Just purchased a L3301 backhoe bh77 and all the trimmings. I have alot of sprinkler lines to dig and some old planting removals. Will also be breaking up some dirt for a garage being built. I opted for a 10 inch bucket thought would be better for hard clay soils of gold country but began considering getting 12 so I could move a little more dirt for tree plantings. Did I buy too small or good choice for around the house work? Am I just splitting hairs?
Backhoe bucket size
- Thread starter PvilleKurt
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85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Thing to consider here - larger bucket will move more, buttttt the contact with the ground will be larger too - a 10" will cut into the ground a little easier than a 12". AS for laying sprinkler lines......get a middle buster with attachment for laying cable/pipe for your 3 point. It will work circles around your BH.
I think you will be fine with your 10"
Thanks for responding. I am trying not to accumulate a lot of better tools but try to use 1 not quite as well!. Thanks for the tip. The sprinkler lines are a one time only, digging holes etc more long term ie diggin stumps, fixing broken lines digging out rocks.
jmf78
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BX23S W/ Factory Deluxe Cab, 60" MMM, 60" BX-2612 Snow Blade & BX-2816 Blower
I have a 16" bucket on my bx23s and managed to dig a 4-5 foot deep trench through hard clay for around 130 feet. Was some work but manageable.
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16" on my BH77 on B2650. Never once couldn't dig what I was trying too. I think any smaller and it will take far too long to dig anything. IMO the only reason for a smaller bucket would be trenching, as you mentioned you have to do. But if trenching is only a 1 time job then I would definitely go with the 16", you will be happier on all other jobs
Sharryn
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'15 B3350, LA534A Loader, Land Pride RTA1258 Tiller, BH77 Backhoe, Forks
Thanks for all your input here. First hoe. Wife's glad to hear that! I guess Ill change to the larger 12 inch bucket as a compromise. Just wasn't sure of digging power with weight of tractor.
Thanks
Thanks
The 16" bucket is the best compromise.With the smaller buckets you will be spending time digging the dirt out of the bucket if the dirt is sticky at all.With certain soils even the 16" gives me trouble.Nothing more aggravating and time consuming than digging the dirt out of the bucket,sometimes every scoop.
I wanted a thumb...so I went with a 12". Around my place, there is alot of volcanic boulders and rock...so the bucket size matters alot.
I added the hydraulics to the thumb...love that add . Great for grabbing rocks, trees, stumps and loading the dump trailer.
Good luck...
Thanks. Yes Almanor is that heavy basalt type rock. Been there many times. Thumb would be nice but picked up grapples for moving logs rocks etc. Thanks for your input
Heck, I didn't even notice where you are!
You guys have some of the same damn types of rock. You may want to try your bucket as others have suggested...see how your land is...and the set up.
You might find the same problem I did...which is trying to get the boulders out of the trench too. Some of the rocks I have had to move were so heavy...that I had to ramp the trench wall to get it up and out...then grab it with the thumb to carry it out of the way...
Good luck. If you want to chat PM me and I will tell you my experiences...
Good luck.
BAP
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2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
Really liking that tool and chain rack! Those hoses look like they're begging for something to snag them LOL. No issues?
Sharryn
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'15 B3350, LA534A Loader, Land Pride RTA1258 Tiller, BH77 Backhoe, Forks
You'll love the thumb. I wasn't sure I wanted one, but now that I have it, it has come in very useful. I was digging yesterday and needed to move a downed tree. Picked it up against that thumb and moved it easy peazy.
I was very worried about that when I plumbed it...but not once have I caught them or snagged them.
Part of the trick was I ran the lines loose with tape first...moved the arm to the extent in all directions they would go...and watched where everything pinched or could cause problems...THEN I fastened then permanently...never once had a problem...
Look closely where they are pinned down...very strategic...
BAP
Well-known member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
2012 Kubota 2920, 60MMM, FEL, BH65 48" Bush Hog, 60"Backblade, B2782B Snowblower
I had the same question when I bought my BX25D. Talked to a heavy equipment guy I know and he said get the one with the most taper in the bucket is the one I want. We have a lot of clay around here and he said the bucket with the most taper will be easier to shake back and forth to get the clay out. Less taper, more time spent digging it out by hand. I could picture that easily, What was funny was that the dealer had never heard/though about that. Goes to show me when you want a question answered about the pros and cons of running them, ask an operator, not the salesman.