tractor loader backhoe w/ 3 pt?

Hello all-

Hopefully I'm posting this is the correct place...

I've been stumbling around the internet trying to do some research but thus far have had no luck. Could someone please tell me if some models of older industrial loader tractors had backhoes which were removable and could be replaced with a standard three point hitch? I think that if such a machine exists(ed), this would be ideal for my situation, as 90% of my desired machine use would be as a utility/loader tractor for loading manure/general lifting/moving snow/etc w/ potential use of the three point and hydraulic remotes for hay implements (back-up tractor), but then on a rare occasion (say once a year), I'd like to have a backhoe for dirt work. Perhaps I'm wanting too much from one machine and it would do all functions poorly, but I'm trying to justify this purchase economically, and if it could do all these functions, I would feel like it was a worthwhile investment. I'm aware that modern utility tractors have three point mounted hoes but I'm not looking to spend that kind of money (20k+), and I'm of the opinion that those are not the most user-friendly, or sturdiest units. Thanks for any input you might have; also if you know of a specific make/model, please suggest. Thanks all for your time!

-Noah

You could get (or your could make from parts - '65-74 4000 ag rear ends fit, AFAIK) a '65-'74 Ford 4500 with a 3 point and PTO - changing between hoe and 3 point does require attaching/removing the lower 3-point arms, so it's not a "quick change" by any means. And it's far easier to find a 4500 set up with a hoe that does not have either 3 point or PTO - so you may actually find that it's cheaper to have two (and also handy to have another tractor that ISN'T the backhoe tractor when using the backhoe.)

4400, 3500, (3550?) and 3400 also apply - they are not as good (or as common) a hoe platform as the 4500, but they all (not sure about the 3550) could mount a hoe, IF you get (or can find or fabricate) the appropriate hoe mounting kit, and some may be more likely to have the 3-point and/or PTO as-built. I guess you didn't actually specify PTO, but you may be assuming it goes with 3-point - it need not (I have a 4500 with 3 point and a transmission that cannot be retrofitted to run a PTO - you could swap to a different transmission IF you were getting into the parts-swapping business - but it's time and money.)

Depending how rare your backhoe/excavator needs are, it is worthwhile to know your actual cost (delivered and picked up if you don't have the trailer to do that with) from your local rental yard as a yardstick for your shopping.

I don't know if the younger hoe platforms retain the close relationship with the ag tractors or not. Younger would be nice, since these are all 40-50 years old and while dirt-common, most were used hard and put away wet, and show it.

Consider a skid steer. A later model one with universal quick attach plate. various styles of buckets,hay spears, tillers and numerous attachments. Rent a backhoe attachment when you need it.

Some of the Deere tractors from the 60's and 70's had 3 point and removable backhoes.. 300's , 400's , 301, 401, 302's....

I've got an old 3500 Ford industrial with a backhoe attachment on it. I know it can be taken off and a three point put in it's place but it's not the easiest, or most convenient thing to do.

Noah: The question is how much do you want to spend? Yes you can buy a hoe attachment that will fit your tractor but the 3 point ones leave a lot to be desired. Changing back and forth between a mounted hoe and 3 point for once a year may not be worth the effort although at times you can find a mounted hoe by itself cheap. Another option you failed to address is just buying an old TLB. I did. I spent under 5K. When I got it my wife was upset because I jumped on the deal without talking to her. Last year I made a comment about maybe getting rid of it because I use it 2-3 times a year on average. The wife freaked. I got told that's the handiest thing we have on the farm. This year I dug in 2 electrical runs, fixed a drainage issue, fed a few round bales, moved some snow this spring and am currently digging some rocks out for my BIL. It's my winter back up for snow and feeding with the option of doing stuff I couldn't do without the hoe. Only you can determine what's going to work for you. But with the cost of renting or hiring you may be ahead just buying an older unit.

Rick

Thanks for all the advice guys: continuing the search...the LONG search