15 and 20 series factory backhoe install

[rbstern]

Hoping someone familiar with these models and the factory backhoe can answer this: Do the rear lift arms and links have to be removed to install the backhoe? Was looking at these models at a dealer today, they didn't have a backhoe in stock, but the dealer was pretty sure that was the way the backhoe was installed. Is this true for all Branson factory/subframe backhoes?

 

[ning]

Hoping someone familiar with these models and the factory backhoe can answer this: Do the rear lift arms and links have to be removed to install the backhoe? Was looking at these models at a dealer today, they didn't have a backhoe in stock, but the dealer was pretty sure that was the way the backhoe was installed. Is this true for all Branson factory/subframe backhoes?

On the 20, definitely.
The subframe hooks on to the same bolts that the lower arms are attached to; they have to come off before the backhoe goes on.

 

[rbstern]

On the 20, definitely.
The subframe hooks on to the same bolts that the lower arms are attached to; they have to come off before the backhoe goes on.

Thanks for confirming that.

 

[Aquamoose]

Taking the lift arms off doesn’t take more than two minutes. Only one wrench is needed to do the entire process.

 

[rbstern]

Taking the lift arms off doesn’t take more than two minutes. Only one wrench is needed to do the entire process.

I'm sure that's true in ideal circumstances. But I'm imagining less than ideal circumstances. Mud caked on the tractor. Tall grass in the way. Less than ideal lighting. Having to carry the lift arm hardware separately if changing implements has to be done in the field, away from the barn/garage.

I really liked what I saw with both the 3015 and 3520, but I did notice some details like that which weren't user friendly. Another example: The 3015h is uncluttered enough to be mounted from the right side of the operator's platform, but it doesn't have a step. The 3520 has a step on the right side, but the entryway to the deck is too cluttered for all but a 105lb gymnast to mount the tractor from the right side. Those are obvious design/configuration missteps.

Nitpicky, perhaps, but when thinking about using a machine for the next 20 years, those types of issues are worth pondering.

 

[ericm979]

How often would you be putting the BH on and taking it off and why would you do it in the field?

When I'm switching to the backhoe I drop my linkage in the barn next to the rear implement I took off, then put the backhoe on. I'd have the backhoe in the barn too if it fit. Ideally on a dolly.

Putting the backhoe on is easier if you do it on a level surface. Where I have been putting it is flat but not level. So I can line up the tractor with the hooks on the subframe but when I raise the BH it moves to the side a little and I have to back and fill to move the tractor to match. Now I know why they put long hoses on the BH.

 

[rbstern]

How often would you be putting the BH on and taking it off

A fair amount. In a typical day of land maintenance/tractor chores, I change implements numerous times.

and why would you do it in the field?

I normally wouldn't, but there will be times where the trip back to the garage might be a mile round-trip or more over the road. If I have other implements where I am working, I'd like to skip that trip. The easier it is to change implements, the less time wasted. And since I hope to still be using this tractor well into my social security years, I have to assume arthritic fingers, back, knees and other ailments will make these extra challenges a bit harder.

When I'm switching to the backhoe I drop my linkage in the barn next to the rear implement I took off, then put the backhoe on. I'd have the backhoe in the barn too if it fit. Ideally on a dolly.

Putting the backhoe on is easier if you do it on a level surface. Where I have been putting it is flat but not level. So I can line up the tractor with the hooks on the subframe but when I raise the BH it moves to the side a little and I have to back and fill to move the tractor to match. Now I know why they put long hoses on the BH.

Understood. I'll set up as optimal a spot in my garage (and yet-to-be-built barn, eventually) as I can.

Not a deal breaker, but when other makers have figured out BH attachment systems that don't require rear lift disassembly, I can't view this as a Branson advantage.

 

[Hombre]

A fair amount. In a typical day of land maintenance/tractor chores, I change implements numerous times.



I normally wouldn't, but there will be times where the trip back to the garage might be a mile round-trip or more over the road. If I have other implements where I am working, I'd like to skip that trip. The easier it is to change implements, the less time wasted. And since I hope to still be using this tractor well into my social security years, I have to assume arthritic fingers, back, knees and other ailments will make these extra challenges a bit harder.



Understood. I'll set up as optimal a spot in my garage (and yet-to-be-built barn, eventually) as I can.

Not a deal breaker, but when other makers have figured out BH attachment systems that don't require rear lift disassembly, I can't view this as a Branson advantage.

I don't understand a couple of your remarks. Changing implements is easy, takes 10 minutes or so, faster and easier if you buy a "quick hitch", I have one (quick hitch) but don't use it anymore as with the adjustable 3pt lower link arms it's almost as quick without it. And, I'm well into my "social security" years. As far as switching from the backhoe to other implements that's not something one would do on a daily basis "normally" although from what I've seen the Branson hookup is as easy as any and takes probably 30 minutes or less(not ncluding the 3pt system). Those here that have a BH can certainly give you that information. But, if hooking up the BH to use, I think I would figure my "workload" for that item in particular and leave it attached until project was finished. You're also going to have to return to wherever you took the backhoe off cause' you aint haulin' that around with you. Also the remark that other makers have figured a system that doesn't require the three point arms to be removed would have to be a three point attachment type BH, you can do that on a Branson but it's a poorer setup than a frame mounted type. If you know of a tractor with a frame mount BH that can be installed WITHOUT removing the three point system please let me know which one, as I know of none.

 

[rbstern]

I don't understand a couple of your remarks. Changing implements is easy, takes 10 minutes or so, faster and easier if you buy a "quick hitch", I have one (quick hitch) but don't use it anymore as with the adjustable 3pt lower link arms it's almost as quick without it.

I have a quick hitch on my Yanmar 2210. Serves very well, but it probably won't be a factor with the new tractor. I'd love to have adjustable links, but it moves me into a class of tractor I may not be able to justify (20 series).

And, I'm well into my "social security" years.

In good health, I hope. I've watched many of my older friends and neighbors experience significant decline in strength and flexibility, due to both age and disease. In fact, some of my tractor time is dedicated to helping those folks with projects they can no longer handle due to their physical limitations.

We all hope for the best, but have to play the hand we're dealt.

As far as switching from the backhoe to other implements that's not something one would do on a daily basis "normally" although from what I've seen the Branson hookup is as easy as any and takes probably 30 minutes or less(not ncluding the 3pt system). Those here that have a BH can certainly give you that information. But, if hooking up the BH to use, I think I would figure my "workload" for that item in particular and leave it attached until project was finished. You're also going to have to return to wherever you took the backhoe off cause' you aint haulin' that around with you. Also the remark that other makers have figured a system that doesn't require the three point arms to be removed would have to be a three point attachment type BH, you can do that on a Branson but it's a poorer setup than a frame mounted type. If you know of a tractor with a frame mount BH that can be installed WITHOUT removing the three point system please let me know which one, as I know of none.

As best I can tell, from dealer convos and online research, including watching videos and asking questions here on TBN, the LS X30xx and X31xx series tractors do not require removal of the rear 3pt hardware to install the backhoe. There are additional fixtures in the frame and subframe that don't require the lift arm attachment points. The 3pt lift is set in the max-up position and remains out of the way. Not sure about other makes, but I can't believe LS was the first to come up with this.

There's another thread floating here about how badly setup the rear lift pin removal process is on the 20 series, including seconded comments like "badly designed."

Believe me, I really like everything else I saw on the Bransons, but this is a limitation that's hard for me, because I do switch tasks frequently, have to move around the property a lot, away from the niceties of paved work surfaces. The wife may ask for a trench or a stump removal and then that same afternoon, I'm grading the driveway or mowing the roadside. I have a full time job that doesn't involve the tractor, so I have to fill up the seat time as best I can. Ease of implement flexibility helps. That's just a reality of my life. Not suggesting it's your reality.

 

[ericm979]

If ease of backhoe install/removal is a high priority you might look for machines that have the newer style four point mounts. With those the BH does not have a long subframe extending forwards. Instead the subframe is permanently mounted on the tractor. The BH attaches to it at four points behind the axle. Kubota has this, I don't know who else does. Some of the small Kubotas have really slick BH mounting systems.

Kioti has an old style long subframe but the attachment points are different than Bransons and don't use the lower link bolts. I think the lower links can stay on with those. From videos it looks easier to mount than the Bransons.

The BH was not a consideration at all for me when I bought my Branson. I only got my BH recently when I found I would need one and it was rent or buy. Having to remove the links is a bit of a pain but it's another 10 minutes or so to the process.