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Backhoes While a front end loader is designed primarily for lifting and moving material, the backhoe is designed for digging below ground level. Digging trenches, removing stumps, planting trees are perfectly suited to a backhoe. Backhoes are one of the more expensive attachments for a tractor. Backhoes are also one of the most useful attachments to a tractor. Because of the initial expense of a backhoe we often recommend our customers rent a tractor loader backhoe if they only have one or two projects to do. We have several rental excavators and tractor loader backhoes available. There are several ways to attach a backhoe to a tractor. Kubota offers the BX23, B21, L35 and L48 tractor loader backhoes. All of these units were designed from the start to have backhoes. The backhoes are designed specifically for each model and the tractors have reinforced subframes to strengthen the chassis. In addition these tractors do not require a second seat to operate the backhoe. If backhoe work is going to be a primary use these are excellent choices. Many aftermarket companies and OEM manufactures offer three point hitch backhoes. We do not recommend three point hitch-mounted backhoes on compact tractors. The backhoe can place excess stress on the three point hitch and the tractor chassis. Most compact tractors were not designed to have a backhoe. Using a backhoe on the three point hitch can bend the three point hitch or break the tractor in half. In order to minimize stress on the tractor we recommend using a subframe-mounted backhoe. From our experience we have found the Woods backhoe and subframe combination works best. The subframe mounts to the rear axle and at the loader frame. This reinforces the entire tractor chassis when using a backhoe. The subframe on a Woods backhoe comes off easily with the backhoe. Kubota (BH90) and Woods (BH7500 and BH9000) backhoes are now available with a four-point mount for the Grand L-30 series tractors. At this time, both Kubota and Woods are expanding the four-point mount to other models of tractors. This set up allows the front half of the subframe to remain attached to the tractor. When the backhoe is removed the rear half of the subframe unhooks near the rear axle and allows for three point hitch operation. This style mount also allows faster and easier attachment and removal of the backhoe. The operator does not need to crawl under the tractor to install and remove the subframe and the operator can look over the rear of the tractor and see the attachment points. To make your backhoe more versatile we recommend a thumb. The thumb opposes the bucket and allows the operator to pick up logs, brush and rocks, which will not fit in the bucket. Thumbs are available in mechanical or hydraulic actuation. The mechanical thumb is more affordable and works well. The hydraulic thumb allows the operator to change angles and retract or extend the thumb with out leaving the seat. Whatever your needs may be please visit "The Friendly Folks" and find out what backhoe will be best suited to your needs. |