Backhoe Woods subframe to CT230

[DaveK OR]

I'm needing a backhoe for my CT230, and have settled on the Woods BH75, mostly because of the smaller "parking footprint" for the detached hoe. Woods does not offer a subframe for the CT230, but does have one for the near-equivalent CK30. The problem seems to be that the subframe connects near the FEL mounts, and the FEL's are different between the Bobcat and the Kioti. I'm told that the matchup is close, but some additional fabricaton/modification is required.

Has anyone here done the matchup of a CT225, 230, or 235 to the Woods Subframe for the Kiotis?

Could you tell me how it was done?
How difficult is the modification required?
Any photos of how the front attachment was done?

Any advice here would be very welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[MESSMAKER]

I am not sure of the exact difference, but I would bet any good welder could make it work.

 

[DaveK OR]

That's my opinion, but I'd rather know for sure that it can be relatively easily done before I plunk down the $1k (give or take) for the Woods subframe. I don't mind spending the extra money for a pre-built subframe, as long as the mods aren't a huge challenge, but to buy it and then find it's only worth scrap value would be a bummer.

 

[tman1020]

I was under the impression it was a direct bolt up. There was a guy that posted here a lot that was a bobcat tractor dealer and he sold woods backhoes. I think it was mesicks or something like that. He was located in Pennsylvania I believe. I'm sure I am spelling it wrong but he was a wealth of info on this sort of thing. Maybe try doing a search on here and see what pops up. I will see if I can find the correct spelling for you.

 

[tman1020]

I'm sorry I made a mistake. Wallace is the name of the dealer ship I was speaking of. I'm not sure if he still active on here or not but if you can find him he was very helpful.

 

[SSdoxie]

The rear mounts of sub-frame will be the same as CK30. The question will be how the front mounts are installed/located. If mounted to the transmission case, flywheel housing, or engine then it would be same as Kioti. If mount brackets are fastened to loader frame the modification or new brackets would be required. Ask Woods dealer to get a copy of the installation instructions from Woods and see how the front mounts are installed.

 

[DaveK OR]

Thanks, SSdoxie!

I have the Woods subframe installation instructions, and it very clearly shows how the rear connections bolt in. The front is not shown nearly as well, however.

At my FEL mount, there are three-hole tabs that appear to be for something like the front connections of a subframe. Does anybody have a decent photo of the ck30 FEL mounts for comparison?

 

[powerscol]

DaveK
Ask over in the Kioti forum. They are nice folks too and are helpful to us orphans

 

[DaveK OR]

I'll attempt to upload a couple of photos here... it's the left front mount for the FEL, with the subframe mounting tab that would be used for the backhoe subframe. Is this different from the Kioti with it's FEL?

 

[Tfish]

I just recently installed a woods 80x on my CK30...I can take some pictures if any of that would help you

 

[DaveK OR]

Thanks Tfish, it would be helpful to see the fit-up on that at the front end. Do you know who built the loader on your CK30? I believe that any differences between the Bobcat and the Kioti are related to The FEL mounts.

 

[Tfish]

The loader on my ck30 is a kioti. I'm out of town right now but when I get home I will try to figure out how to put a picture on here... but the connection in the front was simple but I was able to just order a subframe from woods to put the woods backhoe on my tractor..I'm surprised that they can't make you one, that's what they did for me because they had discontinued the subframe I needed.

 

[powerscol]

I'll attempt to upload a couple of photos here... it's the left front mount for the FEL, with the subframe mounting tab that would be used for the backhoe subframe. Is this different from the Kioti with it's FEL?

View attachment 489451 View attachment 489452

Dave - I must be loosing my mind, but I swear someone posted a pictures of the loader sub frame on their Kioti and it bolted to the two L tabs in your picture. These are the same tabs used for the belly mowers which I believe fit both. Il keep looking, but is somewhere or got deleted for some reason. Found it - post 23...but you already know that
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/bobcat-tractors/310763-wanting-backhoe-ct-225-a-3.html

 

[Tfish]

Dave I took a picture of the front mount on my CK 30 but can't figure out how to load it...but the front of the subframe bolts to the two L shaped brackets from the FEL. If it is only the front mount that is different on yours that should be easy to modify. the back mount is definitely more complicated...I must be brain dead but I can't figure out how to post a picture on here!

 

[DaveK OR]

Yeah, those two L-brackets are the key, I think. They are a part of the FEL subframe, and could be different depending on the FEL that was installed. From all the discussion and comments, it appears that any modification would be "relatively" minor, though I don't relish the thought of either cutting and rewelding the subframe, or fabricating an adapter plate to make it work. I'm hoping for a straight bolt-up.

 

[powerscol]

Give these folks a call. They used to be a Bobcat Compact tractor dealer and now sell Kioti. They have helped me out before on parts.

Legacy Tractor Sales & Service, Inc.
1845 North College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80524
P: (970) 482-4803 or 1-877-636-0500
Source: Resource Links

 

[DaveK OR]

Well, I'll bump this post with the comment that I've pulled the trigger on the Woods BH75 backhoe for my CT230. I wasn't able to get all the info I wanted on how the subframe hookup is going to work, but from all indications, it should be relatively easy. I ended up going with the 12" bucket and a 24" bucket, and the mechanical thumb, of course.

Thanks to all who provided their insight.

 

[tman1020]

Thanks for the update I'll bet you'll be pretty happy with it.

 

[DaveK OR]

Ok! The Backhoe arrived today, so I think I'll start a new thread on the installation. It may be a slow process for a while, since I can't risk taking the tractor out of service with snow in the forecast. Also, Woods managed to "forget" to send the hose-kit, so I'll have to wait for that to arrive before actually mounting the hoe. I'll try to post pictures as I go.