Backhoe Which Backhoe for 790?

[DWCox]

I have received excellent input from folks on this site, so I thought I would pose the following question in order to gather some collective experience/wisdom:

In the spring I am strongly considering adding a backhoe to my 05 JD 790. I am aware of the need for the power-beyond kit, as well as the reasons for choosing one that has its own sub-frame mount as opposed to a three-point hitch. What I am uncertain about is which manufacturer provides the best dollar to value offering. My application needs are pretty straightforward--digging foundation footers, excavation for retaining walls, trenching for water and electric lines, digging up large stones, as well as taking out moderate sized stumps.

JD makes a dedicated model (#7 I believe) for the 790. It's capabilities looked good, but in comparison to others seemed a bit on the weak side in comparison to others. Woods makes a model (BX70X), which looks very nice and has some pretty impressive capabilities. Likewise, Befco has a model (511), which has some of the strongest specs I have seen out of all of the models.

I have not decided whether to buy new or used (though I definitely would not want one with heavy hours). Does anyone have any thoughts on which of these models they would prefer, and why?

Thanks.

 

[RobS]

I have a #7 and that is the only one I know. It's a great little machine. One thing important to me is the ease of removal/installation as I don't use the backhoe all that often. The #7 mounts and dis-mounts so easily that I leave it on all summer so it can stay in the garage with the tractor. I remove it every time I mow, it's that easy.

Your list of applications are well within the #7's capabilities. Only the stumps may prove a challenge, but that's the case with any backhoe!

 

[AKfish]

The #7 BH mounting system looks nearly identical to the framework on my old, JD 8A backhoe. I was always amazed at the capabilities of that implement! John Deere engineered a very structurally strong and stable piece of equipment - IMO.

That said; if I were considering other competing implement brands - I'd pay close attention to the design and use the #7 as the benchmark that other's would need to meet or exceed.

Best of luck.

AKfish

 

[YesDeere]

I would definetly stick with John Deere on this one. Its engineered specificly for that tractor.Mine seems bullet proof and has done everything within reason. Onand off is a snap. Just sucks because everyone wants to use it. Cover it up and let no one know you have it.

 

[Willl]

I have a 3-point Bradco 3265 on my 790.

No complaints yet.

 

[Muxster]

I have the Woods Bx-70. My JD dealer recommended it over the JD hoe. It's more beefy than the JD and the big selling point is its thumb. That makes all the difference in the world with digging out stumps and ripping out brush. It has a full frame for the 790 and can be quickly disconnected. I put mine on dollies when off to make it easy to move around.

It's very easy to install the power beyond and the sub-frame. I did it all myself without any help.

See my pictures...

 

[Muxster]

Here are some pictures of the BH-70X 790 sub-frame and the hoe dismounted.

 

[splintair]

I was researching this today, @ johndeere.com; attachments. For me, the most affordable and 3-pt, is the #7.

 

[deereguy]

My Woods 750 3pt Backhoe came off of a John Deere 770 before I bought it. the previous owner used the combination to install septic tanks and leech beds (he didn't use a subframe). I think I got it for under $3500, it has slop in some joints but it has over 1500 hours of use.

 

[decatur770]

I am considering the Woods BH70X for a early '90 JD 770. According to the dealer, and Woods, they did not produce a sub-frame kit for the JD770 - though they did for the JD790. The kit for the JD790 is 100-17-70. I understand that the 790 is essentially the same as the 770, but can anyone confirm that the BH70X with the JD790 subframe will also fit a 770? Thanks for any advice.