I have a Mahindra 6000 and Bradco now makes a sub frame for the 511 hoe. Dealer brought it our, spent 30 min going over fundamental operations and how to take on and off. It took be 5 min the first time to put hoe on, and about 4 min to get it off. Very slick and easy. The hoe itself is great. It has a speed control to keep the speed calabrated to the operators capabilities. The first hour or two I had it turned all the way down. I now can operate it pretty good at about 1/3 open. I have 11 gpm on my tractor and hoe is hooked into tractor. Dealer recommended that if I am going to do alot of hoe work to get a pto pump due to heat up of oil. He has a contractor who is using one everyday and no problems even w/o pto pump. although he has one on order when available. I would recommed that you try the hoe on a tractor with 9gpm before you buy. There is another poster on this board that put a 511 on a smaller tractor with, I think about 8-9 gpm and is really unhappy with its performance. You also have to check not only on pto pump availability but alos sub frame. My 4wd 6000 with Great Bend Loader and Bradco 511 hoe (all painted red with Mahindra name on them designed to match the tractor) is one stout piece of equipment. I agree that it is better to get a hoe that has been approved and matched by the dealer. There is a tremedous amount of pressure between the end of that hoe and the tractor frame and your sitting right in the middle of it. Not a good place to be if something goes wrong, and just knowing the manufacture has speced it for your tractor makes me sit easier. I did alot of reasearch on Bradco Hoes and you can go back and do a search. Most will say Bradco is the best on the market. I now own one, used it, and can say I now know why. When it comes down to it, they really are not that much more money. And besides, you vary rarely see someone selling a backhoe used, which to me means people keep them forever, so why not spend a couple of extra skins and get the best. Hope this helps.
