Choosing a tractor that has a wide range of functionalities can be challenging. On the one hand, you want to ensure the tractor does what you need while providing extra functionality. A common question from Kubota owners is whether a backhoe can be installed on a Kubota.
Selected tractors in the Kubota product range will accept backhoe attachments. The compatible tractors in the range include those defined as sub-compact and compact. While the bigger tractors are not compatible, there are dedicated full-time backhoes manufactured by the company.
If you have ever believed that sub-compact and compact tractors are a waste of time, think again. With the correct accessories, the Kubota range can cut grass, dig holes and trenches, move soil, plant and harvest crops, clean driveways, and almost anything their bigger stable mates can do.
You Can Put A Backhoe On Selected Kubota Tractors
The Kubota tractor range is divided into six categories ranging from sub-compact models to full-size farming and construction vehicles, including full-sized TLBs.
Most Kubota tractor models that fall into the “sub-compact” and “compact” range will accept one of the two backhoe accessories manufactured by Kubota.
Dedicated, full-time professional Tractor Loader Backhoes are available at the high end of the product range.
The six categories are listed below:
The Kubota Range Of Tractors
The Kubota range is split into six tractor categories, as follows.
Sub-Compact Tractors
A sub-compact tractor has a horsepower range from 16.6hp to 24.8hp. The power take-off (PTO) horsepower ranges between 13.7hp and 19.5 hp.
These require the operator to sit in the open with no cab protection.
Compact Tractors
Compact tractors have horsepower ranges from 20.9hp to 62.0 HP. The power take-off (PTO) horsepower ranges between 17.5hp and 53.0 HP.
An optional unprotected seating in an enclosed cab is available.
Utility Tractors
Utility tractors have a horsepower range from 55.5hp to 141.4hp. The power take-off (PTO) horsepower ranges between 46.5hp and 114.0hp.
An optional unprotected seating in an enclosed cab is available.
: DT, F, HST.
Specialty Tractors
Have a horsepower range from 72.6hp to 108.2hp. The power take-off (PTO) horsepower ranges between 61.0hp and 89.0hp.
An optional unprotected seating in an enclosed cab is available.
Transmission: 12F/12R – 24F/24R.
Agriculture Tractors
Have a horsepower ranging from 55.5hp to 200.0hp. The power take-off (PTO) horsepower ranges between 46.5hp and 159.0hp.
An optional unprotected seating in an enclosed cab is available.
Tractor Loader Backhoes
The horsepower ranges from 21.6hp to 63.0hp. At take-off (PTO) ranges between 17.7hp and 46.0hp.
An optional unprotected seating in an enclosed cab is available.
The Swift-Connect Backhoe Attachment For Kubota Tractors
There are three ways to install a Backhoe on a Kubota Tractor.
Use the BX23S Sub-Compact backhoe tractor, which comes equipped with a backhoe and front loader as standard equipment, which is equipped with a removable (without tools) backhoe and an easily installed front loader.
- For Sub-Compact tractors, use the BX80 Swift-Connect Backhoe attachment
- The BH77 Backhoe attachment which can be installed on most Compact Tractors.
- Use one of the Dedicated TLBs (BX TLB, B TLB, L TLB, and L TLB Series.
Kubota also offers the two optional backhoe attachments, as follows.
The backhoe BX80 Swift-Connect and BH77 Backhoe attachments include the following features.
- The reversible seat enables a more comfortable experience while also providing better visibility.
- All the Hydraulic hoses are protected, which helps reduce vulnerability to damage and saves repair time from being accidentally punctured.
- Operational Mechanical thumb for greater lifting options
- Boom and Swing Cylinder Cushion Valves provide lower levels of physical impact to the driver.
Which Kubota Tractor Models Can You Put A Backhoe On?
Not all equipment can accept a Backhoe attachment or Front End Loader.
The following Kubota models are available within different ranges. The available backhoe and front-end loaders are listed as well.
| Model Range | Tractor Type | Backhoe Attachment | Front-End Loader |
| BX1880 – BX2680 | Sub-Compact | Not available | Swift Tach Loader |
| BX23S (Backhoe) | Sub-Compact | BX80 Swift-Connect Backhoe | LA340 Front-End Loader |
| B2301 to B2401 Narrow | Compact | BH77 Backhoe | Swift Tach Loader |
| UX 2610 series (with and without cab) | Compact | BH77 Backhoe | Swift Tach Loader |
| L2501 TO L4701 | Compact | BH77 Backhoe | Swift Tach Loader |
| L3302 TO L3902 | Compact | BH77 Backhoe | Swift Tach Loader |
| L3560 TO L6060 | Compact | Not Available | Swift Tach Loader |
| L2501 to L4701 | Compact | BH77 Backhoe | Swift Tach Loader |
| L3302 to L3902 | Compact | BH77 Backhoe | Swift Tach Loader |
| L3560 to L6060 | Compact | Not Available | Swift Tach Loader |
| MX series (with and without cab) | Utility | Not Available | M5660SU Front Loader |
| M5660 to M7060 Cab | Utility | Not Available | M5660SU Front Loader |
| M4D – 071 | Utility | Not Available | M5660SU Front Loader |
| M5-1 series (with and without cab) | Utility | Not Available | Front Loader |
| M6S-1 series (with and without cab) | Utility | Not Available | Front Loader |
| M6-101 to M6-141 | Utility | Not Available | Front Loader |
| M4N Series | Specialty | Not Available | Not Available |
| M5N Series | Specialty | Not Available | Not Available |
| M5L Series | Specialty | Not Available | Not Available |
| M6G Series | Specialty | Not Available | Not Available |
| M8 Series | Agriculture | Not Available | Front Loader |
| M7 Series | Agriculture | Not Available | Front Loader |
| M6 Series | Agriculture | Not Available | Front Loader |
| M5 Series | Agriculture | Not Available | Front Loader |
| M4 Series | Agriculture | Not Available | Front Loader |
| M60 Series | Agriculture | Not Available | Front Loader |
| MX Series | Agriculture | Not Available | Front Loader |
| BX TLB Series | Dedicated TLB | Permanent Backhoe | Permanent Front Loader |
| B TLB Series | Dedicated TLB | Permanent Backhoe | Permanent Front Loader |
| L TLB Series | Dedicated TLB | Permanent Backhoe | Permanent Front Loader |
| L TLB Series | Dedicated TLB | Permanent Backhoe | Permanent Front Loader |
How To Install A Backhoe On A Kubota Tractor
Installing the BX80 Swift-Connect and BH77 Backhoe attachments is a painless process involving following the steps listed below.
Step One
Prepare the backhoe attachment by placing it on a flat, solid surface with enough room to maneuver the tractor towards it.
Step Two
Reverse the tractor to a position where the “J” hooks connect with the two bottom pins under the backhoe.
Step Three
Connect the two hydraulic hoses to the tractor. They cannot be connected incorrectly because the plugs will only fit into the correct attachment.
Suppose the backhoe has to stabilize its legs (BH77 Backhoe). In that case, extending these is a good idea to ensure the unit is solidly placed.
Step Four
Start the tractor and use the backhoe controls to move the upper connectors to a position where they line up with the upper connectors of the tractor.
Insert a pin on each side (with the correct locking pin), and you are good to go.
Final Word
Some model Kubota tractors can accept backhoe accessories being installed. On the other end of the product list are full-time dedicated tractors capable of heavy construction work.
The Kubota range of tractors offers a large selection of accessories that can be attached and extend the range of uses it is capable of.
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