Work Smarter, Not Harder With the Best Backhoe Attachment for Tractor (Top 5 Models)

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If you spend all day at your farm, you know that you are tempted to get a new implement for your tractor day by day. Well, let me tell you, no tractor is complete without backhoe attachments!

They are one of the most versatile implements to achieve multiple agricultural tasks. However, choosing one is not always an easy task, especially if you are a beginner. Luckily, with my top five picks, you won’t be in such a dilemma after all!

Here is my best backhoe attachment for tractor you can get in 2022 and achieve perfect results each time!

Best Backhoe Attachment For Tractor – Overview

$Titan Attachments 3 Point Backhoe with Thumb Excavator – 1036 lbs

Excellent for completing various agricultural, construction, or landscaping jobs, can operate with ease, and is compatible with category one tractors. The connection can sometimes feel unstable.

$MCP-Distributions 3 Point Hitch PTO Hydraulic Farm Backhoe – 675 lbs

Easy to install, cost-effective and well-built, excellent bucket size for agriculture tasks.

$Samson BH5600 Backhoe Excavator Tractor Attachment – 554 lbs

Backhoe attachment is superb for deep digging and balanced operation includes a horizontal stabilizer for safe maneuvering, lifting, and digging hauling materials.

$Titan Attachments 7 FT, 3 Point Backhoe Excavator -‎ 1408 lbs

The deepest dig depth than the rest of the competitors, easy to install, great for light and heavy-duty tasks.

$Samson 3 Point PTO Driven Hydraulic Backhoe – 825 lbs

Best 3 point hitch backhoe for completing various tasks, includes a 180-degree rotation and a 1-year warranty.

Best Backhoe Attachment for Tractor on the Market – Top 5 Picks

1. Titan Attachments 3 Point Backhoe with Thumb Excavator – Best For Category 1 Tractors

  • Brand: Titan Attachments
  • Material: Heavy-duty steel
  • Compatible With: Category 1 tractors (compatible with both John Deere and Kubota)
  • Digging Depth: 73 ”
  • Can Work With PTO: Yes, but you need to order an external PTO pump

We are starting with one of the most well-known backhoe attachments for tractors.

This one comes from the brand Titan Attachments, and it has excellent compatibility.

Let’s see what else is it that makes it so unique.

For starters, if you own a Kubota or a John Deere tractor, you can never go wrong with this backhoe!

It’s compatible with category one tractors, so you can also attach it to several other brands!

One of the best features about it is how versatile it is!

The Titan backhoe tractor attachment can be used in agriculture, construction, demolition, landscaping jobs, digging dirt for gardening and farming, and even reconstructing roads!

The list of uses goes on, and one thing is for sure. You have to get this tractor attachment backhoe!

Just imagine the number of tasks you can get done in a fraction of time than usual!

Of course, when we mention backhoe attachments, everyone’s mind usually goes to farming.

However, you can also use it for spring clean-up, snow removal, and hauling materials when you are clearing up the yard.

Thanks to the smooth operation, you will no longer dread completing jobs even during harsh weather conditions!

In addition, the backhoe attachment is compatible with both a standard PTO pump and hydraulics.

But, there are two things you need to be observant about.

First, is when using the backhoe with tractor hydraulics, you will need to bypass the backhoes’ oil reservoir.

Second, if you want to install the PTO pump, you must purchase the external pump.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Versatile use
  • Great lifting capacity
Cons
  • The connection is not always that secure

2. MCP-Distributions 3 Point Hitch PTO Hydraulic Farm Backhoe – Runner Up

  • Brand: MPC Distributions
  • Material: Heavy-duty steel
  • Compatible With: Any of the category 1 tractors (John Deere and Kubota included)
  • Digging Depth: 6ft
  • Can Work With PTO: Yes

If you want another option compatible with category 1 tractors, take a look at this MCP-Distributions backhoe.

Just like our best pick, this one is compatible with both Kubota and John Deere tractors from category 1.

One of the features that will amaze you the most is the overall quality built of this 3 point hitch backhoe attachment.

It’s made from heavy-duty stainless steel, including a waterproof coating.

Therefore, you will not have to worry about the decay of the backhoe! In addition, it’s rust and corrosion-resistant, which is fantastic for long-term use!

Furthermore, the attachment includes a Swing Arc of 180 degrees, which is versatile and helpful for performing multiple tasks.

For instance, you can use the tractor backhoe for its great bucket digging force and lifting and not reposition the attachment. This is all thanks to the swing arc.

The stabilizer spread proved to be a favorite feature of many users. It ensures you have a safe and wobble-free operation.

If you use the backhoe for lifting or general digging tasks, the bucket will need to be completely still and balanced.

Since we are on the topic of lifting, you will be pleased to learn that this backhoe features a lifting capacity of 2000psi.

That being said, it can be a perfect fit for compact tractors that range from 16-25+HP, and it can be connected on a 3-point hitch.

All in all, this is one of the top-rated backhoe attachment models for tractors that can be used in various agricultural, construction, or road reconstruction tasks.

Pros
  • Cost-effective
  • Versatile
  • Deep bucket
  • 180-degree swing arc
  • Includes stabilizer spread
Cons
  • /

3. Samson BH5600 Backhoe Excavator Tractor Attachment – Best Backhoe Attachment With A Horizontal Stabilizer

  • Brand: Titan attachments
  • Material: Steel
  • Compatible With: Tractors with 18-25HP
  • Digging Depth: 6 ft
  • Can Work With PTO: Yes

If you have a subcompact or compact tractor with engine power between 18-25HP, you will need this Samson backhoe excavator attachment!

This one is truly unique from most of the models on our list by having a few distinct features you will love!

Let’s check them out together!

Firstly, this piece of implemented equipment also includes a swing arch bucket of 180 degrees so that you can get a variety of tasks done with ease!

Just like the previous pick, this excavator also includes a stabilizer. However, it comes with a twist.

To be more precise, the heavy-duty backhoe includes a horizontal stabilizer which keeps the optimal balance from the side.

We do not often see this with other types of backhoes, so this is one unique find!

Why is this so important?

Well, let’s say, for instance, you want to dig a hole or haul some heavy materials or dirt.

In this case, you want the excavator to be as steady and still as possible so it won’t tip over any load in the bucket.

To avoid shaking thoroughly, you need to spread the stabilizers to the full-width dimensions. In this way, the bucket will be placed on the ground.

Plus, the bucket on this tractor backhoe implement is quite deep. Its maximum depth for digging results is 6ft, allowing you to dig deep without the need for a shovel!

The tractor backhoe comes with a 1-year warranty so that you can shop with a sound mind!

Pros
  • Heavy-duty steel design
  • Includes 1-year warranty
  • Excellent digging force
  • Deep dig depth
  • Includes a horizontal stabilizer
  • Versatile
  • Includes a PTO pump
  • 15” bucket
Cons
  • /

4. Titan Attachments 7 FT, 3 Point Backhoe Excavator – Best Dig Depth

  • Brand: Titan Attachments
  • Material: Steel
  • Compatible With: Category 1 tractors
  • Digging Depth: 84 ”
  • Can Work With PTO: Yes

Before showing you my last pick, I wanted to reflect on another Titan tractor backhoe implement!

It’s similar to the previous Titan backhoe, but it also features a few unique additions and specifications I think most of you will like!

One of them is the deeper bucket size that’s great for digging, hauling large rocks, dirt, or any other heavier material!

I mentioned that the bucket could dig deep, but how much precisely? This backhoe bucket can dig at least 84″, which equals out to around 7 ft.

If you look at other competitors, you will see that this one features the biggest depth for digging.

Other trademarks include the hydraulic pump you get with the backhoe!

However, the standard PTO pump is not included in the purchase, so an external one can work if your tractor does not have hydraulics.

Also, the hydraulic thumb is included, so you don’t have to break the bank there as well.

Plus, the bucket width is 16 inches, and it can handle around 2.5 cubic feet of material, so it’s terrific for light and medium agricultural work!

Its maximum weight of 250 pounds may not sound too much to some people, but considering the bucket size and the overall power capacity, it’s terrific for doing quick work!

As you can notice, this is another 3-point hitch backhoe attachment, so it’s excellent in repairing tile or digging a hole!

Overall, this model is one of the best mini excavators on the market! It has a terrific design, excellent lift, and power capability.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Easy to attach
  • Deep dig depth
  • Great for light agricultural work
  • Stable and balanced
  • Excellent for challenging tasks
  • Compatible with heavy-duty compact tractor models
Cons
  • /

5. Samson 3 Point PTO Driven Hydraulic Backhoe – Best Versatile Backhoe Attachment

  • Brand: Samson
  • Material: Steel
  • Compatible With: Category 1 tractors
  • Digging Depth: 7 feet
  • Can Work With PTO: Yes

Lastly, we have another Samson 3-point hitch hydraulic backhoe attachment!

We choose this one for the very end as it is pretty similar to the previous model we have reviewed.

If you want a backhoe with a maximum digging depth of 7 ft, there is no better pick than Samson and Titan Attachments!

This attachment is super easy to attach.

There are no tricky installations required, so you can get your job done faster and more efficiently.

We appreciate the broad spectrum of applications as you can use the Samson backhoes to dig holes in the woods for hauling material, tilling the dirt, or transporting heavy loads.

As far as compatibility goes, it’s pretty similar to the rest of the backhoes we have reviewed.

The Samson 3-point hitch backhoe attachment is compatible with category one tractors. This will mainly include tractors with engine power between 18-25 HP.

Furthermore, the backhoe features a 180 swing arc, so there is no need for repositioning between various jobs.

So, for instance, if you want to transition from lifting to digging, you won’t need to adjust the backhoe.

The digging force results in 5,280 lbs, so the backhoe attachment is suitable for any challenging job you had in mind!

It includes a thumb tractor attachment and a 1-year warranty so you can rest sure you have made a safe purchase with Samson backhoes attachments.

Overall, the Samson backhoe attachment will serve you well whether you have a small farm or are just looking to upgrade your garden tractor a bit.

It’s terrific in completing various tasks-from hauling from digging a deep hole!

Pros
  • Cost-effective
  • High-quality
  • 15” bucket width
  • 1-year warranty
Cons
  • /

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Buyer’s Guide

Benefits of Using Tractor Backhoe Attachments

We talked about these attachments being one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can get for a tractor.

But, let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?

1. Landscaping Tasks

best backhoe attachment for compact tractor

Backhoes can help you tackle more than a few farming tasks.

For instance, you can use them to dig holes, move rocks and heavy materials, push topsoil, and move dirt!

Plus, if you want optimal hydration for your farm, you can dig irrigation lines with the backhoe quickly and in no time!

2. Wide Array of Attachments

If you are a complete beginner, you may not have known this, but you can use backhoes with several attachments as well.

For instance, if you own a backhoe loader, you can use attachments such as an auger, grinder, or breaker.

Using these attachments is not always necessary, but if you want to do the job efficiently, you might as well see which attachments are compatible with your backhoe.

No matter if you are a farmer or a construction worker, you can use the attachments meant for your field of expertise.

Choosing the Right Size

Did you notice that backhoes are not a “one-size-fits-all” type of attachment?

Yes, well, because you need to choose the right size based on your tractor size and the kind of agricultural or construction work you had in mind for the backhoe.

If you have a compact tractor of 30HP, it’s best to get those mini-sized backhoes. Although they look small, don’t let them fool you.

They are much more capable than how they look. For instance, plenty of them is suitable for digging 8ft holes in narrow spaces.

You need a smaller backhoe if you have a small farm with awkward spacing! It can get into every nick and crack of the land while offering terrific results.

But, if you encounter a more challenging task, you can always choose a standard backhoe that suits tractor models between 60-90HP.

Logically, if your task is nowhere near to lightweight, your best choice would be large backhoes.

They can dig up to 14 ft, while most of them are compatible with 105H tractor models.

Pay Attention to Stabilizers

best backhoe attachment for skid steer

Stabilizers are one of the crucial features you should look for in backhoes.

When hauling heavy material, stabilizers are the ones that keep the bucket stable and upright.

Buckets would tip over often without them, putting you at significant risk!

Buckets

A backhoe can use buckets that are used for the digging process.

You would usually use buckets for transporting different materials such as soil, dirt, rocks, sand, etc.

With buckets, you need to be careful about the size and capacity.

Some backhoes have pretty narrow and small buckets of 10 inches, while other backhoe implements will feature 20” one.

You can choose the backhoe model you think will work the best based on your tasks.

Materials

There is no doubt that one of the best materials is stainless steel. Plus, it’s most commonly used for backhoe manufactory.

An even bigger bonus is finding a backhoe attachment with powder coating.

Some are even coated in a waterproof protective layer so that you can be certain of their durability.

In addition, it’s rust and corrosion-resistant, which is a key if you look to invest smartly.

FAQ’s

Are 3 point hitch backhoes any good?

Yes, 3-point hitch backhoes are excellent!

They are versatile, easy to attach, and are more valuable than a plain shovel.

However, when you compare them to a full-sized backhoe, 3-point hitch ones are a bit slow.

Nonetheless, they are terrific for completing light landscaping or farming tasks.

Why should you not 3pt mount a backhoe?

Although they are versatile and helpful for many farming tasks, attaching a 3-point backhoe has multiple risks.

For instance, they are constantly breaking due to the stress involved during digging.

Lifting and transporting material often does not present a threat as the force implied when digging into the ground.

Can you add a backhoe to any tractor?

Yes, you can mount a backhoe to any tractor as long as the tractor has one of the two options available for mounting.

One is a 3-point hitch, while the other has a frame mounting system.

It’s essential to remember that you need to fit the proper backhoe according to the tractor’s horsepower and frame size.

How much does a backhoe attachment cost?

best backhoe attachment

A backhoe attachment for a tractor is a wise investment.

However, it’s not always the cheapest. If you decide to get a new backhoe attachment, its price will depend on the style, material, manufacturer, and overall capacity.

For instance, backhoe buckets that measure out in 8″ will usually cost around $1,500-$2,000.

But, as the size of the backhoes buckets increases, so will the price.

What can I use a backhoe for?

The job of a backhoe is never one-sided!

For that, they are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can get for your tractor.

Although they are mainly used for construction, you can also use the excavator attachments for landscaping tasks.

Backhoes attachments can serve for hauling materials, digging for small ponds, moving rocks, stones, or dirt, and plenty more tasks!

Final Words

Do you now release the great importance of owning the best backhoe attachment for tractor?

They are not just a fancy implement you will occasionally use, but a necessary piece of farming equipment every agricultural worker must own!

I hope you have picked your favorite one out of my top 5 models. I know I sure have!

It’s the Titan Attachments 3 Point Backhoe with Thumb Excavator!

It comes with a thumb excavator, is versatile, and is made from heavy-duty steel, which will not have me question its durability in challenging conditions.

Let me know what you have picked out, till next time!

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Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

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