Backhoe 3 point hook-up vs subframe

[Bedlam]

I agree .Almost 18 years with the same 3 PT hoe and had one failure Got Lucky it was just the top link bracket. (not casing),HOWEVER, I was over doing it , and had the diagonal brace disconnected.Pulling a stump way down in a hole. Did give much thought as to the transfer of stress.But I to this day wonder if the diagonal was hooked up it would have transfered some of that pressure down to the lower pins.
In summary I have gained respect, and my limit of pushing it.(i Hope)
If your careful and don't overdo it i don't think these is a problem.
Thats tractors alot bigger too.

 

[radman1]

The cost of the subframe will be considerable. If you plan on selling the backhoe later the next owner would need to have the same tractor frame to make it work. Chances are you will have inherited a subframe that the next buyer won't want to pay for. For your limited use, I would stay with the 3 pt.

 

[backdoor]

I've had my 3 PT hoe for about 12 years, no problems. I've dug as deep as it will reach, dug out green stumps, big rocks, water lines, swales to turn water, footers, you name it. My use is not constant, sporadic is a better term. I don't use it much anymore, but when I put it on I use it for a couple days. I try to keep my travel speed slow when going over rough ground to keep the torsional forces off the backhoe as much as possible. Mine fits solid on the tractor, but I can feel it back there when I travel rough ground.

 

[teg]

For those saying it *NEEDS* a subframe, did you look at the same 75 hp - Cat. 2 tractor that I saw?? :confused2: Granted, for COMPACT tractors... yes, they can break.

 

[flyingcow]

appreciate all the replies. All good points. I'll use till mid-summer as is, than decide what i'll do next. Good point on waiting until I make a choice as to selling it or keeping it. When i sold my old tractors, i took the money and put it down so my $$$'s financed was decent. If i sold this, i think i could get close to knocking another 1/3 $$$'s off the loan. But, we'll see.......can't wait for warm weather and frost out to start playing. Also, it'll be good experience for my son(16yrs) and 2 daughters(14yrs and 12yrs) to do some digging.