John Deere 4520 Cab - Which Backhoe

[ddivinia]

I am thinking I want a backhoe for my 4520 cab.

Which one fits it?

How much are they?

How are they to put on and take off?

I wonder if I should consider putting one on my 5525 instead.

Thanks,
Darin

 

[kennyd]

For the price of one (8k or so...) I would consider a used mini-excavator first. This is a great time to but used construction machines. Plus they are far more efficient that the tractor mounted hoe.

 

[ddivinia]

For the price of one (8k or so...) I would consider a used mini-excavator first. This is a great time to but used construction machines. Plus they are far more efficient that the tractor mounted hoe.

A used backhoe is probably the route to go anyway, but who knows. Maybe I can find a nice used one.

D.

 

[jenkinsph]

Given the size of your place I would consider a nice used JD310 or Cat 416-420 backhoe. This would enable you to do some serious digging while at the same time would provide you with a very good loader too.

I like the mini excavators too but they are much slower to move around in large open areas. If that isn't a problem for you then the mini excavators would be a cheaper solution.


Steve

 

[sunnyside360]

I am thinking I want a backhoe for my 4520 cab.

Which one fits it?

How much are they?

How are they to put on and take off?

I wonder if I should consider putting one on my 5525 instead.

Thanks,
Darin

I bought a new JD 485 BH for my 4320 a couple of mos ago for just under $8k.You'd pay several hundred less if you already have power beyond. I believe the 485 BH is the latest model made for the 4x20 series tractors.

Install/uninstall is very simple (no wrenches) -- just two pins and two hydraulic hoses. Have to remove the 3 PH lower arms to install BH and put the arms back on after removing BH in order to use 3 PH.

If you are going to use the BH a lot, I would look at the larger dedicated BH's as suggested above but you'll be spending a lot more money.

 

[cbturf]

D,
I have been to your place and saw how you work and you would kill yourself hooking up and unhooking a hoe. I agree with he guys that a used mini-ex is your ticket.
cb

 

[sunnyside360]

D,
I have been to your place and saw how you work and you would kill yourself hooking up and unhooking a hoe. I agree with he guys that a used mini-ex is your ticket.
cb

I wouldn't argue against a good mini excavator being better, but it will be quite a bit more money.

However, I will disagree with the install/uninstall of the 485 BH. I purchased the JD 485 BH a couple of mos ago for my 4320 and have had it on and off several times. No tools, no lifting, just use the 3 PH (upper arms) to lift into place and lock with two large pins and connect a couple of hoses. The lower 3 PH arms must be removed when installing the BH and then installed when using rear implements w/o BH. IMHO, it doesn't get much easier than that.

I'm not familiar with the older backhoes so maybe they are more labor intensive to install/uninstall.

 

[sunnyside360]

Another important factor to consider is where you will be using this machine. For example, I own approx 300 acres comprised of 3 parcels all along a secondary road spanning about 1.5 miles. A track excavator just isn't ideal/practical for this situation. Besides the time factor moving the excavator, the undercarriage would wear and need frequent service. So, a TLB is more desirable in this situation unless you want to invest in transportation equipment.

 

[mark2610d]

I saw exactly what you need to buy on ebay this morning for your 4520 cab.


woods backhoe on ebay 2002 Woods BH9000 Backhoe Attachment 2 BUCKETS! - eBay (item 190336781979 end time Sep-28-09 11:35:50 PDT)

You need to call woods equipment and see if they have the custom frame mount for the bh9000 to fit your 4520 cab tractor. I would think they would have a kit.


I have a kubota 3240 cab with the woods backhoe and woods frame mount and can hook and unhook in less than 5 minutes.

Also, I would not want another piece of equipment (buying a backhoe/trac loader) to have to deal with storing it and servicing it and letting it set most of the year. I would rather have a attachment for the tractor plus it will cost much less.

 

[CrownHawg]

Not trying to hijack this thread but I have a question on this matter. I found a JD 448 BH on our local Craigslist for $6000 and intend on looking at it. It has approximately 50 hours on it and seems to be in good shape. I have a JD 4120 I intend on putting it on. My questions are: Is this a good price? What will I have to do to my tractor to attach it? Is power beyond, just the hydraulic connections on the back (I have two there now). Is there anything I should look out for when looking at this BH?