Backhoe 448 backhoe ???

[dfkrug]

I really cant decide between the 448 and the woods bh90-x. The woods numbers are a lil better and a lil bit cheaper but i do like the 448 and assume it has plenty of power. Please keep posting guys, i also have a post in the attachment section as well for comparing the 2. Thanks

Don't get too hung up on the digging force numbers, since the b/h
manufacturers play more games with these than the tractor makers do
with HP. Rarely is the operating pressure quoted when forces are
quoted. You can get a good idea of relative forces between two hoes by
measuring the dipper stick cylinder diameter and the dipper stick ratio.
The dipper ratio is (distance betw where dipper cyl connects to the dipper and the dipper pivot) divided by (dist betw that pivot and the bkt pivot).
Also look for size and apparent strength of similar components. Weight,
if accurately quoted, is useful, too.

 

[Cidertom]

I have never used a Woods BH, so I can't compare the two. I chose the 448 over a couple of cheaper bh after trying a 3pt mounted bh. Even with the sway arms tightened up there was too much motion between the hoe and the tractor. Once I get the 448 into position and the pins are in, it is part of the tractor, not something just hanging out there. Also the mounting arrangement puts the hoe closer to the tractor shortening up the overall lenght. Woods has a reputation on being a good machine, so workmanship shouldn't be an issue.

 

[GalwayBoy]

Thanks for the pics jon!! So i have this straight, you get the hoe off then attach the 3pt to the rocker arms,attach 3pt at the lower end, then the stabalizer and that is it, back to putting the box blade on or what, still having full use of the 3pt system now? Thanks for the help, just want to be sure i get the right one. The woods is giving it a run for the money in my head.

That's all there is to it.
The entire process doesn't take ten minutes.

Jon

 

[jeffinsgf]

How does the Woods connect? If it mounts to the three point, I would go with the 448. If it is a sub frame, I would go with the 448.

 

[buckmaster]

Well, pulled the trigger on the 448 today. Hope i made the right choice, cant go wrong with green. Does anybody know of an aftermarket mechanical thumb for the hoe like the on for the woods. No hydralic, just something adjustable to weld on?? Thanks for all the help in making my choice. THANKS!!!!

 

[AKfish]

A friend (he's got more fun tools than any man could want and he's always coming up with another "need") and I built one for my JD 8A hoe this winter.

I've got less than $150 in materials into it. If I can ever figure out how to post pics on this site ---- well, I'll keep tryin'...

It came out great and I based it on the detailed pictures and advice from the other users of TBN.

Used it to pick up an 8' chunk of railroad rail out of a snow bank and ever so lightly place it on the garage floor to thaw out. What a kick!

AKfish

 

[AKfish]

If you are the DIYer type and have access to a cutting torch/plasma cutter and good MIG welder, and band saw, grinder setup. An investment of a long weekend --- (measure 4-5 times then weld...) and you'd have it.

You'd be surprised how reasonable it is to make one yourself. 'Cause I sure ain't no machinest or welder!

A search here on TBN for thumbs in the Attachments and Projects forums would help with ideas for some pretty straightforward designs.

AKfish

 

[mattoxb]

Great timing (I hope its okay to tag onto this great thread). I am looking at a used 448 for my 2001 JD 4400. I spoke to two different dealers that think I need a JD heavy duty subframe kit (model # LVB24795) for $385 in addition to the $290 rock shaft assist mounting brackets. That's what the book says anyway. The thing is that they don't seem sure if this is required or just recommended. One made the comment that there was a note saying it is recommended for rental tractors using this attachment. All in all, it would cost another $1000 in parts to put a 448 on my tractor when you add in the power beyond. This makes the deal not so good not to mention having the bulky subframe on my tractor. Does anyone have any experience with this subframe requirement?

Thanks,
Bill

 

[dfkrug]

I spoke to two different dealers that think I need a JD heavy duty subframe kit (model # LVB24795) for $385 in addition to the $290 rock shaft assist mounting brackets.

Does anyone have any experience with this subframe requirement?

Actually, your quotation is low if that is a full subframe. Expect a
Woods 4-pt subframe to add $1000 to the cost of a BH-X hoe, and that
does not include installation or setting up remote hydraulics.

 

[mattoxb]

dfkrug - Turns out your surprise at the price is founded. I called another dealer and was told I also need an adapter frame weldment for $710.

Power beyond $290
RSA brackets $324
Adapter frame $710
Subrame kit $385
Total $1709

I like the size of the 4400 for maneuverability but I think I will look at investing this money in a larger framed tractor to put the backhoe on.