Off tractor storage backhoe

[TomIre]

I'll have a frame mounted backhoe on a 35 HP tractor - so a good bit of weight, 1500 lbs? I expect it to be off the tractor most of the time as I use a bush hog.
I only have a grass pasture to offload it on/store it. Should I throw down some pressure treated 4x4's under the frame and call it good? Do I need to do some digging/grading first to make it flat and level? Should I put down son gravel and 4x4's on top? Or, do I need to go all out and pour a concrete pad for it?

 

[Doofy]

I'll have a frame mounted backhoe on a 35 HP tractor - so a good bit of weight, 1500 lbs? I expect it to be off the tractor most of the time as I use a bush hog.
I only have a grass pasture to offload it on/store it. Should I throw down some pressure treated 4x4's under the frame and call it good? Do I need to do some digging/grading first to make it flat and level? Should I put down son gravel and 4x4's on top? Or, do I need to go all out and pour a concrete pad for it?

Inquiring minds want to know. I haven't taken mine off yet either and am curious too.

 

[flingwing1969]

I'll have a frame mounted backhoe on a 35 HP tractor - so a good bit of weight, 1500 lbs? I expect it to be off the tractor most of the time as I use a bush hog.
I only have a grass pasture to offload it on/store it. Should I throw down some pressure treated 4x4's under the frame and call it good? Do I need to do some digging/grading first to make it flat and level? Should I put down son gravel and 4x4's on top? Or, do I need to go all out and pour a concrete pad for it?

Mine is on the tractor a good part of the time but when I take it off it just sits on the ground. It does sit under an overhang on my barn so the hoses and seat are protected from the evil or UV.

 

[Aquamoose]

At minimum, I’d keep it separated from the ground at all costs. Do as much as you can afford to protect it as you mentioned. Moisture & critters will be your enemy, followed by dry rot on the hoses.

 

[groundcover]

The boys are slowing down, now is usually when someone chimes in that it is obviously time for a second tractor!!

 

[bdhsfz6]

In my experience, it makes it easier to re mount the BH if it is fairly level. Yes, you can level it out with the stabilizers once the hyd hoses are connected but it is easier to align when backing up to the BH if it is level.

If it were me, I'd put down a few inches of gravel for drainage, level it and set the hoe on 4X4's.

 

[fried1765]

Inquiring minds want to know. I haven't taken mine off yet either and am curious too.

Best solution to removing a backhoe is ......don't!
Buy another tractor (doesn't have to be new) for your other uses.
I have had my 10' quick attach BH off (15-20 minutes) once in 32 years, and that was to clean it up and paint.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Best solution to removing a backhoe is ......don't!
Buy another tractor (doesn't have to be new) for your other uses.
I have had my 10' quick attach BH off (15-20 minutes) once in 32 years, and that was to clean it up and paint.

I completely agree. After wrestling the BH on & off my tractors for 30+ years, I finally had enough. I bought a second tractor last year and dedicate my older one to BH use. With the BH on the rear, it still leaves the SSQA FEL free for other implements.

 

[mrmikey]

At minimum, I’d keep it separated from the ground at all costs. Do as much as you can afford to protect it as you mentioned. Moisture & critters will be your enemy, followed by dry rot on the hoses.

What he said. I wouldn't use PT lumber, very corrosive especially if it's sitting on it for long times. Maybe use pressure treated to stop rot but put some shingles where the machine sits to keep it away from the chemicals....Mike

 

[ch1ch2]

i got mine sitting on old tires.