Moving a tractor-mounted hoe then setting up to work in various places around the property is a nuisance, seems to me moving that around would be 3x the nuisance. Especially backing into position on uneven ground. But owners like them.

You mentioned health. The HF backhoe would be easier to get on, compared to climbing up on a tractor-mounted hoe every time it is moved.

Some ROPS configurations make it impossible to safely add a backhoe, there is risk of a crushed spine if something breaks and you lurch upward. And 3-point hoes are known to break transmission housings - not all tractors are suitable.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/113502-harbor-freight-back-hoe-trencher.html

Thanks,

Jim.

 

[farmer2009]

Approximately how much did your Quincy cost?

Don’t know what he paid but Rural King has the 5hp 60gal 2stage Quincy for $1299.99.

 

[stuckmotor]

I believe we paid $1400 ($1399). My wife bought it for me as an early Christmas present and I think she ordered it through Lowe's website. I had been looking at them here locally, as Running's usually keeps them in stock.

View attachment 620054

That's not bad for all that performance. Thanks!

 

[stuckmotor]

Don’t know what he paid but Rural King has the 5hp 60gal 2stage Quincy for $1299.99.

I like that price even better.

 

[Handloader109]

I got one batch of free batteries that was a joke, some wouldn't light a flashlight more than a minute or so. More recently I've been using the free AAA's in a cordless computer mouse. Those last 3 weeks. No complaints.

I've never found another application for the free batteries. They are too weak plus I don't trust them to not leak if they were left a long time in emergency storm lanterns etc.

they aren't great, but I've never had one leak. Duracell are the leaking battery king. almost everyone of them will leak. everready not nearly so bad.
I use in remotes, usually last a couple of months to 4 depending on how much they are used. I've got a cordless that I use every day and I use a lot and usually get 6 weeks or so., clocks, usually 5 to 6 months. I have two headset muffs that are noise cancelling and they work well in them. a Duracell almost ruined my good headset.

free is good.....

 

[hunt4570]

they aren't great, but I've never had one leak. Duracell are the leaking battery king. almost everyone of them will leak. everready not nearly so bad.
I use in remotes, usually last a couple of months to 4 depending on how much they are used. I've got a cordless that I use every day and I use a lot and usually get 6 weeks or so., clocks, usually 5 to 6 months. I have two headset muffs that are noise cancelling and they work well in them. a Duracell almost ruined my good headset.

free is good.....

Interesting.. I've never had a Duracell leak..

 

[John_Mc]

Interesting.. I've never had a Duracell leak..

I've seen this numerous times. Usually in a pieces of equipment that has sat unused and the batteries have gone dead. (A bit of a bummer for equipment you are leaving batteries in so it will be ready to go in an emergency.)

 

[Alan W.]

they aren't great, but I've never had one leak. Duracell are the leaking battery king. almost everyone of them will leak. everready not nearly so bad.
I use in remotes, usually last a couple of months to 4 depending on how much they are used. I've got a cordless that I use every day and I use a lot and usually get 6 weeks or so., clocks, usually 5 to 6 months. I have two headset muffs that are noise cancelling and they work well in them. a Duracell almost ruined my good headset.

free is good.....

I second that on the Duracells going bad and leaking. I use the free batteries in the free lights and while they are not alkalines they seem to last a bit and Ive never had one leak.
Havent seen a coupon for free batteries in a while. The free selections seem to be getting more limited altogether.

 

[stuckmotor]

Speaking of batteries, I now have four blue flash lights hanging on my key hooks beside the front door and more hanging beside doors around the house. It's time for HF to start giving away something else.

 

[DMax82]

Speaking of batteries, I now have four blue flash lights hanging on my key hooks beside the front door and more hanging beside doors around the house. It's time for HF to start giving away something else.

Truth. Just picked up my fifth yesterday.

 

[tjkubota93]

Thanks,

Jim.

If you get a 3 point backhoe, a subframe is only $1000 more. I am very glad I got a frame mount.

My little backhoe would easily break my bx. I can be digging, hit a root and stand the tractor up pivoting on the outriggers.

While I do let it happen and power through the root or obstruction, it wouldn't be 100% avoidable. 1 false move and break your tractor in half? Not me.

After installing the subframe, I kinda wish I had just made it myself. It's not complicated.

 

[hunt4570]

I've seen this numerous times. Usually in a pieces of equipment that has sat unused and the batteries have gone dead. (A bit of a bummer for equipment you are leaving batteries in so it will be ready to go in an emergency.)

I'd blame that on operator error, not the battery! Cant just leave them in forever.

 

[Alan W.]

I'd blame that on operator error, not the battery! Cant just leave them in forever.

Just ten years according to the last package I still have on hand.

 

[Handloader109]

sorry, the expiration dates are bogus just like the Duracell batteries themselves. ain't none of them been sitting dead from being used. Just crap batteries. I'll keep using the free ones.

 

[tjkubota93]

I have had Duracell batteries take poo in my mag lights before. Luckily, rayovacs haven't done that yet. I started buying the cheaper rayovacs because I figured they couldn't be any worse than the duracells. So far they have been better.

And they all seem to have a 8 or 10 year "guarantee" not to leak.

 

[hunt4570]

I will stick with my Tenergy LSD rechargeables!!

 

[John_Mc]

I've seen this numerous times. Usually in a pieces of equipment that has sat unused and the batteries have gone dead. (A bit of a bummer for equipment you are leaving batteries in so it will be ready to go in an emergency.)

I'd blame that on operator error, not the battery! Cant just leave them in forever.

I would expect them not to leak regardless, at least as long as they are within their expiration date (which these were). Hard to say if going dead was the cause of the leakage, or a result of it.