[KeyboardJungle]

something to factor into your decision is that if you don’t include the BH in your initial purchase, then you will probably never get one. they are definitely empowering, and I have been able to do a lot of things that otherwise would have gone undone.

 

[L3rian]

something to factor into your decision is that if you don’t include the BH in your initial purchase, then you will probably never get one. they are definitely empowering, and I have been able to do a lot of things that otherwise would have gone undone.

I agree 100%. Even if one is available, all the extras like the swivel seat, rear hydraulic connections, etc. make it seem not worth it. On that note, with the 260b having its own seat, that would seem to make it a bit easier to add later. I thought I read somewhere a while ago the swivel seat bracket itself was like $800 from deere.

 

[MattL]

Yea, seems to be a great forum with an active membership. Which is why I came here to begin with. I really appreciate all the advice. I think I would love a backhoe, and find excuses to use it. But right now, after evaluating what I really need it for, I think I'm going to pass on it. I'm 35, so I still have a few ditches left in me lol.

I got my BH at 35... Just saying.. 🥳

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

I agree 100%. Even if one is available, all the extras like the swivel seat, rear hydraulic connections, etc. make it seem not worth it. On that note, with the 260b having its own seat, that would seem to make it a bit easier to add later. I thought I read somewhere a while ago the swivel seat bracket itself was like $800 from deere.

If you decide to forego the backhoe. I'd still recommend getting the power beyond. It offers an easy path to more affordable hydraulics from 3rd party vendors like Summit should the need arise.

 

[cc1999]

I have a 260B for my 2025R, it is ironically on the 2025R right now. But honestly, I am not sure I would buy it again.
In hindsight for me, I would probably just rent a mini X or hire the excavator work done. I just don't really use it all that often, and even though not all that hard to take on and off, I for some reason still hate screwing with it.
When I do use it, I keep finding I am wishing I had more hydraulic flow so that I could operate it faster and smoother then what the 2025R can give it.

There has also honestly only been maybe two projects that I could not have done without it, or renting an excavator.
I have a stump bucket for my loaders also bigger tractors that can dig or pop stumps out much faster then I can dig them out with the 260B.

In my case I would likely skip the 260B if doing it all over again.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Another way to look at it is even with Deere financing, it's between $75-$100 per month on the payment. If I had gotten one with my 1025R it would have been almost a third more on the payment.

 

[hedgewarden]

Is it common for tractor prices at a dealer to be firm? In the conversation I had, he wouldn't budge on the price and only offered oil and filters. If we were talking $19k vs $21k, I think I'd already have it in my yard. Is that unreasonable?

I don't think that anything is negotiable right now. My family owns a car dealership and from what I've heard they're so low on inventory that they refuse to negotiate with anyone as it's guaranteed the vehicle will sell soon at the higher price. I'm willing to bet tractor dealers are the same.

I agree 100%. Even if one is available, all the extras like the swivel seat, rear hydraulic connections, etc. make it seem not worth it. On that note, with the 260b having its own seat, that would seem to make it a bit easier to add later. I thought I read somewhere a while ago the swivel seat bracket itself was like $800 from deere.

The power beyond is one aspect but the other is that there's a separate sub-frame that must be installed to carry the backhoe. Adding a backhoe later basically means disassembling the tractor to bolt the sub-frame onto the frame and then re-assembling it. By the time you've gotten the backhoe installed you were better off getting a new one from the factory with the sub-frame already installed.

Honestly, I'd say that the 1025R on the lot, if it's what you need, is the better deal financially and you'd have it PDQ. If you order one it could be a few months before the dealer even gets it. I know because I'm playing the waiting game on my factory ordered 2025R.

 

[keane]

Remember that a backhoe purchase is a capital investment, not an expense. Say you pay $6K for it and 10 years later it is still worth at least $3K because you took care of it. That's not unreasonable with Deere equipment. I owned a JD tractor for 29 years that I sold for roughly half what I paid for it. So the backhoe is costing you about $300 per year in depreciation, or about $25 per month. And you always have it available. User NH0336 mentioned in a prior post to consider convenience. When you rent, you're always pressured to get done fast and cram as many jobs into a day as you can. This can lead to errors and frustration. It's much more enjoyable to work when you want to and as long as you want to. You'll use the equipment a lot more if it's readily available.

 

[Rob R]

If you decide to forego the backhoe. I'd still recommend getting the power beyond. It offers an easy path to more affordable hydraulics from 3rd party vendors like Summit should the need arise.

I agree 100%. I purchased a 2025r this spring (delivered mid-summer). I did not get a backhoe, but did add the Power Beyond. It was less expensive for the dealer to install it while they were adding the independent hydraulics for the MMM lift (button on dash) than it would have been at a later time. Very little extra cost and ready when I want to add more hydraulics (small ag wheel hay rake, grapple, etc.)

 

[Rule292]

I have a 260B for my 2025R, it is ironically on the 2025R right now. But honestly, I am not sure I would buy it again.
In hindsight for me, I would probably just rent a mini X or hire the excavator work done. I just don't really use it all that often, and even though not all that hard to take on and off, I for some reason still hate screwing with it.
When I do use it, I keep finding I am wishing I had more hydraulic flow so that I could operate it faster and smoother then what the 2025R can give it.

There has also honestly only been maybe two projects that I could not have done without it, or renting an excavator.
I have a stump bucket for my loaders also bigger tractors that can dig or pop stumps out much faster then I can dig them out with the 260B.

In my case I would likely skip the 260B if doing it all over again.

I spent about an hour after work today working on digging out a 15" locust stump. It's slow work getting the dirt dug out and it'll be a job getting the stump dug out once I've cut the tap roots which are easily 8".

In your case you have a garage full of larger tractors that would certainly make easy work out of it.

In my case the 260b is small but steady. I've still got a few years till I retire so I need a tractor that works on my schedule as in before work or after work or on weekends.

Renting a mini-ex and having to learn how to use it efficiently while having the pressure of being on the clock is a consideration folks need to keep in mind.

Still no regrets about ponying up the $$$ for the tiny 260. It's slow and weak compared to real machines but for homeowner duty it works and on my schedule which is what is key.

 

[theduke]

I'm spoiled

Owned a TLB for about a month..It clearly had a use better than a shovel....but


It just was not ever gonna werk on my land......too steep and lots of dirt to move.

Got a fantastic trade on it ...still got the deere so all is good

7 K will go a ways towards a ex if that may be of use.

Everyones place is diofferent...Myne is Nowhere near flat 27% grade.....its sketchy on a mini ex.

 

[cc1999]

I don't think that anything is negotiable right now. My family owns a car dealership and from what I've heard they're so low on inventory that they refuse to negotiate with anyone as it's guaranteed the vehicle will sell soon at the higher price. I'm willing to bet tractor dealers are the same.



The power beyond is one aspect but the other is that there's a separate sub-frame that must be installed to carry the backhoe. Adding a backhoe later basically means disassembling the tractor to bolt the sub-frame onto the frame and then re-assembling it. By the time you've gotten the backhoe installed you were better off getting a new one from the factory with the sub-frame already installed.

Honestly, I'd say that the 1025R on the lot, if it's what you need, is the better deal financially and you'd have it PDQ. If you order one it could be a few months before the dealer even gets it. I know because I'm playing the waiting game on my factory ordered 2025R.

I don’t know about the 1025R but the subframe install on the 2025R really was no big deal.
I think my dealer had it all on ready to go back on my trailer in a couple hours. They installed it wile I waited .
I think there was far more tear down involved adding my 3rd function and power beyond then there was with the subframe.

I agree 100% , in today’s market if you find what your looking for, Best to Buy it, who knows when you will find another another one. dealer Inventory is at an all time low , and production supply chain issues are wide spread and getting worse it seems.

 

[cc1999]

I spent about an hour after work today working on digging out a 15" locust stump. It's slow work getting the dirt dug out and it'll be a job getting the stump dug out once I've cut the tap roots which are easily 8".

In your case you have a garage full of larger tractors that would certainly make easy work out of it.

In my case the 260b is small but steady. I've still got a few years till I retire so I need a tractor that works on my schedule as in before work or after work or on weekends.

Renting a mini-ex and having to learn how to use it efficiently while having the pressure of being on the clock is a consideration folks need to keep in mind.

Still no regrets about ponying up the $$$ for the tiny 260. It's slow and weak compared to real machines but for homeowner duty it works and on my schedule which is what is key.

Oh yea, I agree I am not big fan of renting and being time constrained at all.
I am in my 50s so I have got ways to go before hanging up the day job too.
I totally relate to the evenings, night, weekend. That is pretty much what I am working with as well. That’s in part how my little tractor collection grew to what it is today, needing bigger equipment to work faster, in the limited time I have to work on it. Plus I must admit i truly love playing with my big green toys. Brings back a lot of fond memory’s growing up on the family farm.

 

[DBosko]

I have had my 2025 for a week now. I live in a gully, so I have a lot of ditches to maintain. I probably spent 10 hours on the backhoe - digging ditches, digging out some small tree stumps. I found the backhoe to be a spectacular investment. Since I'm new to this, I found the speed to be just fine - I'm still trying to figure all of the handles (lifting up and down, curling in and out, etc.). I found the time on the tractor quite enjoyable - and rewarding. Maybe over time I'll find it to be a bit slow and I'll look into the HydrosPlus then, but for now it's fine. BTW I took the backhoe off this weekend and put on a box blade. The videos out there on taking it off were extremely helpful. The box blade didn't raise and lower at first. After I read some info on this forum, I reattached the power beyond hydraulics and all was fine. Once I was done with the blade, I removed it and put the backhoe back on with no problem.

 

[Zeke_in_SC]

When I bought my TLB I only had one major project in mind besides maybe a few stumps. Five years later, two more major projects have happened and are done. It doesn't sound like a lot, but I preferred it to the alternative of paying someone to dig trenches or going to rent a mini-excavator. Plus, the backhoe is still in my garage waiting for the next project.

Actually, it's hooked up to the tractor right now because I recently bought a BXpanded ripper and quick detach and I've been playing with that.

 

[Zeke_in_SC]

Yea, seems to be a great forum with an active membership. Which is why I came here to begin with. I really appreciate all the advice. I think I would love a backhoe, and find excuses to use it. But right now, after evaluating what I really need it for, I think I'm going to pass on it. I'm 35, so I still have a few ditches left in me lol.

Take it from a 50 year old...its not about how many ditches you have left in you at 35, its about saving your body from digging those ditches so you can save the wear and tear mileage for more important things when you're older. I bought my tractor to save me from myself. There's a lot I can still do, but at what price down the line (or later that night)?

 

[Zeke_in_SC]

I have space for the tractor, but was thinking the loader and backhoe will have to sit outside. Not ideal, but it is what it is for now. I have a few stumps, but not many. Not wanting to really clear much of my timber except trails and some underbrush around the edges. The one project I could see it coming in handy is when I do put up another building in a few years. But I stay pretty busy and honestly would probably have someone build it for me.

Oh, reread your original post and reminded me...four major projects for the backhoe. I had someone build a retaining wall for me earlier this year. He gave me a price that included him having to bring in a backhoe to dig the footer. I told him tell me where and how deep and I'll dig. Saved me almost $1,000. I'm getting close to having the backhoe pay for itself with four jobs.

Just remembered...five projects. I dug out the hole for my 25 foot flagpole in very hard South Carolina clay.

The other three...1) dug a trench for a culvert under my driveway (see profile pic) 2) dug a 40' French drain to collect runoff before it washed out the hill down below 3) dug up a 40' PVC I needed to upsize from a detached building to my septic main line. Plumber told me that would've been $1,500 if he had to bring in equipment.

 

[SGT-RAM]

When I ordered my 2038R the salesman tried to talk me out of the backhoe. He suggested renting a mini excavator when needed.

I ordered my 2038R with the backhoe and couldn't be happier. I used it often (stays on the tractor most of the time). I removed a few stumps and boulders around the property, and I don't have to hurry to return rented equipment.

If budget allows, I suggest ordering your new tractor with a backhoe.

Good luck.

 

[Doberman]

I have the backhoe on my 1025R and I am very happy. I am using quite often. I just finished clearing out a piece of marshy land in order to dig a swale. It must be around 200 feet X 40 feet. In the next few days it will be stumps galore removing festival with the backhoe. I also have a 2 acres piece of land that need landscaping, here again the backhoe will be needed.

The backhoe practically lives on my tractor, I only remove it when I mow the lawn or use my box blade. The rest of the time it is on the tractor, ready for work. Also it is a great ballast. I have one of my friend who bought a Kubota a few years ago....I know...orange...Yeurk!!! Nevertheless he told me not buying the backhoe version was a mistake and he wishes he did buy it.

But the best reason to have a backhoe is that silly grin you will have on your face after having worked with your backhoe. There is also a space time distortion when you work with your backhoe. Time just fly, what you thought was only 15 to 30 minutes of work, was in reality 2 to 3 hours.

 

[romanservices]

New user, but been lurking for the past couple of years trying to decide what to buy.

I know value and worth are personal, but I'm trying to decide if I should buy a used tractor or wait and get a new one.

I found a 2016 1025r with a loader, backhoe, and 54" mower. It's at a dealer asking $21k. Has right around 150 hours and looks in very good condition. I'm in the Midwest. I think a new one configured the same will be around $26k. 2.9% for the used one and 0% for the new as far ss financing goes.

I have 10 acres of mostly woods with about an acre of yard around the house. I have a gravel driveway to maintain, but I already have a plow on my side by side for snow removal. I need to run some drainage lines around 150' which is my justification for the backhoe to the wife, but I'm sure I will find other uses once I have it. I could also rent a small track hoe for a day and be a few thousand ahead.

Again, I know it's a personal decision, but what has been your experiences? Does the backhoe get used a much a you would like? Or should I skip this one and save quite a bit of money that I can use on other implements?

Im selling my backhoe off my 3320 for 2 reasons. First is i don't use it much. Second is a mini excavator is a far better machine. If i need to do excavator work i rent a machine for a couple hundred bucks. For the same money i can rent a machine about 25 times. I used my hoe about 3 times a year.