Backhoe 3 point backhoe question

[rwardlow75]

Looking for good advice. Looking to use a Woods 650 3 point backhoe on a 1978 International 284. It will be used occasionally ( twice a year if that) as a 3 point mount ( no frame ) unit. I have heard everything from the tractor splitting at the bell to no chance of problems. A local used dealer said the 650 is a smaller unit and that as long as its installed exactly as per the Woods Manual and you refrain from abuse (jerking / ramming / violently shaking ) I'll never have a problem. He said that consistent smooth and gentle operation rarely will create problems in this scenario. Another guy told me I will definitely break the bell or rip the top link bracket off the machine. Can anyone give me some words of wisdom on this? Any help would be greatly appreciated ! Thanks.:thumbsup:

 

[newbluevt]

I would have to wonder about the likelihood of "consistent smooth and gentle operation".

If it were me, I would be pretty sure that's not going to happen.

 

[rwardlow75]

Thanks newbluevt, Would have to agree with you on that. One thing is for sure in this scenario though, the only operator will be me. Just can't decide if I want to take this chance........

 

[Mousefield]

If you are only going to use it once or twice a year why not rent a backhoe with or without operator rather than take the risk of damaging your machine. By the time you buy it, maintain it and find a place to store it renting may be cheaper.

 

[rwardlow75]

Thanks Mousefield, The backhoe is already in my possession and has been for years. Really just trying to get some input on the probability (percentage wise) of it actually damaging the tractor. Perhaps from someone who has one mounted on a 284 or tractor similar in size. Thanks again.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Three point backhoes have been around a long time. I just bought a Bush Hog 760H TPH for my Ford 1900. My soil is sandy and I won't be using it that often so I figured the thre point hitch model would be fine for me. If I was going to do a lot of digging in hard soil I would have went with a sub frame mount. I Think a lot of the stories you hear of tractors breaking in half are from abuse or neglect.
Bill

 

[dboacres]

My neighbor has run a 3 pt Kubota backhoe on a 2150 ( 16" rear tires) for years. Then a few years ago he put it on a new kubota of the same size. We live in the rocky Sierra foothills. I've seen him dig in hard pan, granite, and any where he wanted. Pulled out 3 ton rocks. Never seemed to hurt the tractors. He never ran the PTO hydro pump over 1200 rpm. Never tried to lift rear tires off the ground. I bought a Woods 7500 that I plan to put on a Ford 1710. The Woods is 7.5 foot. His Kubota is 6.5 or smaller. Hope I don't have any trouble. Dealer tried to tell me I needed a subframe, which no one has for a FORD 1710. So he said I should buy a new tractor. I will keep PTO at 1000 rpm. Another member told me he has run a Woods 750 (same as 7500) on a Ford 1710 for 20 years using a 3 point.

 

[wedge40]

Take a little time and do a search on backhoe mount. This subject has been debated many times on here. A couple I have started. This like asking someone whats the best color of car to by? Yes with improper use you could break the tractor. But you could also break the tractor doing something else.
I have a small 3pt on my Ford 4000. Now it doesn't have very much power so I'm not too worried about breaking the tractor. Some day I'd love to purchase a woods bh90x and it would have a subframe because it's a more powerful machine than the Chinese thing I currently have. but like you I'd have to have a subframe made for the 4000 because nobody will have one stock.



Wedge

 

[rwardlow75]

Thanks to all that responded. The answer is you'll either have a problem or you won't. I was lucky enough to locate a landscaper with an 1983 International 284 4X4 who has used a Woods 750 on hundreds of jobs over 20 years without a problem. He mentioned that he never tried ripping out stumps and always refrained from abuse. This has increased my confidence to the point that I'm going to carefully use it on occasion. If and when it breaks I'll be sure to post some pictures........lol. Thanks again everyone