Sub-Compact Implement Question

[Poopdeck Pappy]

I find uses for my backhoe on my BX23 all the time. Digging up stumps, digging out fence posts concreted in the ground, trenching, etc. A lot of things I've done with it are things I wouldn't have hired someone to do; rather, I would have just found a different (i.e., harder) way to do it.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

View the Messik's videos in Post #2. Neal Messick is a professional, I an amateur.
It would take me three days to type the T-L-B information Neal Messick conveys. :dance1:

Seems like you should be able to state the general concept in a couple of sentences. If you mean the tractor has all of the additional reinforcement to the frame already built in, and not as an option, so every model is ready to accept a backhoe, then Kubota is not the only brand that has this.

 

[PaulL2]

The BX is a small tractor. Kubota have decided that, unlike their other tractors, its not strong enough to take a backhoe reliably without reinforcement. That reinforcement is factory installed, of the BX models only the BX23s has it.

In other words, if you're buying a BX and you want a Kubota factory backhoe, you need to buy the BX23s.

Your other options are:
- get a different BX model (non-backhoe) and an after market 3ph backhoe. These aren't as strong or as well integrated, but for light use it works
- get a B2301/B2601 or larger B. They can have a backhoe installed later - they're strong enough
- get a different brand of tractor

In terms of what "well-integrated" means, Neil talks about it, basically it comes down to position. The factory backhoe bolts to the back of the tractor, and you swivel the main seat around. That also means a different ROPS to make room for the swivel. The end result of all that is the backhoe is close to the tractor, and less likely to drag on the ground when you go up ramps onto trailers or similar. That sounds a bit obscure, but it does actually make a difference to day to day use.

 

[zski128]

The Massey GC TLBs seem to have the easiest backhoe/implement swap procedure. He backhoe comes off in a few minutes and all the 3pt linkage is just folded up between. Nothing on the 3pt needs to be added/removed.

 

[newbury]

Greetings,

New to the forums and in the market for a sub-compact. I have a question about swapping rear implements. I was under the impression that going from backhoe to a 3-point implement was a fairly "easy" swap. Is this really the case or is it a much more involved swap? The backhoe, while a nice add-on is a little further down the chain that others. I also thought there wasn't much difference between the 2380 and 23S but I guess there is. So would it be more of an issue to get the 2380 and then add the backhoe later, or spring for the 23S? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Since you've posted 3 times about the same thing suggestion -
Tell us WHAT you want to do. Lawn work, dig ditches, clear a lot, move firewood.
WHERE you want to do it. Is it flat? Hills? Swamp? Parking lot or Mississippi brambles?
Are there any CRITICAL factors? Has to fit through a 5' gate? Needs to lift a ton? Needs to go through the woods?

Beware of stuff that is nice to have.

My neighbor gave me great advice when I considered getting a BH. 添ou are better off hiring out the amount of BH work you will ever do? That was 5 years ago. I have spent about $400 with a local contractor doing the BH work I have needed. YMMV....but think about where you will use it and how often.

Buying a larger tractor may be more rewarding than adding a BH that gets little use.

What don wrote.

Backhoes are nice expensive tools. They can have a lot of utility but often sit unused for years.

A BX is lawn tractor on steroids, it has zilch for ground clearance and should not go in the woods alone.

I've had 3 back surgeries, I bought a backhoe for my B7610 and have done several "jobs" I would not have attempted without one.

 

[shooterdon]

I find uses for my backhoe on my BX23 all the time. Digging up stumps, digging out fence posts concreted in the ground, trenching, etc. A lot of things I've done with it are things I wouldn't have hired someone to do; rather, I would have just found a different (i.e., harder) way to do it.

Maybe in your case, the investment was warranted....for some it is not.

I only have 20 acres. In the last six years, I had one stump to deal with on my lawn. It was 3’ in diameter. Maybe a BX BH would have done the job but I had it ground down for $150. Had one 125’ trench for a power line....cost $250.

My point is that the OP should evaluate his needs before making the investment in a BH. I have not priced a BH for the BX for a 5 years but they were expensive. In my case, going up in tractor weight and loader capacity was far more important than having a BH.

BTW, in my area, I see a few BX and JD 1 series with FEL, BH, and mmm for sale and the BH’s look like new. In every case, they are selling them to get a bigger tractor. Here, a snowblower will get a lot more use....135” a year. Texas...not so much. We all have different needs and one size does not fit all.

 

[JK22]

I’m very happy I got the factory backhoe on my BX25D-1. I have 5 acres and use it pretty frequently. Removed stumps/roots from scrub oak, dug several trenches, and removed several boulders that a danger to my mower blades that appeared to be small rocks on the surface, but ended up being very large boulders beneath the surface. The cost in my area to pay someone else for a backhoe is around $200 for transport (each way) and $125 an hour for the operator. I have no regrets. I probably would have found fewer projects, but I like the ability to do it myself.

Removing the backhoe on my machine gets easier with practice. I think I read it’s easier on the new models.

 

[check]

Absolutely get the 23S. It is a new version with FEL and BH that are very easy to remove and replace.

I have the 2008 version this tractor, and I use the backhoe a lot, and I am amazed at what it can do.

With respect to the three point hitch, you do have to remove it when you put the backhoe on, but it only takes about 10 minutes to put back on when you need to use it. Also, you can get a quick attach feature for the Backhoe bucket, which I use to put my ripper tooth on when I need to dig a narrow trench, or to go to dig out a stump, cutting the roots.

 

[AHNC]

When I was looking at BX's I made the decision that if I needed a BH I could hire/rent and therefore went with the 2660 and was very pleased with it. In my case that was an incorrect decision, but it worked out for me. My daughter had a client leaving town in a hurry and I picked up a 250hr BX23 for $3500. Having two is great, but I find uses for the BH all the time...as do my friends and previously mentioned daughter, and I don't have to wait for someone to show up or to haul the rental up here. In addition to digging I've added a bucket hook and sling material all the time. If I was starting from scratch I'd go with the BH.

 

[JFoy]

What does that mean???

The BH is a lot of weight and using it adds more pressure to the tractor. Thus, a "sub frame" is added which is essentially reinforcement for the weight. On the BX series, the sub frame is built in but on the B series, it can be removed when the BH is not in use. Further, when the B series has the subframe installed, the MMM can't raise as high above the 4in mark versus the BX. So, with the BX, the subframe is "integrated" into the body already.