Multi-purpose backhoe

Hello all,

Are there any older backhoe models that can also run 3pt tractor implements? I guess I'm thinking about an older version of the Deere 110TLB, something that can do decent digging/loader lifting but can also do farm work (auguer, bush hogging, etc). when necessary.

Any specific brand/models to look for? Thanks

I'm no authority.
I've run across several models by International Harvester in the 1970s had that capability
Case 580E made some dual function models.
Every modern Compact Utility Tractor has that capability.
I'll bet you can buy a Tractor Loader Backhoe plus an older utility tractor for less money. First purchase for me was a 1961 International B275 with all the essential features to run a Bush Hog, Second was a John Deere 410 TLB. Combined, I was under $8600.

I'm pretty sure Kubota made some of those. The problem: Backhoes are heavy and mounting/dismounting one is a real pain in the butt. And that's BEFORE you get old.

They're right. Kubota has/had in its lineup a L-35 (if I recall) which moved to an L-48 and might now be replaced with a different one, including their larger "M" series.

Essentially you have a heavy duty TRACTOR that has a very sturdy mounted/integrated backhoe attachment that can be removed with some effort.

I once used the L-35 (I live on some hills). It is a Hydrostatic drive with a foot treadle. I went to change gear ranges once (first and last time) While on a fairly good incline.....tractor started to freewheel. To stop it, I had to put ALL my weight on the brakes, GRAB the steering wheel so I could put MORE pressure on them to hold the tractor in place while I got the range lever into place.

First & last time I've ever made that mistake!!

If you can swing both, you might consider getting an older industrial loader/backhoe and another machine, tractor of your choice. It sure comes in handy when you want to go from PTO work to backhoe work and don't have to reconfigure everything. Then again, you have more equipment, engines, fuel, maintainence..... so I get that part of the equation too.

Wife's cousin next door has a Deere ??? that has a subframe backhoe. It's only 15/20 minutes to get it on/off. It would be easier if he had a dedicated concrete pad to put it on instead of backing into his 'tent' and having to work within those confines but it's not too bad (he's 70 something....)

I'd have to agree with others on this thread. If you can swing it, get a dedicated TLB and then look for an older ag tractor. Trying to do it with a "do it all" machine will end with you putting off tasks just because you don't want to mess with dropping the hoe to pick up the bush hog. You'll also find with any kind of roadwork, having a backhoe and a tractor with an angle blade or box blade is a great combination. Older 2WD, open station tractors in the 40-60 hp range can be found relatively cheap.

My neighbor bought a backhoe for his Kubota. It isn't too awful to take on and off but i wouldn't want to do it as much as I switch between digging and mowing with my different tractors. Unlike the JD110 I think his retains the lift arms but I have only seen it one time so I can't swear to that.

The JD setup would be a real PITA having to remove the lift arms every time.

He could have probably bought an older model dedicated backhoe for what he spent on the attachment and sub frame.

In my world, I use the backhoe very frequently. Seldom is there time to plan ahead. I need it right away when I need it.

Hoe on a tractor is usually a small machine. Doing big jobs with a small machine is painfully slow!

We had a standby generator project, a house built on the very top of a hill. Only about 5' from the house to where it pitched downhill steeply. My Case 580K was just too wide. We couldn't back in on such a steep side hill. Borrowed a tiny Kubota to dig ditches for wiring & propane, and a hole for the underground tank. After two days doing what would normally take half a day, I gave in. I dug a trench for the uphill wheels, put the spoils under the downhill wheels. I was then able to back the 17000 LB backhoe all the way to do what I needed.

On another job, the out of state builder was building himself a vacation home. He rented an excavator to run his own power line. Power company standards are clear, conduit riser must be on the correct side of the pole, leaving the ground parallel to the pole, 8" away. Schedule 80 extends bottom of ditch to a height of 8'. These people had schedule 40 passing the pole, coming out of the ground a couple feet past the pole, nearly horizontal. Power company wouldn't connect. Our job was dig down beside this conduit to a depth of 46", far enough back to where it was required depth, cut the conduit, install a schedule 80 90 degree sweep & come up parallel with the pole. This is about 6 yards of dirt to remove, then replace after conduit work. We borrowed the same tiny Kubota. It took 6 hours to dig! The tiny hoe only had about 7' of reach. The spoils pile wanted to fall into the hole. We had to stop frequently to move the pile.

My son's father in law has a 35 HP Kubota with backhoe. As the hoe isn't always on it, he usually borrows a machine rather than put the hoe on.

While searching for my first TLB I found a Case 580E. Some of this model had a detachable hoe & three point hitch with PTO. I was impressed how easily the hoe mounted. This was a 15000 LB tractor, I think too heavy to be versatile as a field tractor.
Another was an older International 2414 detachable. It too was an easy removal.

Coytee said:

They're right. Kubota has/had in its lineup a L-35 (if I recall) which moved to an L-48 and might now be replaced with a different one, including their larger "M" series.

Essentially you have a heavy duty TRACTOR that has a very sturdy mounted/integrated backhoe attachment that can be removed with some effort.

I once used the L-35 (I live on some hills). It is a Hydrostatic drive with a foot treadle. I went to change gear ranges once (first and last time) While on a fairly good incline.....tractor started to freewheel. To stop it, I had to put ALL my weight on the brakes, GRAB the steering wheel so I could put MORE pressure on them to hold the tractor in place while I got the range lever into place.

Click to expand...

Realized a correction and couldn't find the edit button.

I inferred the Kubota L-35 was a hydrostatic machine. It is what they call a GST or Glide Shift Transmission. Hydraulically operated clutch packs as I recall.

Their later versions were / are hydrostatic. The one I used, L35 was the GST and that's the one that created a distinct mark in my pants when it started to freewheel.

Sorry for not being as clear as I could have been.....it's been 20+ years since I used it.