Matching backhoes to tractors

[canoetrpr]

I've got a L3400HST and I have pondered the many uses of a backhoe (after having been inspired by KiethInSpace and others projects here).

Next spring I plan to work on some landscaping.

One reason (along with $$) I have hesitated is that it is possible that I will look at going with one of the 3x40 Grand L's in the next couple of years. I'd prefer not to spend money on things that I might not be able to take with me there.

That said, I would be more than happy with the capability of the BH-80X or BH-75. My tasks are simple landscaping type stuff - flower beds, planting trees, digging a stump out. I don't really *need* a BH-90X type BH.

If I got a BH that matched my tractor (Woods BH-80X or Kubota BH-75) - more likely the Woods with a sub-frame, is this something I would be able to carry over to a 3x40 Grand L, or do those machines NEED a beefier BH even if my tasks don't call for it?

 

[mike69440]

If I got a BH that matched my tractor (Woods BH-80X or Kubota BH-75) - more likely the Woods with a sub-frame, is this something I would be able to carry over to a 3x40 Grand L, or do those machines NEED a beefier BH even if my tasks don't call for it?

The BH-80 Woods will work fine with a larger tractor.

7.5 is smallish but would work also.

 

[TalonDancer]

...If I got a BH that matched my tractor (Woods BH-80X or Kubota BH-75) - more likely the Woods with a sub-frame, is this something I would be able to carry over to a 3x40 Grand L, or do those machines NEED a beefier BH even if my tasks don't call for it?

My BH90 is very well matched to my Grand L3240. I am very happy I got it instead of the BH75. The weight nicely balances the HD bucket on the LA724 FEL. But the main reason is the BH90's _reach_, not depth for trenching so often emphasized in specs.

A smaller FEL/bucket just means more trips. You're moving the tractor the whole time you're doing FEL work anyway, so it really doesn't make as much difference as a smaller BH. It takes time to set up for each BH location. So a bigger BH, with a longer reach makes a bigger difference in work vs setup time.

BTW you would almost certainly need to purchase a different sub-frame for each model tractor. So moving the BH to your new tractor could be more expensive than selling your BH with your current tractor and buying a new one when the time comes.

FWIW the sub-frame of the BH90 is honkin' thick/heavy. Just the steel in the sub-frame is a fair bit of the cost of the BH90 vs BH75, etc.

Talon Dancer