Backhoe 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll

   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #11  
If I remember correctly there was a upgrade kit that was used on some of the Kubotas because the 3 point hitch backhoes where actually breaking the transmission housing where the top link connects.
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #12  
If I remember correctly there was a upgrade kit that was used on some of the Kubotas because the 3 point hitch backhoes where actually breaking the transmission housing where the top link connects.
Yup, it was a larger top link mount on the B series, tied into a few more bolt holes. That was when kubota was offering 3pt BHs, I haven't seen them listed so I'm guessing they got away from them now that they offer sub frame mounted on pretty much every model.
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #13  
Yup, it was a larger top link mount on the B series, tied into a few more bolt holes. That was when kubota was offering 3pt BHs, I haven't seen them listed so I'm guessing they got away from them now that they offer sub frame mounted on pretty much every model.

There are/were reinforcing kits for both B and L models. I added reinforcement on my L4610 because we were using a logging winch, which can also put heavy loads on the toplink attachment point on the rear end. The later Grand L's underwent a complete redesign of the 3 point hydraulics; the new design did not need reinforcing, but it looks like there are still some models with the old 3 point design (For example: L4701, MX series, maybe others). Dunno if there are still reinforcing kits offered.

There are stories of operators being injured or killed when something broke in the toplink connection on a 3 point hoe, as the operator is in a very exposed position should that happen.
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #14  
definately add a sub-rame. I have a 3pt backhoe on an old ford 850 and welded up my own sub-frame. it is for sure needed.
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #15  
When I had a Woods 3pt backhoe there was a big warning to only use their special toplink pin and no other. Also, there was a warning to, I think, either not have a ROPS or to make sure you had sufficient clearance so you weren't crushed if the pin let go. .

I have a JD 790 TLB and got a special Deere ROPS extension that raised the height of it about a foot. That has a subframe.
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #16  
I bought the Woodmax 6600 about 2 1/2 years ago for my Kubota B7500. The 6600 is listed as weighing in at 995 pounds (the 8600 is 1150). Before I installed it the first time I did purchase the heavy duty top link bracket and the support frame kit from my dealer. I have dug up over 30 tree stumps and never had a problem; it is a powerful backhoe for it's size. But I do recall that my Woodmax hoe did not come with a pin to make the top point connector on the tractor, you had to supply your own. I'm thinking that the OP likely had a cheap (think Chinese) top link pin to have it bend that much. The problem would further be exasperated if the pin were longer than necessary. I use the same short top link pin for the backhoe as for all of my other 3 point attachments and it is not bent in the least.
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #17  
AI have been using a Woods 750 3-point hitch mounted backhoe on my Kubota L4200 for nineteen years without a problem. And believe me our area has a lot of hardpan and rocks. It has seen a lot of trench digging for laying drain tile and such. So a 3-point hitch mounted backhoe can and will dig more than top soil without a problem for some compact tractors. A blanket statement to the contrary is not accurate.

My subframe-mount Woods BH9000 throws my L4200 around like so much tissue paper. I could imagine the beating it would give to a 3pt. OTOH, the subframe mount still uses a toplink and pin, and the topmost receiver hole on the tractor was well-elongated when I got it, I assume from using the backhoe, although I've moved the connection to the middle hole, and haven't seen any additional wear.
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #18  
I had my Woodmax 8600 backhoe hooked up to the L3540. It weighs about 1,000 lbs. While it was mounted I dug out 5 medium to small stumps and various large rocks. I dismounted the backhoe this past weekend and this is what the toplink pin looked like - Thankfully it's an inexpensive part to replace and I believe it's designed as a wear item.
View attachment 503734



I took the lower arms off also to examine the attachment pins. Those looked fine. Passing along for those who are considering a 3pt backhoe.

I have been in the slow process of converting to a subframe mount. After looking at this pin, I don't think I'll use the backhoe again until I complete this conversion.

HP

That sure looks like the classic case of what can happen when a 3 pt. backhoe is used without first disabling the 3 pt's draft control lever. If so, you are one very lucky guy. A kid at my JD dealer wasn't.
rScotty
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #19  
That sure looks like the classic case of what can happen when a 3 pt. backhoe is used without first disabling the 3 pt's draft control lever. If so, you are one very lucky guy. A kid at my JD dealer wasn't.
rScotty
Good point! :thumbsup:

I recall having to do that years back when using my Woods 3 pt. backhoe on my IH 354 tractor. Had to disable the 3pt's draft control.
 
   / 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll #20  
I just bought a WoodMaxx 8600 3pth backhoe for my L3940 tractor. Reading the threads, I see people are mentioning about a heavy duty top link bracket and the support frame kit for Kubota tractors. Could somebody post a picture or a link how these look installed? Just want to confirm if I need one for my tractor as in one of the post somebody mentioned that the Kubota already redesigned that for L series tractors and don't need it.
Thanks.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

2013 Ver-Mac Solar S/A Towable Trailer Message Board (A49461)
2013 Ver-Mac Solar...
Quick Attach EZ Axe Skid Steer Tree Shear (A51039)
Quick Attach EZ...
2019 JOHN DEERE 331G SKID STEER (A51242)
2019 JOHN DEERE...
CHALLENGER MT465E TRACTOR (A51406)
CHALLENGER MT465E...
2020 KUBOTA RTV X1100C UTV (A51406)
2020 KUBOTA RTV...
2008 CATERPILLAR 304C CR EXCAVATOR (A51406)
2008 CATERPILLAR...
 
Top