looking to buy first tractor with loader and backhoe

[hypforlife32]

Ignore the advice for 40 plus horsepower. That's going to be extreme overkill on a 3/4 acre lot after the initial work. Instead shop around for a used Kubota BX series subcompact or a similar brand. You probably won't get one with a backhoe for that price, but you're better off hiring or renting a mini-ex for a day or two anyway. I'm not real familiar with all the features of the mid mount mowers, but I'd research the brand(s) available locally on the used market to see how difficult they are to remove or reinstall. Get a 4 or 5 ft box blade to help move spread gravel, as well as maintaining and plowing driveway. Don't let the big tractor guys deceive you. Those subcompact are incredibly handy and capable machines.

This is kinda what I was thinking here. I’m paying someone to do the hefty work already because of the price. I’m looking to be able to dig a couple long trenches. Move, spread and maintain mostly. The retaining wall I can do with the backhoe slowly. Looking to touch things up here and there. Honeslty doesn’t even have to mow. Mowers are so cheap now. I like the b series’s or Deere 2320 style.

 

[Muhammad]

I think you're on the right track with a 2305, or you can also look for a Kubota BX but you will need to up your budget to $20k to get a nice one with backhoe and mower. You  might find something with loader and backhoe for $15k but it won't have that new tractor smell.

A subcompact is sufficient to do all of the stuff you mentioned it will just take a while. Yes it would be better to have a 75hp skid steer for moving all of that stone but a small tractor will get it done. Rental money is better spent added to your tractor budget IMO.

I moved about 60 yards of crushed rock with a skid steer but also had a compact TLB for part of the job and the compact can haul crushed rock without an issue. Just set your machine up with proper ballast and know it's limits.

I have been very impressed with every Kubota BX I've tested.

While mini excavators are leaps and bounds more productive with a backhoe than a SCUT, even a small backhoe will come in handy for so many things if you can find one within your budget.

I would also prefer a $2500 ZTR than using your tractor for mowing an acre.

 

[Williy]

Hypforlife32, this is from the Yanmar Tractor
website hope it will be of some help!

Buyer's Guide | YANMAR Tractor

Your land. Your way. Get the YANMAR basics and learn everything you need to know before buying a tractor.

www.yanmartractor.com

willy

 

[Yander]

Buy an old full size backhoe at the best price you can locally of CL or FBM.
Do all your work with it.
When finished, sell it for same or more than you bought it.
Then buy tractor you need to maintain your property

This would be my suggestion too. Most likely whatever tractor you buy that is the right size will not fit in your garage. It might be a little hard to find something newer in your price range or impossible.

 

[mikester]

Do yourself BIG a favour - listen to Hay Dude's advice.

Buy a full sized construction backhoe. Use it for 5 years doing what you need it to. Sell it for what you paid for it and then go buy a SCUT.

Finding the right SCUT TLB for your job is like finding Sasquatch.

 

[Yander]

Do yourself BIG a favour - listen to Hay Dude's advice.

Buy a full sized construction backhoe. Use it for 5 years doing what you need it to. Sell it for what you paid for it and then go buy a SCUT.

Finding the right SCUT TLB for your job is like finding Sasquatch.

Actually, I saw one the other day ...

 

[mikester]

Actually, I saw one the other day ...
View attachment 782459

Maybe I should have said "find an apple update that doesn't break things I use regularly to give me features I don't want and need". I used to be able to copy and paste images easily on my ipad now it just wants to paste the links to the images!

 

[Yander]

Go buy one of these if you are closeish. Forget about the backhoe and hire that work done or rent a trencher. You can use this for probably 80% of what you want to do and mow with it afterwards. It will just take forever and a day to move that much stone with it but hey, you may enjoy it!

I list them since they have 1,200 pound loader lift in a small package... and the are Yanmar : )

 

[Egon]

Buy an old full size backhoe at the best price you can locally of CL or FBM.
Do all your work with it.
When finished, sell it for same or more than you bought it.
Then buy tractor you need to maintain your property

Of course the used machine that’s affordable will have no mechanical issues will it?

 

[Hay Dude]

Of course the used machine that’s affordable will have no mechanical issues will it?

Not if you check it out before buying it, right??

I’m not saying something like the lights, fan, etc might not be broken, but pretty much start it up and test it out a little before buying should do the trick on an old 2WD backhoe.

Heck, I’ve had brand new equipment break in first few times of using it, too.