Backhoe 3PH backhoe

[BER]

Anyone have any thoughts on 3PH mounted backhoes. I've heard they can ruin the draft control. Sub-frame mounting looks like the way to go.

 

[ns_in_tex]

I have read a number of comments here to the negative side, but I have been using one (not on a regular basis) for over 30 years & have had no problems.

Of course the tractor is over 30 yrs old also. I think they had a little more beef than the newer ones.

 

[jeff_jeff]

I love my 3PH backhoe - for occasional use, light duty, it can't be beat. I can put it on or take it off in under 5 minutes, which means even if there's only one tree to plant, I'll put it on and dig a hole.....

 

[JerryG]

With any compact tractor, you are better of to have a sub-frame. The housings are not thick like on the utility tractors that is why most compact tractor manufactures recommend a sub-frame. You might be alright, but you would be taking a big chance. Over the years, we have had several pictures posted where tractors were broken into.

 

[aloha]

I have a Woods 7500 on a subframe and am extremely happy with it. It is on or off in 5 minutes. It has a good, solid feel.

I also like using the tractor hydraulics rather than PTO pump, although there is an argument to be made for keeping the hydraulic fluids from tractor and BH from mixing.

 

[ronjhall]

<font color="blue"> I've heard they can ruin the draft control.</font>
I do not think the 3PH Backhoe could cause a failure.
Leaving the draft control in the up position when the Backhoe is on the tractor could cause pump and valve failure. When draft control is in up position with the 3PH Backhoe on tractor the 3PH is always tying to raise.
Always leave the control at is lowest position when a 3PH backhoe is installed on a tractor.

 

[Ledgemere Farm]

I would be really concerned about cracking your tractor in two pieces. In my mind, the added cost of the sub frame is cheap insurance. Depending upon the flow rate of the tractor's hydraulics, you may or may not want to go w/a separate PTO pump. If it's an add-on, it may be easier to just get the 3PH pump in lieu of plumbing your hydraulics back. I don't think there is any think wrong with mixing the fluid from the backhoe to the tractor. You don't have separate fluid in your loader, right?

 

[Henro]

I think the key is ensuring that whatever backhoe you decide to attach to your tractor is installed properly as it was designed to be installed.

Fears of breaking a tractor in half, or doing other damage, are valid if the backhoe is not installed properly, or maybe even if it is and it is not only used, but also abused.

There are things like heavy duty brackets and braces that are often required when a 3PH backhoe is used. These are added pieces and could be overlooked if a backhoe were purchased second hand and installed by someone who did not understand the requirements for his particular tractor.

I tend to give the manufacturer's engineers come credit, and since I have a 3PH backhoe and tractor made by the same company, and installed by the dealer following manufacturer guidelines, I don't feel too worried about it not having a true subframe.... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[mahlers]

I'm a believer in using subframe mounts whenever possible. Not only do they provide a bit of insurance against frame/drivetrain damage during BH use, they also strengthen the frame for any other use if you leave the subframe on. I think it is also a bit easier to install/remove the BH if you have a subframe mount - on mine it's just two pins that need to be removed.

 

[slowrev]

"Of course the tractor is over 30 yrs old also. I think they had a little more beef than the newer ones."

Yep, My old Industrial IH basically has a subframe type of loader on it. Goes from the rear axles to the mount above the front axles. Reinforces the frame well for 3 point mounted backhoes and such too. Just does not have the quick on/off features /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif But working on that aspect.....

Ben