2wd vs. 4wd Backhoe

speedfunk · #1 12/13/05, 02:26 PM

So I'm looking into purchasing a backhoe...and wanted to get the opionions of those have used them the tradeoff between a 2wd and 4wd. I'm looking a getting a smaller full size backhoe..something with a digging depth of 12 ft. not a homeowner toy ..but not a massive one either. The problem i'm seeing is that 4wd is ALOT more expensive ..like for what a Iwant . nice used one...maybe a 5 or 7 model years old 3k or 4k (just to give a ball park) I was hoping to spend 18 but most 4wd are 25 or more. However 2wd ..I should be able to pick one up for 14 for a nice one. I've been told that 4wd only advantage is in the mud I will have this on a hill and the land is not muddy at all really..if it wasn't enough maybe get some chains...

I just found this forum..a month ago...it's a good one...people are willing to share reawlly great info..better then ones that just bring each other down..... Just wanted to say hi too.
thanks
Jeff

TnAndy · #2 12/13/05, 03:25 PM

Well, if it's anything like a 4wd tractor, when you take it out of 4wd, you wonder what the heck happened to your tractor !

It's almost twice the machine in terms of pulling power and all. Doesn't have to be mud....it can just be wet grass or dirt and you can REALLY tell the difference.....especially on a little grade.

IF you plan to keep and use the machine, bite the bullet and get 4wd.

agmantoo · #3 12/13/05, 04:45 PM

If this purchase is to provide income where you may have to run 6 days per week regardless of conditions get the 4 wheel drive. If this purchase is for hobby/home use and you can juggle the use to suit the weather the 2 wheel drive is fine.

**highlands** · #4 12/13/05, 05:02 PM

I have 4wd on my tractor (JD4700) with bucket loader and backhoe. I am very, very glad I spent the extra money and got the 4wd and the hydrostatic transmission. I love standard on my van and dump truck but for bucket and pallet work the hydrostatic is wonderful.

tyusclan · #5 12/13/05, 05:35 PM

The 4wd is very helpful with the front-end loader especially. If you have a load in the bucket, you can sometimes lose traction on the rear wheels. With 2wd you're out of luck if this happens, until you can stop and lighten the load. With 4wd, the front tires keep your load moving.

canfossi · #6 12/13/05, 06:00 PM

I would get a 4wd, I know it's more money, but I think you'll be happier with 4wd in the end. Chris

**Ross** · #7 12/13/05, 06:02 PM

If you really need production then buy the 4x4 if time is on your side for the most part skip it. I have a 2wd back hoe (580ck) and the extra weight over the back wheels does make a difference. Except for my skidsteer I don't have nor want a 4wd (MFWD) tractor. Had two sold them both, even though they were better loader tractors. They weren't worth the added maitenance and repairs. Never say never I guess but tractor #4 will likely be a 6610 6710 Ford in 2wd and I'll put the loader off my 6600 onto it.

mink · #8 12/13/05, 06:55 PM

i work for a highway dept.....if you want any serious loading or dirt moving done go with 4 wheel drive.....its like having twice the machine....mink

SouthernThunder · #9 12/13/05, 07:34 PM

You will not need a 4x4 backhoe. The times when you actually NEED to use the 4 wheel drive are few and far between. It is more of a pulling power and overloaded stability issue than it is traction and getting out of mud. Keep in mind this is a backhoe and not a tractor. You can use that hoe to easily move yourself right along through the mud in 2 wheel drive, or with no tires on the ground at all for that matter. I would say go with 2 wheel drive and spend you extra thousands elsewhere.

jeffreyc256 · #10 12/14/05, 04:32 AM

The 4 WD is heavier. If you have a muddy lot with a hard bottom the 4wd will work better. If the muck does not have a hard bottom some people like the 2wd as it is lighter. I have a 2wd case with extenda hoe and consider the extenda hoe more important than having 4wd. Check out iron planet .com they auction off machinery and especially now there will be companys auctionioning stuff before the end of year for taxes. I have seen excellent case 580's 2 and 4wd machines in the 14000-18000 range. Iron planet does a full inspection service and guarantees that if anything is not as advertised they will make it right. I know of a customer that bought an articulated loader with a bad piviot bearing and Iron planet had listed it as good on the inspection. Iron planet repaired the bearing for the customer@20,000 bucks. My buddy inspects equipment for them and I think they are pretty good too.

foxtrapper · #11 12/14/05, 06:38 AM

If you promise to only use the back hoe on good solid soil, and never after its rained or in anything muddy, 2wd will do you adequately. But if you cannot keep this promise, you won't regret 4wd.

Rowdy · #12 12/14/05, 08:49 AM

I've moved alot of dirt with both 2wd and 4wd hoes, and in most cases the 2wd is enough, but when you really need 4wd, you REALLY need it.

As others mentioned, if you are an operator, then your back bucket should get you out of trouble every time, but there is another case where the 4wd shines.
Sandy land. Sure, not getting stuck, digging ditch, etc is possible, but moving fill, or dressing up on sandy land can be impossible with a 2wd drive hoe.

I would seriously consider getting the 4wd.

speedfunk · #13 12/14/05, 09:27 AM

From what you all are telling me, I believe then I will save the money (which I don't have buring a hole in my pocket) and purchase the 2wd version. This backhoe will NOT be used in any production environment. It will be used around the 14 acres I plan to purhcase ( making offer saterday

yeah!!) to build a half bermed passive solar house. To do excavating work on the site...dig power, cable , phone line and water trenches a good distance. To dig septic, move dirt on top etc.... and dig a pond(small one could get to it from good ground. I think that on a day where it didn't look like the 2wd would do good I could just be paientent and do something else. The land is on the top of a mountain in upstate ny... the soil appears very dry. If i planned on keeping it forever maybe I would consider biting the bullet however in my "master plan of global domination" however this would be a purchase for 3 or 4 years maybe longer maybe shorter. It's just on the house we are building now...we spent 2G along on a small kaboto backhoe (4wd thank god) and a 700 pound excavator rental and will have to rent it once more to cut the ditch for piping to well.

ur imput helps greatly

speedfunk · #14 12/14/05, 09:30 AM

Looks like a good website..thx for the link..... I've been on ebay and our local want ad digest and havn't found to much

Ramblin Wreck · #15 12/14/05, 09:47 AM

I've been blessed with 2WD and 4WD tractors, and there's no comparison on traction between the two. However, as has been advisesd by several above, a 2WD can work effectively much of the time. If it's for home use, and you have the flexibility in your schedule, saving the money makes sense. I'm envious too. A backhoe would be a really nice thing to have on the farm.

speedfunk · #16 12/14/05, 10:04 AM

Yeah I really like the flexiblity of it as a whole.... when we rented the 7000pd excavator , moving dirt by pushing it with a blade was .....well...painfull slow...a bucket was much nicer to have. I can't belive my wife is going along with the purchase...sweet....she saw the rental cost too and understands why buying one using it then selling it for a bit less is worth it...

jeff