Backhoe Backhoe decision

[irwin]

If your tractor doesn't have a loader...I'll be in the "don't do it" camp... but if it does.. then why not.
A backhoe that will fit the size and power of your tractor will cost many thousands of $... Having said that I'd be careful about using the 3pt for a backhoe mount...

There are several "built my own subframe" threads on here. If you have any fabrication talent ?... here's a project that can save you some money...or frustrate the heck outa ya. A couple years ago I did just that, took a 3pt backhoe and made a functional subframe for it... no it wasn't pretty like some of the more talented members have made.. but it was strong and I never had a concern about damaging my tractor while using it.

Do a search of TBN's archives on " subframe", "3pt backhoes" and then decide if this is for you.

The subframe is mounted to the loader mounts, then the frame is secured to the rear of the tractor on or near the rear axle, then the frame is securely mounted to the backhoe...
Ideally, make the hoe and subframe a solid unit that is securely mounted to the tractor.

 

[magicheater]

I would not do it. Don't like the stabilizers, where are you going to mount the tank?, What is the swing on it?, from the pics not sure how that would work. My opinion is you would be better off waiting for a more user friendly unit, I sold a 3PT back hoe last year for $2500 that was a "turn key" unit. Better deals out there unless you are dying for a project.

 

[brentj]

So I do have a buddy that is a great welder. I'll be pulling hard on the sub frame / rigid mounts if it comes home. I'm going to see it work first as far as the hydraulics. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Egon]

Look at how some of the Kubota dedicated backhoe tractors have the hoe mounted.

 

[Hooked_on_HP]

Are you planning on using the PTO pump or are you going to use the tractor hyd. I would use the tractor hyd. if possible. How wide are the out riggers? Will they be wider than your rear tires and how far down will thet extend. I went through this when I was looking for a hoe and found several setups like you are looking at and finally decided to wait and find exactly what I wanted.It saved a lot of headaches. If you look closely at the pics McGeesEquip posted the TPH mount is very rigid yet adjustable so you can have the hoe mounted at the proper angle. Also check your seat clearance.
Bill

 

[brentj]

I went and looked at the hoe today and it was just as advertised. Basically a brand new hoe that has been sitting a couple of years. All cylinders function as they should with no leakage and they were stored retracted so no rust or pitting at all. The hoe was not as big as it appeared in the pics. I measured total reach and it looks to be less than a Bradco 509 but similar to a Rhino 85. This is not the biggest hoe my 50 hp tractor could handle but with the skid steer mount extra weight it probably is a good thing it is a smaller hoe. The unit came with a separate PTO pump and reservoir but these are loose and will need to be incorporated into the unit in a permanent manner. Also no rigid 3 pt mounting or subframe so I'll need to remedy that. I gave $2,675 for the hoe which gives me some room to get it right and still have a nice hoe at a good total investment.

I would appreciate any additional thoughts on how to design a rigid 3 pt mount or some clever ideas to make a removable sub frame that wouldn't require pulling the 3 pt arms. I'm normally using a big tiller so the thought of pulling the arms isn't good. The tractor also has hydraulic cylinders on the top link and one of the arms so I really want to come up with a way to not disturb the 3 pt mounts. Please share any thoughts or pictures of your modifications in this regard. It really feels good to be in the hoe club.....

 

[dfkrug]

I have attached a picture of a Great Bend backhoe, and you will notice there is a long bar coming from the center. That is used instead of the top link. Once it is adjusted to fit your tractor, then the backhoe will not go up and down and it will cause the backhoe to be locked in position and the 3 Point lift can not go up and down.

Pretty much all of the 3rd party backhoe attachments that offer 3-pt
hookups do it that way. They provide what I call an "enhanced" toplink
to use instead of the standard cat 1 toplink one gets with their tractor.
The enhanced toplink is rigidly braced in the middle. Using a hoe
on the regular 3-pt hitch is dangerous as pushing down with the boom can
lift the hoe on the hitch and pinch the operator.

Here is a photo of the toplink and brace that you get with a Woods hoe.

I am no fan of using the proper 3-pt hitch setup (even with brace) over
a properly designed subframe.

 

[dfkrug]

I would appreciate any additional thoughts on how to design a rigid 3 pt mount or some clever ideas to make a removable sub frame that wouldn't require pulling the 3 pt arms.

The 5040 has plenty of room in the rear to install a subframe that
encircles the axle housings. Look at the "4-point" subframes from Kubota
(for the BH90), and Woods for ideas. It is easy to avoid the lower
3-pt arm pivots, as any good subframe design should, IMO. You can see
the Woods subframe in their installation manual on the Woods website.

More here:
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/171760-how-build-your-own-custom.html

 

[Egon]

http://manuals.deere.com/omview/OMM135891_19/

This manual for John Deere backhoes will show how they are attached to the tractor. Of course yours will be different but there may be a few ideas here.