3 point backhoe vs sub-frame mount

[davedj1]

Hi all,
I just bought a 40 hp 4wd Massey Ferguson tractor/loader and have been toying with the idea of getting a backhoe attachment.
What do you all think about the 3 pt hitch vs a sub-frame mount?
I won't be using it for much, just an occasional hole for a pier on a deck job and such.
thanks,
dave

 

[Code54]

Buy the sub frame - they are a much stronger connection and overall fairly easy to hook up. There is a lot of talk of people damaging their machines with the 3pt styles - I have never personally seen one damaged but I have always had subframes and they worked great.
Good luck

 

[oldpilgrim]

For only real occasional use, a 3pt is ok if the 3pt is sturdy enough. That said, I've had both and would not want to go back to 3pt for 2 reasons:

1) they are very difficult to mount/remove compared to a frame mount.
2) there is sideways slop in a 3pt that you don't get in a frame mount.

MHO, YMMV

I had the top link on my 3pt mount break and it's a real thrill when that bh pivots down and you end up face down in the dirt in a hole straddling the boom.

 

[davedj1]

Oldpilgrim, that doesn't sound like it would be any fun at all!
Thanks for the feedback code54
I'm just in the beginning of looking so no rush.
Happy 4th
dave

 

[ScottyChip]

My vote sub-frame as well. That's what I have with the woods and my B7510. It makes the hoe and tractor one unit, and provides extra weight to the tractor when the hoe is not mounted.

 

[Opti-Mist]

My take is that it depends on the operator. A good operator will not stress (abuse) the machine. I had a Woods 750 3-pt mounted backhoe that I popped on and off the tractor quite frequently as it was quite easy to do (with practice using the backhoe hydraulics to position/adjust alingnment) on three different tractors over nearly 20 years. But, I've operated backhoes since the mid-1960s with a thirty year hiatus. Anyway, for infrequent use I'd save a few $$$ and go 3-pt. Tighten the check chains and the lateral movement is eliminated. The PTO pump option is also nice and is my preference.

 

[pat32rf]

Except for people selling them, OptiMist is the first person I have ever heard recommend the 3pth hoe. Although he does specify "a good operator"... I've only been Ho'in around for ten years or so and am still a long way from good.

 

[Fawken]

No problems with my 3 point. Yes there is side to side motion in transit, but once you get the stabilizers down not an issue. Easy to hook up and take off with the homemade dolly. Did have two loose bolts on the lower boom pinion after the last use. Tightened them up with red Loctite. It's a Liberty 5' that I've had for 4 years. Seems solid and have got between 70-80 hours on it.

 

[4570Man]

I'd go with a subframe. The 3pts are hard to hook up, and I have heard of people damaging the machine. My subframe is solid as a rock.

 

[bikerdib]

I personally chose the 4 point frame mount, in fact my 3300 is at the dealership right now getting it installed. Most people say they will only use it for light duty work, but most likely something more will be needed to be done at some point in the future then the limit of the 3 point will be pushed.

 

[davrow]

I won't be using it for much, just an occasional hole for a pier on a deck job and such.

I got a backhoe because I wanted one, not because I could cost-justify it. So I won't begrudge you getting one. But are you sure it will be worth it?

I always thought post holes were done with a PHD (Post Hole Digger) not a backhoe, which would introduce way too much uncompacted slop.

Home Depot rents Kubota BX25 on a trailer with a backhoe for less than $200 a day. You can rent many times for the price of a backhoe.

 

[bikerdib]

But where is the fun in not owning one, anyone can rent...:laughing:

I agree with you, I bought one because I wanted to own one not because it was the cost efficient way to do the work. Now when I want to go out to the weekend property and do some digging I don't have to plan an extra 4 to 6 hours drive time to the rental store (counting both pick up and return).

 

[Code54]

I can't say I really can justify the cost of our little backhoe for as much as I use it but when you need it or want it - its there. Tonight we decided to redo some of the ditches along our road - they are solid mud with tons of baseball size rocks mixed in. We almost could not dig it with a shovel but the little BX's hoe cleared them right out in no time.

 

[oldpilgrim]

Better to have a bh and not need it, than need it and not have it.

 

[Oaktree]

Doesn't a 3P BH make the tractor kind of tippy when moving on uneven terrain? Seems like the weight would be sitting a good foot or so higher than with a subframe hoe.

 

[Fawken]

Doesn't a 3P BH make the tractor kind of tippy when moving on uneven terrain? Seems like the weight would be sitting a good foot or so higher than with a subframe hoe.

Not that I've noticed. Tractor has water in wheels, though. The main thing for me was keeping the strain off my hydraulic pump.

 

[oldpilgrim]

I used my tractir with and without the 3pt hoe and other than length, I never noticed any stabilty issues.

 

[Caseyb1]

I'm very happy with my 3 point BH, no regrets at all.

 

[Grandad4]

Hi all,
I just bought a 40 hp 4wd Massey Ferguson tractor/loader and have been toying with the idea of getting a backhoe attachment.
What do you all think about the 3 pt hitch vs a sub-frame mount?
I won't be using it for much, just an occasional hole for a pier on a deck job and such.
thanks,
dave

It's always hard to give sensible advice without having walked a mile in the other guy's shoes. So much depends on what you're going to be doing with a backhoe. A 40 hp tractor can handle a respectable size backhoe, and the larger the hoe, the more power it can apply to the ground and the tractor. If you put an 8-9 foot hoe on your tractor, which it can handle, it will be capable of applying some severe forces. To illustrate, here is a picture of a couple of hours work opening up the ground for a burn pit at my place yesterday. Lack of rain has made the ground very hard. When using the hoe to break into the ground, the BH, with 6,000 lbs of curl, was actually lifting the whole front end of an 8,000 lb. tractor if I got too large of an initial bite. If you picture yourself doing things like this with that backhoe, I'd highly recommend you go for a subframe type BH. I would not want to do this sort of job with the 3 point style of BH. A smaller size BH or milder duty would change the picture of course. Depending on how "occasional" your work might be, a rental might be a decent alternative.

 

[GManBart]

When using the hoe to break into the ground, the BH, with 6,000 lbs of curl, was actually lifting the whole front end of an 8,000 lb. tractor if I got too large of an initial bite. If you picture yourself doing things like this with that backhoe, I'd highly recommend you go for a subframe type BH. I would not want to do this sort of job with the 3 point style of BH.

I was thinking along these exact same lines. When I'm using my backhoe (Case 580SM II) it's not uncommon to hook onto a big rock and have it move the entire 18,000lb machine...obviously I try to avoid that, but it happens. If someone is careful with a 3pt backhoe they might be fine, but there's a much bigger safety margin against damage with a subframe unit.