BUYERS GUIDE: Watch this before Buying the Backhoe!! [BH77] [Kubota L-Series]

[@braddow3475]

I bought a bh77 last year with my new LX3310 tractor and paid 8000 for it and around 850 for the subframe! This was my first tractor and had 0 experience with tractors before this! The Lx is about 400 pounds lighter than your L and it really does pull me around when I’m pulling hard! You can do a lot of work with these backhoes but they do have a short reach when you compare them to a mini x! In my area up here in the northwest I have a thin layer of top soil and then I hit clay, river type rock, hard sandstone that you have to scrape away at it but the bh77 will go through it all. My neighbor has a Large JD backhoe and he has trouble digging through this same stuff but he does move more dirt then I do! I should tell you Kody that your channel is one of my go to channels that I used to determine what tractor I should buy for my 3 acre property!

[@utubota5522]

I have the BH77 on the L2501. I converted to a tilt deck trailer to avoid the pivot pin dragging on the pavement. I added a thumb that I made myself, with hydraulics. I did not want a fixed thumb, and I did not want to spend thousands on a backhoe. It works great. I made a bulkhead for the rear hydraulics (again home made), and relocated the power beyond fitting. This solved the hydraulic line problem when the backhoe is not attached. You are correct; the backhoe will raise the rear of the tractor, and the backhoe will easily move the tractor around, even with the outriggers down. I like the backhoe, and use it and the thumb to move boulders. I have the standard 16" bucket, and considered getting a trenching bucket. Others had said that the trenching bucket clogs and quickly becomes worthless. The swing function is pretty weak, but the other hydraulics seem to work as necessary. The curl is the strongest, and the dipper next. My dealer would love to buy my backhoe and frame. Apparently demand is exceeding supply.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

I’ll have to look into that! Thanks for the comment!

[@brentcornell3811]

I have one, be sure you have a great service center. My BH77 had faulty oil pump from factory. Kubota gave me 1 year additional warranty for my problems. Compare cost to purchase over cost of renting, you can rent a lot for $10,000 .00 and won't have repair bills if something breaks. I have used this to remove over 100 stumps, between 10 to 24 inches, and dig drain field. Not much use, 4 weeks of work but getting good use from it. Lines leaked, pump failure, lost time because repair can only be done with it attached to tractor, so your without tractor and backhoe for duration of repairs. This adds hours to your tractor and backhoe, repairs require testing and use of this equipment so trust your service center.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

That stinks!!

[@jamisoncurtis2387]

For 7 going on 8 years having a 1025r with a backhoe. The lil machine has done a good job for me so far. For bigger jobs got dads 1974 JD 410 backhoe. Been plenty of times the smaller backhoe was ideal an others where dads full size filled the bill.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Loved my 1025r just a little small for the property!

[@Patty-qh3lm]

I have the B2650 with that backhoe and I love it! I use it to lift things in and out of my truck ,like a generator. I've dug trenches and removing huge tree stumps by spinning them out of the hole when they are too heavy to pick up. I've removed rocks and buried huge rocks. I use it to hold up logs for cutting with the thumb and it can pull you out of places if you get stuck and the stabilizers can lift up the rear for adding tire chains. I only take it off for snowplowing because it is a bit heavy and takes away steering traction on ice but I do drive more responsibly without it because it's my security blanket if I get stuck in a ditch. I love this thing!!!

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Awesome! They are great tools for sure!

[@profdave2861]

Good review but I think it’s important to remember that tractor backhoes are “compromise” devices. The negative items are quite common with any tractor and backhoe attachment, with some variation of course between brands and backhoe models. I have a Kubota L4060 cab with the BH92 backhoe. It has a few minor compromises but even though it was really expensive, I have used it not only for me, but also to help others, and I have absolutely no regrets. I’m not sure if the BH77 has a hydraulic thumb option but I have the hydraulic version on my BH92. It too was expensive but having had it now for 2 years, I don’t know what I’d do without it!

[@jonathanlemire2797]

The BH77 only comes with a mechanical thumb. I'll install a hydraulic cylinder in the original mounts on mine, hook another set of valves, and make my own hydraulic thumb.

[@tripacer8259]

@@jonathanlemire2797 I have an extra valve just for that!

[@circuitbreaker9001]

I have the BH77 on my B2650. It works great for me and I use it for everything. I made a hydraulic thumb to replace the mech. one. I even used it to lift tree poles so I could cut with the saw at working height. My only issue is that having a cab I cannot reach the loader control to move it. So i have to get in the cab all the time to move it. Ok when i have helper that can move it for me so i can stay on the hoe. Have overcome the dragging of the tractor. Don't dig so deep. Take smaller depth cuts. Not a issue with the rocks.

[@maureenfrances2927]

Good video it helped me alot

[@markh6885]

He mentioned the hydraulic line bumping into the 3 point link when backhoe is off. I wrapped mine around the roll bar.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Good thought!

[@markcole6475]

I have a 3 point back hoe on my Kubota 3902! Much older kubota back hoe but got it for a good price ( needed some repair) I mostly use it for removing Stumps and I have a trench to dig at some point …. It’s convenient having a 3 point design and I also use it with my quick attach! Probably not the best set up but I can usually get it hooked up in 10 minutes or less! I’ll probably add some bracing from the rear axle housing to the loader frame this summer before I use it anymore! Just some added support! Good video! I agree …there’s always draw backs with most attachments

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Thanks for the comment! The old adage, any backhoe is still better than a shovel! LOL

[@Sventy11]

Got a bx23s. That thing gets moved around pretty easily. It's my first machine but I love it. Honestly the swivel seat gets annoying. I sometimes wish it had two seats.

[@DominicRichens]

Agree, don't like the swivel seat, hard to switch around, especially when you switch between digging and repositioning the tractor every 5 minutes. I tend to leave it facing forward, kneeling on it to work the backhoe.

[@TodayIWorkOn]

I agree. Swivel seat is very annoying. I would take 2 different seats on my BX 100% over the swivel.

[@gerlandkent6377]

[thank, you for you're video.👍 just, bought a case ck. 530 diesel Backhoe. never operated a Backhoe ever. I've. always wanted one. now I've. got one. now, I just need to start learning how to operate it.]👍

[@georgespangler1517]

I have the L35 Kubota with BT900 hoe and 720 loader, it's a great machine, almost 12 foot reach and all the power I've needed.

[@lcee6592]

Nice accurate description of the backhoe. I have the B77 (love it!) on a B2650. I’m not a professional equipment operator by no means but Im guessing all backhoes will move, lift, push/pull a tractor around. Most of the time it’s operating technique that helps keep the tractor planted… still learning! You might check on getting the “B” series rotating seat mount for your tractor. (or the whole seat) it might be a bolt on that would give you more room. I’m no 6’ plus but I have plenty of floor space. For those that don’t like turning the seat around and around, yes it can be a pain! But when digging a trench line , you don’t have to turn the seat. Use the backhoe to move the tractor. (Only on level ground by the way) Lift the FEL off the ground, raise outriggers up 3-5” off ground. Open the bucket, pull dipper in about 1/2-3/4 way, lower boom till the bucket is against ground then extend the dipper which will push the tractor forward. (Because the backhoe operates in an arc, you might lift the rear tires off the ground ) Of course you will want steer the tractor as you move. Then set your FEL, outriggers and start digging where you left off. Bonus: if y’all haven’t figured it out already, you can move the rear of the tractor side to side without getting off too. 🚜

[@keithrayeski6417]

Some comparison observations; I do not own a kubota. I have a 2022 Kioti CX 2510. The subframe on the Kioti is up higher…it runs along the actual frame rails of the tractor. I also have a grapple which adds a third function set of hydraulic connections that are lower but, if you are talking just backhoe, clearances are not an issue. Also, the operator station has the separate seat but the station is very generous and spacious so the seat is the benefit of not having to being lifted and swiveling every time you move a few feet to adjust your dig. Now, back to clearance…yes, care does have to be exercised when any change of elevation is in your travel path. If you try to go up or down with any measurable change…the backhoe frame at can drag in that direction. Personally, I could not imagine buying a tractor without a backhoe!

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

I may be purchasing a Kioti in the future to further compare. I hear that they are fantastic machines!

[@keithrayeski6417]

@@CarolinaEarthWerx thus far, I am extremely pleased 👍🏻!

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

How has their customer service been?

[@keithrayeski6417]

@@CarolinaEarthWerx I can’t fairly assess that. The 100 hour service I did myself. CUSTOMER service, this is a family owned and operated business that has a positive relationship within the community and area. So they try their level best because they deal with families and repeat sales. Supply however, is difficult. I’m still waiting on my grapple, cutting edge and R14 tires since June! I’m sure eventually it’ll all get here and the Ryan family will treat me right with pickup, install and return but I’m still not getting things done I wanted and expected to get done before snow flies.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Fair enough! supply chain issues I think are the forever excuse now a days lol

[@dr.thunder4845]

One will be delivered to me in a couple days, I'm excited.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Best of luck with it!

[@edenfieldjared0]

thanks for your time and honesty. This video was helpful

[@davehudson4607]

Just saw you in the seat, you really should check out the Kioti. I’m your height, and a bigger man, I am comfortable in both seats with my Kioti CK 4010.

[@rquinsey1]

Thanx for your opinion video. I was wonder some of the issues about losing ground clearance, and since I just purchased the same set-up today, I will know it wasn't only me who thought that; but, I was reassured by what you said on the the positive sides of the equipment. Best to you - keep up the straight forward videos.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Thank you! Best of luck with it!

[@marcsally3005]

Good job on the video. Interesting, in one of your reply messages, that you now would rather have spent the money on a mini X.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Yes a mini x would be a better investment than the backhoe for this. The backhoe is useful but a mini x is more capable

[@acihawaii]

I am a Plumber and plan to dig up and replace old sewer-pipe, say 4-12 inches Also responsible for covering pipe and grass. B2601 ....? Also bought a Small farm 3 1/2 acres What do you think???

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Mini X will be your best bet but these 2501 -3901 models are also good if you want a bunch of versatility

[@jarodwaite7509]

I’m thinking about one for tree work. Tossing logs around with the thumb. How do tell think it would work for that type of job?

[@kennhurt5636]

Where did you purchase your unit? What was your total price

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Cheyenne WY, I discuss the entire price in the kubota first look video! Hope this helps

[@davehudson4607]

Kubota are great, but consider the Kioti CK Series. They’re a great little tractor, a little better weight capability than the Kubota.

[@brentcornell3811]

I got BH77 Backhoe and didn't even get 25 hours on before seals blew out! Lost all hydraulic oil.Then a crack in case iron hydraulic pump. Yes, backhoe works but I didn't even make 2 payments on mine, could not get replacement, lost a month of work waiting for parts and repairs. It's been over a year and still don't have pads for the concrete pads for outriggers. What you may not know is the equipment pick up and delivery is not warranty. KUBOTA does not offer anything for your troubles.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

That stinks!! Did not know that about pickup and delivery. I haven’t had to bring mine back yet and I trailered it home. Hope it gets sorted out for ya!

[@RickActual]

Great review. Thank you.

[@clyderose]

What is the actual clearance on this with the BH & subframe? I can’t seem to find a spec on that, but am looking at a Deere vs. a Kubota right now and the Deere clearance was a bit disappointing at about 7”. If this is around there, then I guess it’s a level playing field. Not sure it’ll even be an issue, but trying to at least know what I’m getting into. Thanks!

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

It’s more than 7” I’d say 12-14” on the kubota! I haven’t ran into an issue with it dragging on anything before. Hope this helps.

[@clyderose]

It helps greatly thank you!

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

@clyderose take a look at koiti too, won’t pay as much for the name!

[@tripacer8259]

I just bought a Woods BH75 for my Kubota B3200 and it arrives Friday!! The Kubota dealer here wanted way, way too much for a Kubota BH77 and from what I've found out it's as good or better than Kubota. I guess time will tell.....

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Let me know how it goes!

[@tripacer8259]

@@CarolinaEarthWerx I will! I'm super pumped, waited and saved many years to get this. I have a B3200 and it should be perfect for it.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Congrats!!

[@mikel9567]

We have a John Deere 410L backhoe at my work. All backhoes are going to move around on you when you dig. Nothing you can do about it. I just purchased the 2501 with the bh77 on it. Looking forward to getting it.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

You will enjoy it. This isn’t a bashing video on the BH77 just something to think about. In retrospect, I would have saved the 8500$ and bought a mini X. Would have been better suited for me.

[@davidkettell5726]

@@CarolinaEarthWerx Really $60000 ?

[@cfrahmy8008]

What size bucket is on your backhoe in this video?

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

That’s a 24” bucket

[@davidnewsome8105]

Great backhoe!! Period. As far as your leg room I am much bigger guy than you and here is what you need to do. First go back to your dealership and ask the salesman to see if they have any unused seat bottoms laying around somewhere.( This is what your seat attaches to - to keep it on the tractor.) Have him or her look for one that has a sliding mechanism like you have in front seat of a car. More than likely he will have many because my dealer had piles of the laying around. You will have to drill a few new holes in the new sliding seat mechanism so it will bolt up to your seat but this one thing will give you a few inches. Second look up under your seat where it is bolted to the backhoe itself and you should see another set of hole predrilled from the factory to give you another inch or two. Unbolt the base of the seat and move back to other set or holes and retighten. Now you have gained either 3 or 4 inches in total leg room. Last if you are like me and still better but still need just a bit more room, look at the cradle on your tractor subframe and you can just add another cradle to that one and that my friend moves the backhoe out to make even me comfortable. ( That one does cost a bit but well worth it. Hope this helps.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

That’s a great idea! I’ll have to look into that! Thanks!

[@marcinskim4829]

Hello, where did you buy after market thumb for the backhoe?

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

That is the OEM thumb from Kubota

[@JohnDoe-zz3hj]

IDK, paid $3500 for my harbor freight trencher pull behind a pk up trk. works fine but I havnt figure out how to attack to the 3 pt hitch yet,,, You missed the BIGGEST downfall why many wont buy that junk, not made in merika like my chinese trencher. parts assembled in merika. Satire ..

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

AHHAA

[@2600NorthOutdoors]

Harbor freight????? Must not be too serious bout your work Hoss

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

🤣🤣

[@allenjones4862]

can't you detach it easily or is it bolt on? I would imagine there are different subframe setups right?

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Come on and off in a matter of minutes. Quick attach/detach

[@AUDIOMIND]

Where'd you get the thumb aftermarket?

[@bridgetrobertson7134]

Does it come with a bucket or do you have to buy it separate? I would have asked my dealer but you know, that "4 day weekend"...

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

It comes with a 12” bucket

[@dr.thunder4845]

I have the same thing , and I found that the Back Hoe seat can be adjusted up a little, which makes it a little more comfortable . I like mine also.

[@eugenepolgar2345]

Is that a. Kubota or aftermarket toolbox on your L-series? I have not seen one of those before, I have the little plastic one that came with my L-2501

[@utubota5522]

I have the factory plastic tool box. It does an adequate job, but I would prefer something more durable, and maybe a little larger. Please post if you find a good alternative; I would be interested in doing another mod. Thanks

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Look at my ammo can tool box video!

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Look at my ammo can tool box video!

[@TF856]

All thumbs are mechanical weather they are manual or hydraulic! About the only things that it is not are organic or electronic!

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Technicality! You know exactly what I mean though.

[@TF856]

@@CarolinaEarthWerx that's true, I do, but I think that people that read these should get accurate information. Just like a lot of videos that refer to a backhoe as a bulldozer, etc. It's also true that a lot of heavy equipment operators call a lot of machines by the wrong name all the time which they shouldn't. As professionals they should know better and call things by the right name and use the right terminology. Not every skip loader is a Fergie, not every high lift it's a JLG, not very metal storage container is a connex, not every skid steer is a bobcat, etc, etc. Just like not every four wheel drive is a Jeep, not every motorhome is a Winnebago, not every facial tissue is a kleenex, not every car is a ford, not every truck is a Chevy, etc, etc, etc.

[@BRENT3143945]

Branson 2515h was 13k cheaper then the kabuta l series with same options

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

It is nice to have options right!!

[@BRENT3143945]

@@CarolinaEarthWerx 13k is kinda a game changer.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Personally I’d buy a kubota or kioti over a Branson and spend more money. But at the end of the day any tractor is better than a shovel and lambrofeeties

[@BRENT3143945]

@@CarolinaEarthWerx I had a Kabuta bx2200 but wanted something bigger

[@brandonw7865]

Good video. 9,500 is out of my budget considering I wouldn't use it a ton.

[@originalfallinggirl]

Would you recommend this to a smoker?

[@tommarsala3155]

the way it sits what did it cost?

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Look at the pricing video! But that was back in 2020

[@christiancowboy352]

The Truth is...All the small tractors are just too small and under powered unless digging in sand. My advice is to buy an older used backhoe over 60hp cheap. Then have your small tractor for other small jobs. Plus, the old backhoe with be able to carry logs, and do heavy jobs. That's what I'm doing

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

That’s a very good idea too!

[@mudhayakumar191]

We need a 2nd hand Kuboto tractor

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Check Facebook marketplace!

[@cascaderetriever7618]

Better to rent an excavator for $250. Having a backhoe that cost $9k and eliminates your ability to quickly swap 3 point implements is silly to me. The benefits of a tractor are its versatility.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

I would say it’s just as easy to attach and take off as any other implement. I would agree that a mini x is going to be way better than the backhoe itself

[@davidbennett620]

Our dealers want $12400 for the BH77 backhoe with subframe. I can buy an Ansung (same specs and color for $8000 out the door. I can buy a WoodMaxx 8ft for $6500. My point is Kubota is way overpriced. I can save $5-6,000 buying after-market. My first Kubota and I am already tired of their OVER-PRICED accessories.

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

I purchased this in 2020 so pricing was a lot cheaper. But I agree, kubota is overpriced.

[@rayocaballo6122]

Wow slow moving sign I’d never buy a Kubota

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Why not?

[@rayocaballo6122]

I was being sarcastic

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

@rayocaballo6122 why though? Your comment makes no sense

[@TF856]

Don't 😃😁😉🙄

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

HAHAHA

[@hippiealloway5336]

I BOUGHT A l2501 WITH A BACKHOE BH77 AND IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN HOW CHEAP MADE THEY ARE I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT IT BROKE THE BOOM PIN WITH BUSING’S AND THE NEW ONE FROM KUBOTA AND THE HOLE IS BIGGER THEN THE PIN AND BUSING ARE AND I GOT TO TAKE IT APART AND TAKE TO A Machine shop and have them bore it out and have to have them make a pin to fit it AND IT BROKE THE TOP PIN TWICE ON ME AND I JUST STARTED UP MY TRACTOR AND always I always always set the bucket on the ground. Keep the weight off the tractor and I started my tractor and raised the bucket off the ground to lock it back in place and when I raised it up the pin broke I had to take the backhoe off AND WHEN I GOT DONE WITH TRACTOR AND I WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW ONE AND I PUT IT BACK IN AND I BACKED MY TRACTOR BACK UP AND HOOKED IT UP AND I WENT TO RAISE IT AND IT BROKE THE NEW PIN AND I TOOK IT BACK UP TO KUBOTA AND I GAVE IT TO THEM AND I TOLD THEM I NEEDED ONE THAT WOULDN’T BRAKE AND THEY SAID I DID SOMETHING THING WORNG AND I TOLD THEM I PUT IT BACK IN THE SAME WAY I TOOK IT OUT AND I HAD IT WERE I PULLED THE BROKEN OUT AND IT WENT RIGHT IN IT AND PUT THE BOLT IN IT AND IIT BROKE I TOLD THEM TO JUST GIVE ME A NEW AND SEND THIS ONE BACK AND TELL THEM IT WAS JUNK BUF THEY DIDENT DO THAT I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER ONE AND IT BROKE EVER Hydraulic line on it and I would would go to another KUBOTA dealer and by new one for it and then another would brake it did that and I replaced every one of them and the first one I had changed broke and all of them broke again and i went and had them made and they are still on it and I took it to the shop because it wouldn’t pick up and I left it for him to fix it and Friday the 17 th at 1:00 am one building started burning and the wind was blowing so hard it burned all 5 buildings down and my tractor burned up now I’m waiting on the insurance I have on it to replace it I had a eklig tractor with back hoe on it and nothing broke on it at all

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Dang that sounds like a lotta bad luck!! I haven’t had any issues with mine yet knock on wood.

[@pascalfo6014]

Cry baby like his generation lol

[@CarolinaEarthWerx]

Care to elaborate at all?

[@charlesrose7212]

Great review. Thanks!