Kubota Backhoe Buyer's Guide: BX23S, BH70, BH77 & BH92

Kubota Backhoe Buyer’s Guide: BX23S, BH70, BH77 & BH92

Quick Answer: Kubota offers four backhoe options matched to specific tractor sizes — the BT603 on the integrated BX23S TLB (6 ft dig), BH70 for B2601-series tractors (7.1 ft), BH77 for L2501–L3901 (7.6 ft), and BH92 for Grand L and MX tractors (9.15 ft). Compatibility is not interchangeable — buying the wrong hoe for your tractor or skipping the required 4-point subframe is an expensive mistake. This guide covers all four options with complete specs, real-world digging performance, thumb choices, a used equipment inspection checklist, and the tools worth having once you start digging regularly.

A Kubota backhoe attachment can transform your tractor from a loader machine into a true three-function workhorse — trenching utilities, removing stumps, digging French drains, and handling light construction without renting equipment every time a hole needs to be dug. But Kubota’s lineup is more complicated than it first appears, and matching the right hoe to the right tractor is everything.

📋 What This Guide Covers:

1. Kubota Backhoe Options Overview & Compatibility
2. BX23S TLB Deep Dive — When to Buy vs. BX2380
3. BH70 (B-Series) Specs & Best Uses
4. BH77 (L-Series) — The Most Popular Compact Hoe
5. BH92 (Grand L & MX) — Heavy Hitter Specs
6. Factory vs. Aftermarket Backhoes
7. Hydraulic Thumb Options & Pricing
8. Real-World Digging Performance
9. Used Equipment Inspection Checklist
10. Common Mistakes & Quick Reference Tables
11. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Kubota Backhoe Options: Compatibility Overview

Match the hoe to the tractor — compatibility is not optional

Understanding which backhoe matches which tractor is the single most important decision in this entire buying process. Kubota’s four configurations are engineered to match specific tractor frame ratings, hydraulic flow rates, and weight classes — they are not interchangeable.

Model	Compatible Tractors	Dig Depth	New Price
BT603 (BX23S)	BX23S; BX2380/2680 w/subframe kit	72 in (6 ft)	Included in TLB ~$22k–$27k
BH70	B2601, B01 series	85.2 in (7.1 ft)	~$6,000 (TLB line item)
BH77	L2501, L3301, L3901, L3200, L3700SU, L3560 ROPS only	91.8 in (7.6 ft)	$7,500–$8,000
BH92	Grand L60, L4701, MX series, L47 TLB	109.8 in (9.15 ft)	$9,000–$11,000+

⚠️ Critical Warning — Never Use a 3-Point Hitch Backhoe on a Compact Tractor:

Experienced owners on TractorByNet are consistent and emphatic: 3-point backhoes on compact tractors risk cracking the tractor’s rear housing under heavy digging load. A proper 4-point subframe-mounted hoe is the only safe approach. If a deal seems too good because it’s a 3-point hoe, that’s exactly why.

💡 Pro Tip — Missing Subframe:

A missing subframe is one of the most common and expensive gotchas when buying used. Subframes are model-specific and can cost $800–$2,000+ to source separately. Always verify the complete subframe and all mounting hardware are included before completing any used purchase.

2. BX23S TLB Deep Dive

Purpose-built for homeowner TLB work — but know what you’re trading

Specification	BX23S
Engine	21.6 gross HP, 3-cylinder diesel
PTO HP	~17.7 HP
Loader (LA340) lift	~310 lb at pivot; ~700–800 lb ground level
Backhoe model	BT603
Dig depth	~72 in (6 ft class)
Bucket options	6, 10, 12, 16 in
ROPS width	40.625–43.625 in

BX23S vs. BX2380: Side-by-Side Decision Guide

Factor	BX23S TLB	BX2380
Primary purpose	Integrated TLB — loader, tractor, backhoe	Compact utility / mowing platform
Backhoe	BT603 factory integrated (6 ft dig)	None standard; add-on requires subframe kit
Mid-mount mower	Possible but inconvenient — most TLB owners skip it	Fully compatible, easy on/off
Maneuverability	Wider stabilizers, less nimble in tight spaces	More compact and nimble
Best for	Regular trenching, stumps, French drains, utility work	Primary mowing, light loader work, occasional digging
New price	~$22,000–$27,000	~$19,000–$22,000

⚠️ The Width Gotcha:

A common complaint from new BX23S owners is the stabilizer arm width and ROPS footprint making the machine wider than expected. One OrangeTractorTalks thread notes the BX23S has real difficulty working close to fences, trees, and tight structures. If your property requires frequent maneuvering in confined spaces, factor this in before buying.

An OrangeTractorTalks owner with 66 hours on 3 acres describes the BX23S as “perfect size for my 3 acres” for trenching, landscaping, and light stump work. One YouTube reviewer called it “the best $22,000 we ever spent” after two seasons with zero reliability issues. The consistent theme: genuinely capable for homeowner-scale work, but requires patience in tough soil, heavy roots, or rocky ground.

For a full side-by-side comparison see our Kubota BX23S vs BX2380 comparison guide and our BX vs. B vs. L series guide.

3. BH70 Backhoe (B-Series)

The right-sized hoe for B2601 owners — and a dead end if you want more depth

Specification	BH70
Dig depth	85.2 in (7.1 ft)
Loading height	61.6 in
Reach from swing pivot	116.8 in
Swing arc	180°
Bucket sizes	10, 12, 16 in
Compatible tractors	B2601 / B01 series

⚠️ Important — BH77 Is NOT an Upgrade for B-Series Tractors:

The BH77 cannot be safely mounted to a B2601. If you own a B-series tractor and need more dig depth than the BH70 provides, you are looking at a tractor upgrade — not just a hoe upgrade. The path to BH77-class performance runs through the L-series platform.

The BH70 is an excellent fit for B2601 owners who need a compact, nimble hoe for utility trenching, planting, small stump work, and general landscape digging on 1–5 acre properties. At 85.2 inches of dig depth and 180° swing, it handles everything a B-series owner realistically needs. For more on your B-series hydraulics, see our Kubota hydraulic system complete guide.

4. BH77 Backhoe (L-Series) — The Most Popular Compact Hoe

Purpose-matched to L2501, L3301, and L3901 — and genuinely hard to find used

Specification	BH77
Dig depth	91–91.8 in (7.6 ft)
Swing arc	180°
Loading height	64.4–66.7 in
Reach from swing pivot	124.6 in
Bucket sizes	10, 12, 16, 24 in
Thumb options	Mechanical (factory); hydraulic via aftermarket
Compatible tractors	L2501, L3301, L3901, L3200, L3700SU, L3560 ROPS only

💡 Installation Note:

First-time subframe installation involves bolting bracketry under the transmission, routing hydraulic lines to power beyond, and can take several hours at the dealer. Once the tractor-side brackets are installed, most owners report 5–15 minute on/off times for the hoe itself. Budget for dealer labor on initial setup when purchasing a used hoe without a pre-installed subframe.

New BH77 units consistently run $7,500–$8,000 with one bucket. Used units with subframe run around $5,000; with multiple buckets and a manual thumb, expect closer to $6,000. BH77s are genuinely scarce used — L-series owners who do serious work rarely sell them. If you find one, move quickly.

For hydraulic system maintenance on your L-series, see our L2501/L3301 100-hour service guide covering hydraulic filter and fluid procedures.

5. BH92 Backhoe (Grand L & MX) — The Heavy Hitter

Nine feet of dig depth for serious work — but it needs a serious tractor

Specification	BH92
Dig depth	109.8 in (9.15 ft)
Swing arc	180°
Loading height	84.3 in
Reach from swing pivot	150.4 in
Bucket sizes	12, 16, 18, 24, 30, 36 in
Thumb options	Mechanical or hydraulic (both factory)
Compatible tractors	Grand L60, L4701, MX series, L47 TLB

⚠️ LA805 Loader Requirement:

Kubota requires the LA805 loader to be used in conjunction with the BH92 on specific Grand L models due to weight distribution requirements. This is not optional guidance — it is an engineering requirement. Verify loader compatibility with your dealer before purchasing a BH92.

For Grand L and MX owners doing heavy construction, deep utility trenching, or large stump removal, the BH92 is the appropriate match. The BH92 is not intended for L-series tractors — the BH77 is the correct hoe for L2501 through L3901. An owner who moved from a BH77 on an L3901 to a BH92 after upgrading to an MX5400 described the difference as significant — but he also upgraded the entire tractor to make it work.

6. Factory vs. Aftermarket Backhoes

OEM quality vs. aftermarket savings — what’s actually worth it

Factor	Factory Kubota	Aftermarket (Woods/Liberty)
Engineering match	✅ Purpose-built subframe, factory hydraulics	⚠️ Tractor-specific frames available but verify fitment
Cost	Higher — $7,500+ for BH77	Lower — significant savings especially used
Resale value	✅ Strong — Kubota badge holds value	Lower than OEM Kubota
Dealer support	✅ Any Kubota dealer, full parts	Varies — fewer service options
Warranty risk	✅ No complications	Magnuson-Moss protects you — but damage caused by hoe can be denied

💡 Aftermarket Brands Worth Knowing:

Woods Groundbreaker (BH65, BH75, BH90) and Liberty backhoes (LB7, LB9) are the two most commonly recommended aftermarket options for Kubota tractors. Liberty’s LB7 specifically clones the BH77’s 4-point quick-attach geometry with confirmed subframes for L2501, L3301, L3901, and L3200. Reddit users describe Woods units as “very similar quality to the Kubota” for heavy driveway and demolition work.

7. Hydraulic Thumb Options

The single best upgrade for most backhoe owners

A hydraulic thumb transforms a backhoe from a pure digging tool into a genuine material handler — grabbing logs, placing rocks, holding stumps while cutting roots. Most owners who do regular clearing call a thumb “one of the best additions” to their setup.

Thumb Type	Typical Price	Best For
Kubota mechanical (BH77)	$800–$1,200 installed	Occasional material handling, budget-conscious owners
Kubota hydraulic (BH92)	$1,500–$2,000+ installed	Heavy clearing, rock work, frequent material handling
Aftermarket mechanical bolt-on	$145–$600	Low-cost capability for BX/B/L class hoes
Aftermarket hydraulic weld-on	$240–$900 + valve work	Full hydraulic control without OEM pricing

🛒 Backhoe Thumb Options on Amazon:

• VEVOR 18″ Hydraulic Backhoe Thumb — Weld-On, 1/2″ Steel, Cylinder Included — fits BH77-class hoes with 16–18″ buckets (~$240)

• HECASA Bolt-On Backhoe Thumb — Universal Claw, 3.25″ Boom, Compatible with Kubota — mechanical option for BX/B-class hoes (~$145)

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8. Real-World Digging Performance

What the spec sheet says vs. what you’ll actually experience in the field

Kubota’s dig depth specs are measured under ideal conditions — level tractor, flat trench bottom, appropriate soil. In practice, achieving spec depth in hard clay, rocky soil, or heavy root systems requires patience and technique. Operator experience matters significantly — your first 10 hours on a backhoe will be noticeably slower than your first 50.

Machine	Spec Depth	Best Use	Realistic Limitation
BX23S (BT603)	72 in (6 ft)	Shallow utilities, landscaping, small stumps	Slow in heavy roots/clay
B2601 + BH70	85.2 in (7.1 ft)	Utility trenching, planting, light stumps	Smaller buckets limit material volume
L-series + BH77	91.8 in (7.6 ft)	Serious stumps, utilities, small construction	Cab models not compatible
Grand L/MX + BH92	109.8 in (9.15 ft)	Deep utilities, large stumps, construction	Requires larger tractor; most expensive

🎓 Operator Experience Matters:

Experienced operators achieve faster digging speeds and closer-to-spec depths through smart positioning, aggressive stabilizer use, and repositioning frequently rather than overloading the machine. Large mature trees can be removed but require significant time and often supplemental chainsaw work. Commercial-scale excavation is far more efficiently done with a dedicated mini excavator.

9. Buying Used: Complete Inspection Checklist

Never hand over money before running through every item on this list

Step 1: Verify Identity and Completeness

Confirm model number and serial on the hoe frame match what the seller claims
Verify subframe is included — missing subframe = $800–$2,000+ to source separately
Confirm subframe is correct version for your specific tractor model — subframes are model-specific
Check that tractor-side hydraulic hoses and couplers are included

Step 2: Structural Inspection

Inspect all welds on the boom, dipper, and main frame for cracks, repairs, or discoloration indicating prior welding
Any visible bend in boom or dipper = red flag — indicates overloading or impact damage
Non-OEM weld repairs near pivot points suggest hard use or prior damage

Step 3: Pins, Bushings & Cylinders

Grab bucket and check side-to-side and up/down slop — excessive play = worn pins and bushings
Inspect cylinder rods for pitting, scoring, or corrosion — damaged rods destroy seals quickly
Look for wet joints at cylinder gland nuts indicating active seal leakage
Test all functions — boom, dipper, bucket, swing, stabilizers — watch for slow or jerky operation

🛒 Hydraulic Diagnostic Tools:

• Hydraulic Test Gauge Kit with Quick Connect — test system pressure before any used purchase

• ANCIMOON 4-Piece Reusable Hydraulic Hose Repair Kit — 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″ sizes — field repair for snagged or damaged hoses (~$45)

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Step 4: Bucket and Teeth

Inspect cutting edges for wear — thin or cracked edges indicate heavy use and near-term replacement cost
Missing teeth, excessive wear, or crude weld-on replacements signal hard past use
A fresh bucket on an otherwise heavily worn hoe can indicate the seller knew the machine was used hard

💰 Fair Used Pricing Guide:

• BH70 with subframe: $4,000–$5,000 | With extra buckets + thumb: add $300–$800
• BH77 with subframe: ~$5,000 | With extra buckets + manual thumb: ~$6,000
• BH92 with subframe: $6,000–$8,000+ | Rarely sold separately from tractor
• BX23S TLB complete: $18,000–$23,000 depending on hours and condition

For diagnosing hydraulic issues found during inspection, see our hydraulic pump rebuild vs. replace guide. For a full used tractor inspection beyond just the hoe, see our used Kubota tractor inspection guide.

10. Common Mistakes, Quick Reference & Essential Tools

Avoid these before writing the check — not after

⚠️ The 6 Most Common Backhoe Buying Mistakes:

1. Wrong hoe for your tractor — BH77 on an L4701, BH92 on an L3901, or BH77 on a BX without a full TLB subframe are all expensive errors

2. 3-point hitch hoe on a compact tractor — risks cracking the rear housing. Never do this

3. Buying used without the subframe — adds $800–$2,000+ and significant installation complexity

4. Hydraulic flow mismatch — verify hoe GPM requirement against your tractor’s rated hydraulic flow before buying aftermarket

5. Digging without calling 811 — compact backhoes will destroy water lines, electrical conduit, and septic systems without hesitation

6. Underestimating trailer requirements — BX23S needs correct deck length and tongue weight management; BH92-equipped packages easily exceed 7,000 lbs

Complete Quick Reference Table

Backhoe	Dig Depth	Compatible Tractors	Max Bucket	Used Price
BT603 (BX23S)	72 in (6 ft)	BX23S; BX2380/2680 w/subframe	16 in	$18k–$23k (TLB package)
BH70	85.2 in (7.1 ft)	B2601, B01 series	16 in	$4,000–$5,000
BH77	91.8 in (7.6 ft)	L2501, L3301, L3901, L3200, L3700SU, L3560 ROPS	24 in	$5,000–$6,000
BH92	109.8 in (9.15 ft)	Grand L60, L4701, MX series, L47 TLB	36 in	$6,000–$8,000+

🛒 Digging Safety & Field Essentials:

• Utility Marking Flags — mark all located utilities before digging

• Drain Spade Trenching Shovel — Fiberglass Handle — hand-dig safely near known utilities

• True Temper San Angelo Digging Bar — 60″, 17 lb Diamond Point — break hardpan alongside backhoe work

• Heavy Duty Ratchet Straps — 10,000 lb Capacity — proper tie-down for TLB trailering

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🛒 Bucket Wear Parts — Keep These on Hand:

• Titan Attachments 72″ Cutting Edge — 1055 Carbon Steel Hardened — loader bucket cutting edge replacement (~$195)

• BDI Wear Parts 4-Pack Trenching Bucket Teeth — replacement teeth for compact hoe buckets (~$69)

As an Amazon Associate, TractorPartsCentral earns from qualifying purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a backhoe to my existing BX2380?

Yes, but it requires the correct Kubota BT603 subframe kit and tractor-mounted hydraulic brackets. By the time you add the subframe, loader, and hoe to a BX2380, the total cost often exceeds buying a BX23S outright. If you know upfront that backhoe work is a priority, ordering the BX23S from the factory is the smarter path.

Will a BH77 fit my L3560 cab tractor?

No. The BH77 is compatible with the L3560 ROPS version only — not the cab (L3560HSTC) version. Cab models have rear interference that prevents proper hoe mounting. Always verify your exact model number with your Kubota dealer before purchasing any backhoe attachment.

How deep can a BX23S realistically dig in clay soil?

In heavy clay, expect 4–5 feet of productive depth rather than the spec 6 feet, depending on clay density and moisture content. Wet clay digs more easily than dry hardpan. The BX23S will reach spec depth in ideal conditions, but hard clay significantly slows cycle time. For consistent 5–6 foot trenching in difficult soil, an L-series with BH77 is a more capable machine.

Is a hydraulic thumb worth the extra cost over a mechanical thumb?

For occasional material handling — moving rocks, grabbing logs — a mechanical thumb gets the job done at a fraction of the cost. For regular brush clearing, stump work, or jobs where you’re constantly adjusting grip pressure, a hydraulic thumb pays for itself in time saved. Most L-series owners who do serious clearing say they wish they had gone hydraulic from the start.

Can I use a BH92 on an L3901?

No. The BH92 is engineered for Grand L60, L4701, and MX-series tractors. Mounting a BH92 on an L3901 would create hydraulic flow mismatches, subframe incompatibility, and stress the tractor’s rear end beyond its design rating. The BH77 is the correct and fully capable hoe for the L3901.

How hard is it to remove and reinstall a BH77 for field swaps?

Once the tractor-side brackets and hydraulic lines are properly installed, most owners report 5–15 minutes for on/off with some practice. The quick-attach design is genuinely convenient. The first few times take longer as you learn alignment and pin positioning, but experienced owners swap hoes routinely without assistance.

What bucket size should I buy first for a BH77?

Most L-series owners start with a 12-inch bucket as their primary workhorse — narrow enough for clean utility trenches but wide enough for general digging. A 16-inch is the next most useful addition for wider trenches and stump work. The 24-inch bucket is valuable for cleanup passes and moving loose material but is less efficient for initial digging in hard soil.

Final Recommendation by Use Case

B2601 owner, 1–5 acres, regular trenching: BH70 — purpose-built for your tractor. Don’t try to put a BH77 on a B-series machine.
Want a do-everything TLB on a subcompact budget: BX23S — buy used in the $18k–$22k range if possible. Accept that mowing will need a separate solution.
L2501, L3301, or L3901 owner who digs regularly: BH77 — it’s your match. Handles everything a serious rural homeowner needs. Add a mechanical thumb at minimum.
Grand L or MX owner doing serious construction work: BH92 — your tractor was built for it, and the extra depth makes a real difference at that machine size.

The right backhoe for your property is the one matched to your tractor — not the one with the most impressive spec sheet. Get the compatibility right first, and the work will follow.

For more on choosing and financing the right Kubota, see our Kubota financing calculator and best Kubota tractor for small farm guide. For hydraulic maintenance on your hoe-equipped tractor, see our hydraulic fluid change guide and hydraulic hose burst emergency guide. For B26 thumb installation, see our Kubota B26 hydraulic thumb installation guide.

For all Kubota attachment guides, maintenance schedules, and part cross-references, visit the TractorPartsCentral homepage.