Is a Tractor Backhoe Worth the Money?

Is a Tractor Backhoe Worth the Money? buy a backhoe or rent a mini excavator

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[RockhillfarmYT]

Check out more of our tractor videos here:

To interact with me personally, join the Rockhill farm Facebook group here:

Rockhill Farm is a daily equipment and rural living vlog. We mainly focus on tractors and working outdoors.

I really appreciate you taking time to watch this video. If you enjoy this type of content Check out some of the following links to support our channel.

If you are interested in a rock Hill Farms T-shirt check out our merch store



Follow on Facebook at


You can now support the channel by buying us a coffee at the following link:


#farmlife #homestead

[ibwaldo]

It sure is nice to know that I have a tool at my disposal that is ready to go at a moment’s notice. It’s called peace of mind. Sure, there’s always a better or bigger tool, but having something is better than nothing…. It’s easy to overthink and second guess decisions, but I’m happy I have mine and consider myself lucky that I was able to put together a well equipped tractor package and being able to afford it.

[parkerscherf]

Good stuff! I’ve been having this conversation with myself for a while now. I’m fixing to order a new 2038R and plan on getting the loader and backhoe. One of the points I have heard Tim the tractor man maker is when you have one you will use it on stuff you wouldn’t normally rent an excavator for. Like planting shrubs in the garden. I think the convenience in itself to use it whenever you want and need justifies the purchase in a way.

[norfolk]

Best explanation so far, nice to listen a smart guy talking….

[DickHowe-cq]

I have a small tractor with a back hoe. It came with the tractor. I didn't think I would use it that much. After I bought it, I realized that I can use it to plant trees. While I was on YouTube, I found that I could split rocks with a drill and feathers and wedges. I have lots of boulders sticking up from the ground . I would dig around them, split the top off and rebury them. With the thumb, I use it to cut fire wood. I pick up the log and cut it to length. This way I don't dig my saw in the dirt. I put a chain on it and used it as a small crane rebuilding a stone wall. I also use it as a counter weight when I us the front end loader. I can do this when I have time. Not when the rental company delivers it. And I don't have to hurry to get it done in a day. If I bought another tractor, I would definately buy one with a back hoe.

[Dan-in-the-Wild]

You put out really relevant content for where I’m at in life right now - trying to find 1 machine that does it all, or have a never ending rotation of one, purpose built, $20K machine after the next.

You’ve shared some really good perspective here, and I thank you for your experience, your thoughts and for sharing your world with the YouTube community.

[jimmerrithew]

Hi Brock. Good video chat.
Tim from TTWT recently got a mini-ex to dig out his pond. He had the same challenges using his backhoe that you mentioned. He had 4 friends driving tractors to move the spoils away.
Your backhoe also contributes to your income when you create videos, so it is an asset with multiple benefits.

[sgtram]

Great video, Brock. I almost ordered my 2038R without the backhoe. I am glad I decided to get it. It is expensive but convenient. I have used it numerous times around my property. It is nice to take my time on my project without worrying about returning rental equipment the next day. In regards to the tractor purchase, I would not get the 2038R today. I also ordered too many unnecessary attachments with it. If I have to change tractors one day, I would get a tractor with a factory cabin. Maybe a 3039R.

[kurtd]

Great video and topic, Brock. I get a lot of value out of your thoughts and experience. It's like a discussion with a good friend with common interests. You get some really helpful feedback from your comments, too. I'm a year into my 2038R ownership and watching your channel has been a big help. I've also wondered the backhoe vs. mini ex issue too. I wish you owned a mini ex and were putting out content on that, too!
Do you have any shows coming up? We really enjoy those videos.

[scottjones]

All day long, best tool tool I've ever had ❤

[mattdouglas]

Another factor is, how far away is the rental. My property is an hour and a half each way to a rental shop. Add in the fuel to get there and back ( a full tank in my truck towing that much weight), the cost of a trailer rental, and you can see why I'm thinking of getting a backhoe with my new tractor next year. Get it, have it, and use it as I need/want it!

[houndofgoshen]

I’ve thought several times about buying a backhoe attachment for my 50 hp tractor. Thanks for a list of great points to consider, both pro and con!! Great video!!

[johngersna]

Good morning Brock. As you know I bought a used 2007John Deere 2305 (400 hrs.) about 4 years ago and I live in the mountains of North Central Pennsylvania. I'm 73 years old and the backhoe on my tractor is indispensable to me. And any given morning I can go out to the garage, fire up the tractor and dig a ditch, take down a tree, and dig up the stump. There may be better machines for the job but it's affordable and it will definitely get the job done. So, long story short I can't imagine having a compact or sub compact tractor without one. It's definitely worth it to this old man. God bless and have a wonderful day. P.S. If you don't have it, ya can't use it. 👍👍🙂

[RobertBrothersJr-dcnr]

I have a Kubota MX5400 with a loader and backhoe. I know it’s not a mini excavator but it works great for me. I very happy with my decision to purchase the tractor and the backhoe. Yes it is very expensive but my tractor time is enjoyable for me and it’s my therapy . That being said it’s a lot cheaper than a therapist. Thanks Brock for another great video.

[rs-su]

For me you said it right when you stated you have this possession because "you want to" then other than can I afford it is not needed and what you own in large part is what you want, boat, offroad, rv, etc. For me this brings peace and contentment.

[PineyGroveHomestead]

The way we looked at it was the residual value in our mini excavator. We believe we can sell it for what we paid for it after 10 years of using it. And you can never have too much ORANGE on the farm, right? Tractor Hard! 🚜💪!

[rodneybass]

I have a 1025r with a front endloder and a backhoe. Not my first choice. But when your wife says that tractor you want will be here tomorrow you don't say nothing. I wanted a bigger framed tractor but I love this one. No I want dig a pond with it but I don't want a pond. It has dug up tree stumps and will be digging some this weekend may take longer but I don't have nothing to do anyway. But each piece of equipment has its place.

[circuitbreaker]

I purchased my Kubota with the backhoe. I would never be without it. It removes rocks, stumps and digs for big 0. When the backhoe is off the tractor runs a chipper. A front mount snow blower and I do several drives each winter. So in my mind I get more mileage out of my tractor . I only paid a contractor once to install a electrical line trench. That cost was $ 225.00. Just adding my thoughts. Good video. Also I had a Chinese tractor for 16 years. It had a backhoe, loader, chipper and blower. Sold it to buy the Kubota because I got tried of snow going down my shirt and in my face. I needed a cab tractor. It is so much easier to use than the Chinese tractor. In reference to installing the equipment. Eg. Backhoe 5 min. instead a 30 to 45 min .

[houstonfirefox]

Holy Cow! $9000 for a backhoe on a 38hp tractor? JD is making a mint! I spent $6500 to have a brand-new BY85 backhoe installed on my Tym T454 (48hp) tractor AND it came with an 18" toothed bucket! (up to 36" available). Absolutely love it and have cleared many a tree. You have paid a boatload for that pretty green paint is all I can say!

[andrewgee]

You also have to consider if you rent a mini excavator do you have a truck and trailer capable of towing the excavator from the rental place to your site or do you have to pay for delivery. Also owning the backhoe allows you to do the job on your time. If you rent you will feel rushed to get it done before closing because you have to return the excavator instead of finishing another day. What if it rains and you have to pay for additional rental days.