Kioti vs Rhino backhoes

familyman · May 16, 2007

As I mentioned in another thread, I'm looking at a DK45 and want to put an 8-1/2' backhoe on it. The dealer has both Kioti and Rhino backhoes to offer, with the Rhino being +$500. He says the strength numbers are a little better for the Rhino, but he himself likes the Kioti. Anybody have experience with either? I'm looking (as we all are) for power, reliability, and quality. Smoothness wouldn't hurt.

coasterez · May 16, 2007

I have the Rhino 75. Problem free so far in about 50 hours of use.

familyman · May 16, 2007

Thanks, coaster. What's it mounted on? What kind of digging have you done?
Is it responsive? How's the quality overall? Now that you've had it for a while, have you looked at anything else and said, "gee, should'a got that one"?

coasterez · May 16, 2007

I've dug up some really big stumps. You can see one of them in the Kioti photo section. I've taken out about 3 that size and several a bit smaller. Those big ones gave it quite a workout. Smaller ones are a piece of cake. Also dug several trenches for drain pipes and a 5 x 5 x 10 hole for a propane tank. I have an 18" bucket. It is frame mounted. Comes off very easy. Goes on a bit harder (only about 1" of play to get things lined up). Very responsive at 2000 rpm's. Swing is almost too fast, but when done in simultaneous combination, it's pretty smooth. Only complaint is the seat lock gets stuck on it. I need to take it off and round the corners so it works better. Hoses could be better protected. Also, sometimes wish it had more reach. But, it's about as big as my tractor can handle.

Make sure you get cleats for the outriggers or else it'll pull you around a good bit. And get two buckets - one for general digging and one for narrow trenches.

coasterez · May 16, 2007

My tractor is a CK25 gear with loaded rear tires and loader.

Mavrik02 · May 16, 2007

I have a Rhino BH75 on my CK30 and have used it extensively the last two years. So far so good. I've dug up about 20 stumps, dug about 400 feet of trenches and completely dug out the hill in my backyard. I even used it to push over a 70 foot cherry tree last weekend that I had partially cut through with the chain saw. In fact I've used it in ways that probably shouldn't be mentioned here

I can take it off in five minutes and install it in about twenty.

It's done everthing I've asked and my only regret is that I don't have an 8 or 9 foot model (and a bigger tractor for it). I will say that I have the same problem with the seat lock sticking so I just don't use it much. The controls can be touchy but if you have patience (which I don't) you can be very precise.

I don't know how good the Kioti hoes are but I wouldn't think twich about buying a BH75 again.

DK35vince · May 16, 2007

I have a Rhino 85 backhoe.
I have used it to install all the utilities to our house, dig foundation for a pool, install colvert ditching and piping for driveway, lots and lots of drainage pipe around the property.
I like it. Good speed, good power, never had a problem with it. I have an 18" and 36" bucket.

familyman · May 16, 2007

Thanks for all the replies.

Hey, Vince!

How does it dig with that 36" bucket? Since I started the thread, I've been reading up on the Woods BH90-X, and like everything about it except the price boost, so I'm wondering if the extra cash is really worth it? I want alot more reach and power than the 6gpm BH650.

DK35vince · May 17, 2007

The 36" bucket works good for grading or digging and moving top soil, cleaning/digging colvert ditch's along the driveway, Etc.
For rocky or hard digging I use the 18" bucket.

familyman · May 17, 2007

Vince,

I'm trying not to sell myself short and want to spend this money only once. For its size, did you ever feel that you wanted more power, or are you satisfied?