Question on Woods Backhoe Attachment

[Kessler Farms]

I've done a lot of reading and searching, but haven't been able to find the answer to my question. I'm considering a Woods BH90-X backhoe with subframe for my JD 5403. For those that own a Woods backhoe, can the subframe remain attached to the tractor while it is being used for other duties? I will only attach the backhoe when needed, once a month or so, to maintain several ponds and cattle watering holes. If the subframe must be removed to use the tractor in hay or silage, that's pretty much a deal breaker.

 

[Weeeee]

May or may not help you but on my Kioti DK40SE HST my woods BH80X subframe stays on the tractor, the BH90X would also stay on if I had that model, so I would suspect it would stay on your JD.

 

[George2615]

I have an older model Woods BH750-3 and the BH is attached to the sub frame which must be removed when taking the BH off. I imagine the newer models are the same. According to the last poster Weeeee, his sub frame stays on the tractor. Someone with a BH90 will probably reply to confirm this.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Yes the subframe absolutely stays on the tractor

 

[Kessler Farms]

Is the tractor fully useable, meaning lift arms and drawbar, with the subframe attached?

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Yes it is. Depending on hoe the rails run to the loader mounts you might give up a few inches of ground clearance. But that's it.

 

[RickB]

The Woods 4 point mount subframe can and does limit the use of 3 point lower link lateral stabilizers in many applications. This is the shortcoming of an otherwise robust and easy to use mount system.

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Yes with the backhoe on. But when the hoe is off the 3pth should work fine.
Edit: at least that is the case on the 4 tractor models I have seen.

 

[s219]

Ground clearance is the main concern. Some of the aftermarket backhoes I have see will eat up 3-4" of ground clearance. Not sure about that Woods.

 

[blucoondawg]

I've got the 90x and the subframe does stay on the tractor, I don't know what the ground clearance difference is with the subframe I don't notice it at all.

I don't find the 3point limited by the subframe at all as one of the above posters claims. When the backhoe is removed you can use the 3 point the same as you would any other time. When I mount my backhoe I do unhook my adjustable stabilizer arms which is just a simple pin. You do not need to remove your lift arms or anything like that, taking the backhoe off and back on is a very quick easy process