Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ????

   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #1  

MFWD

Silver Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2012
Messages
112
Location
South Mountain, Pennsylvania
Tractor
2002 New Holland TC35D with cab, a 2007 New Holland Skid Steer and a 1970's 154 Cub Lo-Boy, 2016 John Deere XUV 550 Gator
Hello,
I will soon be getting a 7' Liberty backhoe attachment for my 2002 New Holland TC35D. I've been reading lately on different forums that some people seem to think that they are hard on a 3-point hitch and should be mounted on a sub frame. The unit weighs 1250 lbs. My 3-point will lift 2000 lbs so that seems like it should work ok. Is it the movement created while using the backhoe that is hard on the 3-point ? I would think that the 3-points should be built heavy enough to handle that. The backhoe unit has hydraulic arms that go down to help stabilize the tractor and unit when using it. This is my first backhoe attachment so I have no experience with one. Is there anybody out there that has knowledge from experience or an expert that would like to give me some comments ? All help will be greatly appreciated !!! Thanks !!!!!


MFWD
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #2  
It is not the lift and carry capabilty of the 3 point that has the greater risk of damage, but the stress loads that could be applied when in hard digging. The 3 pt is designed to withstand max. load of the tractor pulling capabilty (HP, axle torque, & traction). The tractor should kill the engine or slip the wheels before pulling the 3pt. mounting apart. When digging with backhoe you could exceed these loads and break something in the 3 pt. arms or worse tear it loose at the rear frame. A sub-frame bolted to rear of tractor frame and to front close to rear of engine transfers these loads equally to the tractor frame, for far less chance of damage.
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #3  
What are the specs on the BH? How much can it lift?

My B7610 with a Woods BH70X can about pull itself up in a tree. The tractor specs out to about 1500lbs w/o BH, the BH is 850lbs and I've got about 4 suitcase weights on the front. Still 1 good bucket curl tosses the 7610 around.

There had been several threads concerning "breaking the tractor in half":
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/buying-pricing-comparisons/32962-tractor-can-break-half.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/138637-3pt-vs-frame-mount-backhoe.html

But I think most of them were urban legend and only a few tractors broke.

Kubota sold the little BH's for my 7610 with a "beefed up" toplink, essentially a 3pt solution, but my tractor handles the BH70X (a 7' hoe) with ease.
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #4  
without thought, get a subframe.

a backhoe can twist, skid, flip and roll and lift a tractor in all directions.

as others have said, it is not just the weight of the backhoe, but also the force the backhoe can produce when digging or trying to lift something that could easily exceed a 3pt hitch.

have had FEL (front end loader) down and lifted all 4 wheels off ground with just the backhoe. or skidded entire machine with just the backhoe into multi directions. and a 3pt hitch is normally just made for pulling and not all the other directions of force being placed on it. that a backhoe can produce.

folks have done enough to 3pt hitches alone, with 3pt hitch rear blades. and trying to go in reverse to plow snow and hitting something. to other.

have had enough bolts and nuts come loose, to slicing bolts in half on various things. that if it is not farm tough. i run away as fast as i can. and to me not having a sub frame, is asking for problems. and being limited to baby the backhoe and tractor. vs being able to abuse and use the backhoe to its full potential without fear, till the relief valves kick in.
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #5  
I remember reading about an operator crushed to death when the three point mounted back-hoe broke.Wouldn't own one myself.Huge forces put on a tractor by a back-hoe.
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #6  
SOME people believe a 3pt backhoe will most certainly break a tractor in half.

My 790 came from JD with a 3pt BH, as did many others.

Last I looked, it was still in one piece.
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #7  
A Subframe hoe is better and safer. I'd check to see if Woods has a model to fit the TC35D.
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #8  
I have personally seen it happen; once the toplink is removed, the lift arms operate as an axle and can (and did) rotate the entire BH up and forward, and if someone is in that area...well...

There is no doubt that torquing forces are generated by a BH. Simply analyze whether the lift arms are primarily designed for that type of force, or a dedicated steel frame would be better suited. Easy answer.




I remember reading about an operator crushed to death when the three point mounted back-hoe broke.Wouldn't own one myself.Huge forces put on a tractor by a back-hoe.
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #9  
I wonder how much force is put on a 3 pt hitch when pulling a 16" breaking plow moving a 1-3 MPH? It must have a rotational twist put on the 3pt hitch and a harsh shearing pressures when hiting hard spots. My point is, if you buy a three point hitch backhoe attachment, and keep it in line with your tractor size, all will be well. Also, let face it, we can break anything when we use it incorrectly.
 
   / Backhoe attachment is hard on 3-point lift ???? #10  
I don't think I would have a problem putting a 3 ph backhoe on an old iron ag tractor in the 70 HP size and up as they were built really strong. As for putting one on a CUT, no way, they are just not built to the same standards. I have actually pulled the front of my B26 completely around when tugging on something to the side with my backhoe, this with both outriggers down and the FEL bucket on the ground. Just amazing how much side force can be generated with these little backhoes.
If you just plan to do straight behind you trench digging in soft soils a 3 PH might work ok without damaging your tractor. HOWEVER in real world we use the backhoe for lots of things other than just digging trenches and regardless of what your plans are NOW, you will be doing other things with it as need arises. I would plan for the worst scenario and get a subframe installed on it, you will be glad you did.
 
 
 
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