Bl8tant said:
I've seen alot of much smaller Kubota tractors with backhoes, so I figured I'd be OK. Now I'm worried!!
Thanks for all the replies!
I am not sure that you need to be worried.
I have a 3 point hitch backhoe on my Kubota B2910. You actually are supposed to make sure you are NOT lifting the hoe with the 3PT hitch when it is on. This is because the hoe hooks to the tractor at the top link position as well as the lift arms, and lift is not really possible. So if you try to lift, you trip the tractors hydraulic pressure relief valve...
One thing you do have to keep in mind is that the top link tie point is important when you are using a 3 PT hoe. Should it break, it is possible for the hoe to move upwards, since the lower arms will float UP (have no down pressure capability) and you could be pinned between the hoe and your rops. Death has occured in at least one case from this happening.
During use, the backhoe outriggers help a lot at taking some of the stresses generated. On my tractor, although it is a 3PT backhoe, Kubota did add some extra side bracing between the rear axle (if I remember right, can't look now as I am not home) and the loader frame, and a reinforced top link bracket, which spreads stressed over more of the rear axle housing.
Retrofitting a 3PH hoe into a subframe hoe is an idea, but it might be a lot of work. In the end doing so would probably take away the fear of damaging the tractor while using the hoe.
I love having a backhoe as do most that have them. Hope you get yours up and working for you without too much hassle.
Hope these thoughts are of some use...