Ready to build R3039 backhoe subframe mount
I'm now ready to build my backhoe mount for my BH760. I've been looking at other subframe designs but I really like the 4 point style but don't know that I have enough room between ROPS and 3pt. lift to make one work (the R3039 is pretty compact width wise).
I have the existing 2x2 box tube loader support that runs from the FEL mount back to the axle where the ROPS connects. I've not seen pictures of a ladder frame backhoe mount that can co-exist with the FEL supports but I'm guessing it runs along the inside of the FEL supports.
A co-worker has a Bradco 4pt. mount on his TC45 and last weekend I went over and took pictures of it plus looked at a Woods install manual of one of their 4pt. mounts so here is what I've come up with so far and what my concerns are:
First, a 1st grade sketch of what I'm thinking:
The blue horizontal line represents my existing 2x2 FEL supports that run from the front of the tractor to the rear and connect where axle & ROPS meet. My idea was to cut out thick plate steel (about 1" thick) in the shape of the orange mount depicted in the picture and weld a mount point to the existing 2x2 FEL support in front of the axle and another mount that connects to the holes where the ROPS and FEL supports attach to axle housing. The backhoe would then have 1.5" diameter pins that sit in the 4pt. mount cradle.
The sway bars would have to be moved out of the way and bungy corded toward the center.
My main concern with this setup is the existing 2x2 box tube. Would it be strong enough for this setup or should I replace it with the 2x4 AR500 tube (3/16" thick) I bought a while ago when I was considering a ladder frame type mount? If I cut the 2x2 out and replace it with the 2x4, it will hang down another inch or two reducing the ground clearance under the tractor ... I don't like that. If I used the 2x4 tube with the 4" section horizontal instead of vertical (not as strong that way) then I'll have the same ground clearance I have now.
I'll post some pics of the Bradco 4pt. on the TC45 to better show what I'm trying to do:
This is the orange part in my crude drawing ... the 4 point cradle:
The wings on the backhoe with the 1.5" diameter pins I mentioned: