Help, bucket size on B2650 backhoe

[Dogbone921]

I am looking for advice on what size bucket to get for the backhoe on my B2650 cab tractor that I pulled the trigger on Friday afternoon.

A good friend said I should go with the 12", better for trenching...

I'm thinking a 16" might be a better size for me.

Any thoughts? Will this machine dig fine with either bucket? We have some rocky ground here, you can't put shovel in the ground without hitting one a fist to skull size one.

I'm open to any advice here, first time tractor owner.

Mike

I started a new thread under Buying advice...

 

[Freeheeler]

The bigger the bucket the faster you can move soft material. The smaller the bucket, the more force you apply to dig harder dirt. I have dense TN clay and use mine for digging stumps a lot, so I went with the 12" bucket and a ripper from BX expanded. If those rocks are in relatively loose soil, the 16" might be better for grabbing them. A thumb would also make rock picking easier regardless of bucket size.
Congrats on the new purchase.

 

[Sodark]

Trenching was a primary consideration for me with my B2650. I believe mine is 12 because it was suggested that I might have problems dumping wet, thick dirt from anything smaller. The only thing I haven't been able to dig through is a giant stump the previous owner buried for me to find. That one will probably have to live there... Otherwise it's worked great.

 

[Fox400]

I just purchased a B2650 with a BH. I went with the 16" bucket and do not regret it. I've been digging out rocks and stumps in various types of soil and have not had any problems. I actually stumbled on a buried stone pile this weekend with rocks from softball size up to basketball size and it worked quite well. I have some trenches that I need to dig out next summer and would rather have the 16" to give me a little more room to work in the trench.

 

[bikerdib]

I assume the B2650 uses the BH77?

I had a BH77 on my former B3300 with a 12" bucket and it dug the hard clay and black gumbo dirt here in southeast Texas OK. I would NOT have wanted a larger bucket for that tractor/BH combo.

I have a 16" on my new L4701/BH92 and sometimes would like a 12" in the really hard stuff. In fact, I may eventually get a 12" bucket for it.

IMO, unless you are just moving soft dirt like sand, the 12" is max size for the BH77.

 

[nbryan]

16" bucket on my BH77, B2650 tractor. Been trenching/digging through our roots and rock laden grounds, working fine. Pulled stumps, moved boulders, works great. Fyi I have a mech thumb too, really handy.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[wajdac]

Another vote for the 16" bucket (and mech thumb) on a B2650. I was also debating between the 12" and 16" bucket because my land is very rocky. The local dealer didn't hesitate to recommend the 16", and he had both and no cost difference to me. I didn't have any trouble digging through the soil with smaller softball to basketball sized rocks to uncover and pull out these larger rocks.

not sure if the picture link works..

 

[GreensvilleJay]

My BX23S came with a 12" ( std opt), though a 16" makes more sense. It gives you more 'wiggle' room if laying weeping tile, proper 'fill space',and of course removes more dirt faster. If you need a narrower bucket, buy that WHEN you have to. You'll probably buy the 'quickattach' bucket system a grapple, and .....
then have to build a new shed JUST for the implements !

 

[bikerdib]

Wow, you guys must have some soft soil. In the summer with my B3300/BH77 I would often pull the tractor instead of breaking the soil and I even had modified stabilizer pads. And yes, I've been running a BH since around 1982 and that includes large dedicated BH machines and even trackhoes.

 

[dirtydeed]

Wow, you guys must have some soft soil. In the summer with my B3300/BH77 I would often pull the tractor instead of breaking the soil and I even had modified stabilizer pads. And yes, I've been running a BH since around 1982 and that includes large dedicated BH machines and even trackhoes.

Agreed, The bucket cylinder of the BH77 has quite a bit of power. It easily throws around the back end of the B series tractor if you're not careful.

OP- 16" bucket is what I'd recommend for sure. Sometimes, it would be nice to have a 12", but I haven't found one that had high enough capacity for trenching.

 

[Dogbone921]

Thanks everyone for your input.

I stopped at the dealer today and told them to get the 16" bucket. I should have a call by the soon, letting me know when it will be delivered.

 

[Sodark]

Do you happen to know what you paid for that 16" bucket? Mostly just curious, might be a consideration down the road.

 

[Dogbone921]

Do you happen to know what you paid for that 16" bucket? Mostly just curious, might be a consideration down the road.

It was part of the total package price.

 

[Fordtech86]

Do you happen to know what you paid for that 16" bucket? Mostly just curious, might be a consideration down the road.

16” bucket for me was about $750 a couple months ago.

 

[Sodark]

Good god, nevermind. I'll dig longer.
Thank you!

 

[wajdac]

Kubota list price is $651 for the 16" and $493 for the 12" bucket for the BH77 (probably fits other BH).