John Deere backhoe model confusion

[cheeser]

I'm looking at buying a backhoe for my 5055E tractor with its Power Beyond capability. It appears that there are 2 models to choose from: 48 and 485. I can't seem to find out about these models because they are not popular in these parts to stock and the Deere website doesn't have much at all.

Any advice/experience would be deeply appreciated.

I particularly want to know how each model is secured to the tractor: I want it VERY secure and I read on this forum how someone had a problem with this on his tractor axle? with the model 48 and that JD had changed the attachment system because of it.

Which is engineered better?

Is one hoe more durable than the other?

So I guess I could summarize the 3 areas of concern as Material, Design and especially the Connection.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

This may give you a start. Sometimes it is difficult to find info on JD sites.

JohnDeere Backhoe : Specifications

I think (could be wrong) that the 48 BH / 448 BH / 485 BH are essentially the same thing vis a vis specifications. When I purchased in late 2007 on the 3x20 series there was a choice of 447 or 448 BH, neither of which were compatible with a CAB on the 3x20. A short time later the models were designated 375 and 485.

On the 3x20 series there is a large adapter plate that bolts to the back of the tractor and stays in place permanently. The 3pth pieces are removed. The rockshaft arms lift the BH into place on the bracket and they are then held in place with two very large pins. Seems to be sturdy to me. Not sue how they mount to the 5E series.

If you post in the JD forum you may get better answers, as I know there are several users with the 448 / 485 BH

 

[cheeser]

Thanks,

I saw a spec sheet for the 485 and it shows the weight being over 1400 lbs (compared to half that for the 48 hoe)!

Also trying to figure out which bucket(s) to get. Any tips on what sizes are good for which jobs? 12,18,24, and 36 inch are offered.

 

[Rob-D]

Thanks,
I saw a spec sheet for the 485 and it shows the weight being over 1400 lbs (compared to half that for the 48 hoe)!

Also trying to figure out which bucket(s) to get. Any tips on what sizes are good for which jobs? 12,18,24, and 36 inch are offered.

The 485 replaced the 48 hoe if I remember, check your specs, it seems to me they're the same hoe. The 375 weighs less maybe that's what you're seeing.
Anyway the 485 is a decent hoe, I have one on my 3320. If you get the 18" bucket you can also get the thumb which meshes with the 18" bucket.

For small plantings like fruit trees or digging trenches I like the 12" bucket although the 18" is a good all around bucket for the hardpan we have here. If you're in soft soil or sand and have to move a lot of material the larger buckets might be better for you. I wouldn't go with the 36" bucket unless I was working very soft soil, it's just too big. I can dig a 4 foot square hole pretty quickly in hardpan with the 18" bucket and I find it a good size for rocks too.

What do you plan on doing with it?
Rob

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

Thanks,

I saw a spec sheet for the 485 and it shows the weight being over 1400 lbs (compared to half that for the 48 hoe)!

Also trying to figure out which bucket(s) to get. Any tips on what sizes are good for which jobs? 12,18,24, and 36 inch are offered.

I think on the spec sheet I sent they got the Kg and the lbs reversed. 690 Kg is 1517 lbs, which is about the correct weight for that BH.

The 12" / 13" is good for trenches, digging the flowerbed, making holes to plant new trees, digging out a stump. Not so great to dig up a tree for replanting and not much good for digging a serious hole, unless you have lots of time. Will also depend on soil conditions.

 

[cheeser]

Guys,

Thanks for the input. I have heavy ground and plan to use it for everything from removing stumps in the woods to digging holes for new trees to making trenches for drainage in the field and woods, cleaning out existing culverts, to pond/swamp maintenance.

So it definitely sounds like I should stay away from the 36" bucket (although I do have a higher GPM than many smaller models that can use this hoe).

I have read elsewhere that people really find the thumb useful. It looks to be open (not a plate - not able to hold dirt in) but seems to be more for gripping objects? Is it worth getting and if so, does it come with the hoe or is it a generic add on? (How much would it cost?)

Would it simply stay on if you change bucket sizes (and not interfere)?

Grateful for the advice!

 

[CurlyDave]

I really like my hydraulic thumb. It is about 3-4x as pricey as a mechanical thumb, but much more versatile.

You are right, it is for grasping objects, think rocks, logs, big stuff that it is hard for a man to lift or even move sometimes. With a little practice, it can place objects with some finesse.

My thumb stays on and the QA buckets are changed.

With an 18" bucket and a thumb, I have picked up objects ranging from a 1000 lb chunk of retaining wall to put into a dumpster down to half-basketball sized rocks. Of course it works best on things in between these size extremes.

 

[Rob-D]

The thumb is an option (~900 bucks). It can only be ordered with the 2010 485 hoe or newer and is specified for the 18" bucket because it meshes with it. You can buy the bucket and add the thumb later if the cost is too high.
Sounds like the 18" bucket is a good choice for you, that's the type of stuff I do with it.

Rob

 

[cheeser]

Thanks for the info. The 48 and 485 are a little different in design. I think the 485 has one more cylinder.

The 485 is a $1,000 - 1,500 less expensive and I can't figure out why that is???

I'm stumped on which to buy. Usually in my book the older is better, but I just don't know on this one....

 

[murrayvilleacct]

Cheeser,

Did you get the 485?


I am looking to purchase a 5055e but wasn't sure if there was possible to attach the 485 to it.