New L3130 with Loader and Backhoe???

[Evaluator]

Guy's

I have been evaluating the purchase of a L3130 with a loader and backhoe. What I am finding is that dealers are hesitant to mix different brands of loader and backhoe due to the subframes not matching. My dilema...

I like the LA723 loader but the Kubota backhoe's leave a little to be desired. There are numerous reports of problems with the BH75 and BH90. The 4690 is a three-point only with no subframe, which is a concern.

I like the Bush Hog brand backhoe (BH750) and like the BH 2045 loader pretty well. It don't fit the tractor as well as the Kubota loader. I can get this combination at the best price.

I also looked at the Woods; however, the dealer and I could not come to agreement on the terms. The Woods loader and backhoe combination was about $2500 - $3000 higher than the Bush Hog brand. His price on the tractor was $1500 higher than my Bush Hog dealer.

Has anyone had any problems mixing brands? I see a lot of Woods backhoes with LA723 Kubota loaders. Were the tractors purchased new with this combination? Has the mixed combination worked well? My dealer indicates that mixing may cause warranty issues.

My plan is likely to proceed with the Bush Hog loader and backhoe. Does anyone have this combination? If so, has it worked adequately?

Your assistance is appreciated. I plan to make a final decision and purchase this week.

Thanks,

NB

 

[pgmmaf]

I know we're both looking at similar setups. I ended up ordering the following combination last week: 3430HST + LA723 + Woods BH-90X + 72" Woods cutter and 72" rear blade. I shopped a couple of dealers and found that the prices were pretty similar, so I ended up going to the one closest (45 miles). They had a number of Kubotas on the lot with Woods BHs attached and really feel they are a better product, especially with the thumb option. I asked them point blank about warranty issues using non-Kubota equipment but they said no problem. Since this is where I would go for service, this gives me some comfort.

The other dealer was resolute that it should be all Kubota or I would have no warranty and would wait forever for any non-Kubota parts. It reminded me much more of a car sales operation and I registered many more hits on my internal BS-meter ;-)

Just waiting for delivery now...it's going to be a couple weeks yet.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Have L3130GST with LA723 loader and Bradco 408 backhoe with subframes everything matches up good and hookup is not too bad. Dealer set everthing up and uses tractor hydraulics for power.
David

 

[jd_318]

I have a L3130 which is equipped with the LA723 FEL. I just got finished installing a Woods subframe for the Woods BH9000 I recently purchased. About 4 hours later I had it installed and the backhoe fits like a glove. I'm using a PTO pump for backhoe power (no contamination of the high dollar SUDT). Woods makes good stuff. If its a new purchase I would buy what the dealer will warranty.

 

[_RaT_]

Guy's

I have been evaluating the purchase of a L3130 with a loader and backhoe. What I am finding is that dealers are hesitant to mix different brands of loader and backhoe due to the subframes not matching. My dilema...

I like the LA723 loader but the Kubota backhoe's leave a little to be desired. There are numerous reports of problems with the BH75 and BH90. The 4690 is a three-point only with no subframe, which is a concern.

I like the Bush Hog brand backhoe (BH750) and like the BH 2045 loader pretty well. It don't fit the tractor as well as the Kubota loader. I can get this combination at the best price.

I also looked at the Woods; however, the dealer and I could not come to agreement on the terms. The Woods loader and backhoe combination was about $2500 - $3000 higher than the Bush Hog brand. His price on the tractor was $1500 higher than my Bush Hog dealer.

Has anyone had any problems mixing brands? I see a lot of Woods backhoes with LA723 Kubota loaders. Were the tractors purchased new with this combination? Has the mixed combination worked well? My dealer indicates that mixing may cause warranty issues.

My plan is likely to proceed with the Bush Hog loader and backhoe. Does anyone have this combination? If so, has it worked adequately?

Your assistance is appreciated. I plan to make a final decision and purchase this week.

Thanks,

NB

My local Kubota dealer pretty much always installs the Kubota loader and a Woods hoe on the Kubota tractors he sells unless the customer requests differently. He said you just get more for your money going that route.

 

[dcondo]

Bought a new 3130DT w/723 loader and Woods 9000 BH w/subframe this past spring. Dealer set everything up and everything works great. The BH works off of the tractor hydraullics; gives me all the power I want and then some. There was very little contamination in the hydraullic fluid when I did my 50 hr service. When I was shopping, the dealer said that there was little difference between the Kubota BH 90 and the Woods 9000. I just felt the Woods was a little better piece of equipment. I had no warranty issues.

 

[pgmmaf]

The Woods 9000 and BH-90X seem to be very similar specification apart from the curved boom on the BH-90X. I wonder why they offer both

 

[L3130]

I have a BH90 backhoe and L723 loader on my L3130 HST and have no problems with mine. Had it for a year now. I think the issues were with the BH75 hoes.

 

[Evaluator]

I appreciate the responses and I agree that mixing is not the end of the world. Couple of questions:

Does the backhoes without the pumps operate slow? Do you have to have the tractor RPM's pretty high for the backhoe to function properly? I would prefer not to have to pay for a pumb but I understand that pump driven backhoes can operate well at lower RPM's.

My dealer don't like mixing. The Bush Hog is a good loader and it will do all I need for it to do. The problem is that I like the Kubota loaders better. They just fit the tractor better, it appears to me.

I just evaluate things too much...

Evaluator...

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Not having alot of hours using a hoe running the L3130 around 2000 rpm gives enough flow on the Bradco 408 that it moves a little quick for my skills at this time. You need to look at gpm the hoe wants and what the pumps will give at what rpm and decide if that extra tank and pump are needed. For ocasional use the tractor hydraulics are fine for me.
David

 

[machmeter62]

EVALUATOR---I faced the same problem in 1978 on my new Kubota 295DT for the hydraulics for the backhoe, and decided the PTO pump was best for not contaminating the tractors system, but I also have a three speed PTO, which was standard in that year. It is the 9' Kubota model, and using 3rd on the PTO, and 1100 RPM on the tractor, gives me the correct speed and all the power of the hoes capability, with very little noise. I suggest if you want a reduction in noise and fuel consumption, see if you can match it with a bigger PTO pump by determining the hoes fluid requirement/minute and calculate the RPM required. It is a pleasure to use, with little noise and little fuel consumption. Even trying the hoe in all three gears had no effect on the power of the hoe; just the speed of the hoe. Just my thoughts. Good luck.

 

[machmeter62]

I also need to mention that my hoe came suitable for either system, and had the tank intergrated below the seat. The down side of the PTO pump requires a little more effort to remove the hoe from the tractor, which could become a PITA, if you switch implements often.

 

[Evaluator]

I am still evaluating but do appreciate helpful the responses. I wish I could work a deal with a dealer that sells Woods brand backhoes. However, this has not happened. For the same L3130 tractor and LA 723 loader, the Woods dealers (2 of them) want $1300 more plus more for the backhoe. I have even considered buying the tractor and loader now and buying the Woods backhoe from a different dealer later. Not quite to this point yet...

I have made an offer on a L3130, LA723 loader, and Bush Hog BH750 backhoe with subframe and pump. I believe that the Bush Hog is comperable in quality to the Woods and would appreciate any comments on this. Dealer says that he don't like mixing but will try if I prefer. The Bush Hog 2045 loader is a good one but I just like the LA723 loader better.

I have a call into Bush Hog to ask their opinion. We will see what kind of response I get.

Thanks for all the guidance...

NB

 

[machmeter62]

EVFALUATOR----First of all, is the Bush Hog 750, a 7'-6" hoe? If it is, I would think over, and even sleep on it! There maybe situations in the future where you need the 9' footer model. Everytime I use mine, I thank the "lucky stars" for my decision, and going with the bigger one, even though I was financially strapped at that time. I put in the septic system for our new home for example, and would had to contract the job out, or hand dug the last two feet for two, 3000 gal. tanks! There was many other issues where it was need also, in the "cherry picker mode to get more reach! If you can make it happen now, go for it, you won't be sorry!!!===LEE

 

[Evaluator]

It is a 7.5ft backhoe and I am considering a larger one. The report I hear on the Kubota BH90 is that it is slow and there have been problems with it. Although not as bad as the BH75, still some problems. The concensus is to buy Woods. I get the impression that I can mix a LA723 loader with a Woods backhoe without any problems. Others have done it.

I am reconsidering and may even buy a tractor and loader now and add a backhoe later. Something a guy at work told me has stuck with me. Buy the best loader you can get and get a tractor to match...I am allowing the backhoe drive my decision on the primary piece of equipment that I started out looking for...

The dealers reservations over mixing makes the process more difficult. Taking one unknown out of the equation makes it easier...

 

[machmeter62]

EVALUATOR: I still have my Kubota original backhoe/loader on my 78' L295DT, and can't part with it because some of my property is only accessable with it, because the ROPS factor, which wasn't available, or required in 78'. I can't prune the Coastal Oak Trees to access a creek because of county restrictions, wanting the large branches to protect the creek watershed. During the summer months, I am able to get the L295DT to an area that is becoming an erosion problem. I have to shore up a high bank with large stones and sandbags. In 95', I purchased an L-35 TLB, and it has a Kubota backhoe that is awesome, which speaks for Kubota implements in general. However, I can't get the L-35 there, because of the tall canopy (FOPS). Kubota stands behind their products, and if there is an issue, they will correct it, if proven defective, and under warranty? I also think they test all there components, thoroughly? I have worked all my tractors to their capacity, but I also take care of them, without any issues. But, if I was buying a backhoe for a L3130, I would lean towards that Woods 9000 without a doubt. I think you are making the right decisions, go with the best!!

 

[machmeter62]

EVALUATOR: I would stay with the KUBOTA L3130, and also the LA 723 loader, you are getting a great tractor, and by adding a Kubota loader will retain more resale value in the future. When time and financing permits, shop around and find a competitive dealer, purchase the hoe, and the components, which comes on a pallet, load it in a pickup, or a trailer, and install it yourself. That's what I did; it doesn't take "rocket science" to install, and a few basic tools will do the job, just follow the directions, which are included, if these dealers are trying to bleed your finances?? If that doesn't work, find someone with basic mechanical knowledge to help you, and pay him. For the $1300 gouging you could hire a crew, and have a "crew celebration" with the savings after the job was completed, and still pocket a lot of money!