I've been toying with the idea of getting a backhoe for ages. The first point is that I don't really need one.
It's just an itch that I want to scratch.
I thought of getting a 3pt or sub-frame mounted unit but I'm also really lazy and am not going to want to hook it up and un hook it all the time. They are expensive ($5K-$8K) for something I don't really need. I also think that they have to be annoying when it comes to moving the tractor around as you are facing the wrong way.
I saw a skid steer backhoe today similar to the following:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_519694_519694
Now for $1400 plus the stuff I need to make my loader Skid Steer compatible and maybe the remote hydraulics or even a PTO pump with long hoses (~$1000).
This looks like a useful little tool for digging the occasional ditch and it seems much easier to hook up than the three point (once the loader is skidsteer compatible).
What am I missing? Why does it seem no one else has done this?
Are tractor loaders too flimsy? I'm not planning on doing heavy duty excavation, just digging the occasional trench or hole.
Thoughts?
It's just an itch that I want to scratch.
I thought of getting a 3pt or sub-frame mounted unit but I'm also really lazy and am not going to want to hook it up and un hook it all the time. They are expensive ($5K-$8K) for something I don't really need. I also think that they have to be annoying when it comes to moving the tractor around as you are facing the wrong way.
I saw a skid steer backhoe today similar to the following:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_519694_519694
Now for $1400 plus the stuff I need to make my loader Skid Steer compatible and maybe the remote hydraulics or even a PTO pump with long hoses (~$1000).
This looks like a useful little tool for digging the occasional ditch and it seems much easier to hook up than the three point (once the loader is skidsteer compatible).
What am I missing? Why does it seem no one else has done this?
Are tractor loaders too flimsy? I'm not planning on doing heavy duty excavation, just digging the occasional trench or hole.
Thoughts?