Backhoe L3240 or B26 FOR BACKHOE

[JOHNTHOMAS]

My first tractor purchase was a BX2200, MMM and FEL. Thought I was wasting money on the FEL but was wrong. Have 5 acres sloping (some steep), some trees and lots of rock. It became so useful and fun that it caused me to trade up a year later to a B7800 and 3 years later traded it to a L3240HST with quick attach front bucket. Also now have a BX2350 for mostly 3 acres yard (some steep) mowing. As before I couldn't see much use for the FEL since I had never owned anything like it. I'm now at that point with a backhoe. But rational sense some times eludes me. Especially when it comes to trading/buying and power tools/equipment. Got backhoe on my mind! Haven't checked for pricing yet with Barlow Equipment (pass it almost every day and have bought 6 Kubotas from him in 4 years). Well, actually I did stop yesterday but Steve was out delivering tractors. Anyway, before finding price difference with trade of my L3240HST with less than 20 hours or purchase a backhoe. Question: Trade L3240 for B26 or add Backhoe to my L3240? I had a B7800 and the B size will work for me but which would be better and why: B26 or L3240 with backhoe? Also, what uses other than digging holes to plant trees and digging straight cuts for retaining walls would I use the backhoe?

 

[Trigger]

-What were the reasons you went from the 7800? If it was size related then going to a B26 may feel similar as its closer in size to the 7800. You would be giving up 6+ horsepower and quite a bit of weight (hmm my B26 book disappeared).
-Do you ever remove the FEL on the L3240?
-Cant remember if the B26 has HST plus, If you have the HST plus on the L, how much do you use those features and will you miss them?
-If your going with a backhoe make sure to get the thumb. I didnt and can see its usefulness. The backhoes capability wise will be similar, but I think you can go with something like a Woods 90x on the L which will get you a little more reach. Plus it will be on the heavier tractor.
-For reference I have a B21. I was originally set on the 7800 or 3030, and ended up with a TLB. To me their are some advantages to the heavier construction (subframe) of the industrial models. But I havent heard any horror stories either way. Backhoes are cool, I have used mine mainly to dig 24+ stumps some as large as 2ft diameter. If you get the thumb you can add picking up heavy objects.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

1. Had B7800 paid off. Thought the extra features of L might be better. Actually the B size for mowing was/is better for me between B and L. Now have BX2350 for mowing so will rarely if ever use the other tractor for mowing. BX better than B or L for me for mowing only.
2. Don't remove FEL on L but do change from bucket to forks some times but last time seemed to have messed up my quick connect on forks so they may be out of picture since I don't use them much anyway.
3. HST PLUS feature are OK but they don't really add that much use for me.
4. Doubt I'll be doing much stump removal but maybe some rocks.
Thanks for input.

 

[SamWalton]

I think it would be best to install a BH90 backhoe. I own a B26 and think highly of its design and performance, but since you have a nice tractor why loose some features and money to have a slightly stronger backhoe. To save some money you may find someone who is purchasing a tractor and get them to add your backhoe to their purchase. This way the back hoe will be discounted. Good Luck

 

[machmeter62]

I agree with SAM. If you are going to get a BH, get the BH90 for your L3240, instead of the BH75 for a B series. There is so much more capability with the bigger hoe, that the additional price is worth it. The reach comes in very handy for many things, plus the ability for trenching doesn't require constantly moving the tractor. If there is any type of construction in the future, the bigger hoe will make the work a pleasure, and prevent hiring some of the work out.

I opted for the 9 foot hoe, now thirty years ago, and was one of the best decisions I could have made then. It has saved me thousands in the construction of our new home, for trenching in difficult places, and other situations. I still have it, and the use is still convenient for many other applications.

 

[SamWalton]

The B26's BT820 is a great backhoe with a stronger spec on the bucket force but slightly less on the dipper stick. I think the L3240 is well worth keeping and you will be fine with the BH90.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Thanks for input. Looks like keep L3240 and add a BH90. Barlow has a used L with a BH so will see if he'll sell the BH and compare prices vs new BH.
Still not seeimg alot of uses people have for backhoe on large residential lot.

 

[swampvol]

If you don't see the need for bh, than why buy one?

Is it just because you can?

Nothing wrong with that, I guess.

 

[MarkV]

John, just my opinion but if don’t have plans for any big on going backhoe projects I would find someplace else to spend the 7-8k. For the few projects you have in mind you can rent a mini excavator for about $300 a day to do your digging and then come back with your tractor for backfilling.

MarkV

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

My first tractor purchase was a BX2200, MMM and FEL. Thought I was wasting money on the FEL but was wrong. Have 5 acres sloping (some steep), some trees and lots of rock. It became so useful and fun that it caused me to trade up a year later to a B7800 and 3 years later traded it to a L3240HST with quick attach front bucket. Also now have a BX2350 for mostly 3 acres yard (some steep) mowing. As before I couldn't see much use for the FEL since I had never owned anything like it. I'm now at that point with a backhoe.
As stated up front, I didn't see a use for FEL before owning one. I'm wondering if the backhoe is the same way. Since I've never had or used one am I missing a really useful piece of equipment????? Would I use it alot on my property??? I bought a pto tiller and never used it except to till for a couple of other people so I sold it. The big funnel shaped spreader I bought will probably not be used often since I have the Ferguson over seeder but to late, I already have it. What do people with 5 acres do with your backhoe?

 

[wushaw]

John, I have 12 wooded acres, I bought a BH for primary stump removal after clearing Mesquite & honey locus trees.

It's primary purpose now is still the same.... sort of, I now remove dead trees and sometimes live when necessary, I have used it for water line repair and culvert installations.

I have had to use the BH every summer for one of these purposes since my clearing came to a stop two years ago so I will always have a purpose for keeping it.

If you don't have many trenches to dig, lots of stumps to remove, or a large on going rock garden then your probably better off renting a mini excavator for your digging projects.

 

[Crash101]

I made a similar decision earlier this year, trade the L2800 for a B26 (which is what I wanted) or just buy a backhoe for the L. I went to 2 dealers to get trade in prices and was insulted by both. Seems that piece of GOLD a year or so ago was suddenly worth next to nothing. This is the cost of 0 percent financing for new tractors. I decided to just buy the backhoe (BH75 at 0%) and live with it. Still want that B26, and one of these days when I go to Tulsa to visit my niece, I'm going to check with Sam to see if he might let me stop by and have a look at his B26. Love those things....

 

[SamWalton]

I made a similar decision earlier this year, trade the L2800 for a B26 (which is what I wanted) or just buy a backhoe for the L. I went to 2 dealers to get trade in prices and was insulted by both. Seems that piece of GOLD a year or so ago was suddenly worth next to nothing. This is the cost of 0 percent financing for new tractors. I decided to just buy the backhoe (BH75 at 0%) and live with it. Still want that B26, and one of these days when I go to Tulsa to visit my niece, I'm going to check with Sam to see if he might let me stop by and have a look at his B26. Love those things....

I can't believe how much the dollar was lost value. I spoke to my Kubota salesman and he has seen four price increases this year alone. He commented that the price of steel continues to climb.

Crash101 you are welcome to check out our B26. We purchase it to build our new earth shelter home but continue to have easement delays. We hope to purchase this land soon. It will be a year in November since we began this purchase. I really like the location and views.

I think it's smart to just add the backhoe. Purchasing a new tractor and selling or trading your current tractor can become such a financial burden.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Thanks. You guys have saved me from $4000 to $8000. Looks like I don't need a backhoe. Appeared like I needed to add to L instead of trade to a B26 if I could come up with a need. Looked for several days at my property and thinking of things I could do with BH and most of the things I came up with I can do with my fel. Not as quick or as easy as with a BH but still doable with fel. Roy Vice has a big skid steer with attachments (BH) and track front loader for reasonable rate for any big jobs and he can do in minutes with his equipment what takes me hours. Thanks again.