I would like to add a backhoe attachment. What are my options?

[asgreig]

I have a jd 2017 2038r with no hydraulics to the rear and I would like to add a backhoe attachment. What are my options?

Add rear hydraulics or find a stand alone that runs off rear pto ? any other options?

 

[Jstpssng]

Mine has a PTO pump, I'm not big on tapping into my tractor system.. Make sure that you get one with a subframe.

 

[Carl_NH]

For the 8-9K you are going to invest in a BH its better to get a mini excavator - you can get the 1 Ton units for $5-6K but the better machine is the 2 ton with diesel for $11-12K.

 

[dodge man]

JD makes a system for your machine. Like already pointed out it’s expensive. Less if you can install it yourself. It will tap into your tractors existing hydraulic system, how exactly I don’t know.

 

[ptsg]

For the 8-9K you are going to invest in a BH its better to get a mini excavator - you can get the 1 Ton units for $5-6K but the better machine is the 2 ton with diesel for $11-12K.

I agree. For the price you guys can get those mini ex in the US, it's a no brainer.

You get a dedicated machine built to handle that type a work, that you can swing 360 degrees and you're not putting all those stresses on a tractor that wasn't built to have a backhoe in the first place.

 

[Torvy]

Depending on your uses, renting a mini-ex may also work.

 

[ericm979]

When I decided I wanted a backhoe I called the dealer who sold my tractor. They happened to have a used backhoe for my model that they'd just gotten in. It cost a bit more than half what a new one cost.

There was a factory kit to add the hydraulic ports for the backhoe that worked with or without factory remotes. It was easy to install. It'll be different for your tractor but it's probably not too hard to install.

I bet you could find it in the parts lookup on deere's web site.

 

[rScotty]

Mine has a PTO pump, I'm not big on tapping into my tractor system.. Make sure that you get one with a subframe.

PTO & Subframe are probably the best way. Certainly a subframe makes any BH work way better and is safer.
The old 3pt mount backhoe attachments were so dangerous that for years you saw posters warning about them in tractor dealerships. Mine damn nearly got me - but I still used it for years. Having a subframe prevents problems.

As for hydraulics you've covered the two main options: PTO or rear remotes. Rear remotes are simple enough to do yourself if you already have a loader, and not too bad if you don't.

If you have a FEL with a power beyond port, plumbing a set of rear remotes by buying the parts & doing it yourself is an under $500 job - but youdo have to study up on things like the world of hydraulic fittings and disconnets....not simple stuff & took me many evenings.
If using a manufacturer's kit to do the same thing probably twice that. Having the dealer install the kit doubles it again.

I think having a hoe with a thumb is a wonderful thing. Particularly for us older guys.

rScotty

 

[asgreig]

Reality just knocked. Another dream gone lol

 

[Jstpssng]

Reality just knocked. Another dream gone lol

Why? We are citing prices for new... keep watching Tractorhouse and other online sites for a better deal.

 

[Williy]

For adding a back hoe DON'T GET A BACK HOE THAT USES A THREE
POINT HITCH!!!!

willy

 

[nyone]

For adding a back hoe DON'T GET A BACK HOE THAT USES A THREE
POINT HITCH!!!!

willy

I use to own one..they are absolutely terrible.

 

[dodge man]

The JD system would use a subframe.

 

[Jstpssng]

I use to own one..they are absolutely terrible.

I have one and have done quite a bit of work with it. The problem is that they can break the rear housing.

 

[WranglerX]

For the 8-9K you are going to invest in a BH its better to get a mini excavator - you can get the 1 Ton units for $5-6K but the better machine is the 2 ton with diesel for $11-12K.

Where can I get a mini excavator for $5-6 k.....

 

[rScotty]

For adding a back hoe DON'T GET A BACK HOE THAT USES A THREE
POINT HITCH!!!!

willy

I have one and have done quite a bit of work with it. The problem is that they can break the rear housing.

I use to own one..they are absolutely terrible.

I had one of those PTO-driven 3pt hoes too. They are all that bad as described and dangerous besides. But I bought it used for under $1000, and did a lot of work with it for decades. Then sold it for $600 to a friend who used it for years. He couldn't kill it so gave it to his neighbor who still uses it. As of last month It is going strong and just as damn dangerous as always.

It is an old Yanmar model YBH600 made for a 15 hp tractor. I used it mounted on the Category II 3pt hitch on our heavy JD two cylinder, my friend on his vintage Massey 35 , and now it's on a New Holland 40.
rScotty .

 

[Carl_NH]

Where can I get a mini excavator for $5-6 k.....

All over the place - Ebay - auctions - heres' one FREE SHIP Mini Excavator 1 Ton Digger 13.5hp Gas Tracked Crawler B&S EPA Engine | eBay
Here's another one 2 Ton for $11K

2025 4000 lb TYPHON TERROR XVII Cabin Mini Excavator Rubber Track w Kubota D902 | eBay

With a focus on flexibility, ease of transport, and superior heat dissipation, the TYPHON TERROR XVII is your go-to solution for a wide range of applications, including planting, digging, applying fertilizer, and weeding in orchards.

www.ebay.com

 

[WranglerX]

All over the place - Ebay - auctions - heres' one FREE SHIP Mini Excavator 1 Ton Digger 13.5hp Gas Tracked Crawler B&S EPA Engine | eBay
Here's another one 2 Ton for $11K

2025 4000 lb TYPHON TERROR XVII Cabin Mini Excavator Rubber Track w Kubota D902 | eBay

With a focus on flexibility, ease of transport, and superior heat dissipation, the TYPHON TERROR XVII is your go-to solution for a wide range of applications, including planting, digging, applying fertilizer, and weeding in orchards.

www.ebay.com

Just a tiny bit more than the $5-6 thousand statement...

 

[rScotty]

Apparently 6K gets you one - delivered on a pallet - with a gas engine. Roughly double that for diesel. It wouldn't surprise me if they worked just fine for awhile.

So why is it that everytime I see advertisments like that I flash back to my childhood? Way back to a time when my big brother is always trying to talk me into doing something dumb?
"Well.... fish eat worms and you eat fishes, right? So it has to be OK....."

 

[Carl_NH]

Just a tiny bit more than the $5-6 thousand statement...

No - check the first link posted - it’s 5500$ for the one ton machine with gas engine and yes - the 2 ton machine with diesel is twice the price but a lot more machine for the money.