Backhoe Backhoe decision

[brentj]

I've been looking for a backhoe for my Kubota 5040 (50 hp tractor). Finding used hoes is almost impossible but I've located one that I'm mulling. Hoe came off a Komatsu skid steer I believe. A 3 pt mount was welded to the mounting bracket an external pump/reservoir was added. I can get this setup for what I think is a good price $2000-2500. Some work does need to be finalized however such as incorporating the pump / reservoir in a more permanent setup and making a seat assembly. Any suggestions? I attached some pics.

 

[charlz]

From everything I have read on here about BH's it has two strikes against it. 3pt hoes can damage your tractor, you would be better off building a subframe and a way to attach it to your subframe. Those straight down feet have little clearance and can be a big pain when moving over uneven ground.

 

[jenkinsph]

From everything I have read on here about BH's it has two strikes against it. 3pt hoes can damage your tractor, you would be better off building a subframe and a way to attach it to your subframe. Those straight down feet have little clearance and can be a big pain when moving over uneven ground.

Very important points IMO.

If I were considering it I would have to envision a fix for these problems before I made the purchase. Be careful though depending on what it takes to fix everything up it may be a wash.

 

[Egon]

It seems like a large hoe for a three point hitch??

 

[McGeesEquip]

Usually, most Backhoes when sold on a tractor unit, have the subframe units. Units sold individually generally have the rigid 3 pt system and no top link is ever used. That looks like a bad accident ready to happen. When you go and start adding the costs for sub frame work where will you be?

Just my 2 cents, but I would give that a lot of thought before braking your unit in half. I've seen it done.

 

[Mousefield]

Very important points IMO.

If I were considering it I would have to envision a fix for these problems before I made the purchase. Be careful though depending on what it takes to fix everything up it may be a wash.

I agree that it could cost a fair bit to have this setup to fit your machine.
Do you have any idea on what all would be involved to make it fit properly on your tractor?

 

[brentj]

Thanks for the feedback. Not sure what it will take to make it work on my tractor. I hadn't thought about the clearance issue with the straight stabilizers. What is the rigid 3 pt system? I figured the 3 pt mount system that Rhino and Woods offered was like any other 3 pt attachment? Most o
manufacturers make 3 pt mounts so I'm hoping that unless I abuse the hoe I won't have issue.

 

[McGeesEquip]

On a rigid 3 point system on a backhoe, the center toplink is never used. If you use a toplink then the unit will bounce up and down just like other implements. Also, when you let the out rigers down then you will be sending a lot more upward pressure to the lift housing unit. I have attached a picture of a Great Bend backhoe, and you will notice there is a long bar coming from the center. That is used instead of the top link. Once it is adjusted to fit your tractor, then the backhoe will not go up and down and it will cause the backhoe to be locked in position and the 3 Point lift can not go up and down.

 

[brentj]

Great info. So where does the rigid bar mount to? Do you replace the top link with the bar or does it mount to another fixed point?

 

[McGeesEquip]

Yes, that center bar is to go where the toplink goes. You are suppose to remove the center toplink from the tractor to attach the backhoe.

With that type of rigid 3 point system, when you let the out rigers down, it will actually pick up the backend of the tractor without even moving the 3 point system and liftarms. You can not do that if a normal center top link is used. That is why the center bar on that GB backhoe is adjustable to fit different size tractors.