Backhoe for Deere 3033r

[Carl_NH]

It's a good idea to take your machine there and swap the subframe from his machine to yours. The removal and installation of the subframe parts should take around 4 hours - if he's open to doing this.

If his tractor and yours are the same model, it's likely okay, but if they're different models, it may be more complicated with brackets, shims, plates,etc. Also to install the BH, usually you need to have the hydraulics connected but you might be able to lift and hook up with his tractor.

Best just to strap it on the deck of the trailer if you can't mount it on the tractor.

 

[rScotty]

I've got a few projects piled up, where a backhoe would be real handy. When I bought my tractor, I skipped the $15k added cost of the backhoe, thinking I'd not get enough use out of it to make it worth the expense and storing the thing. That might still be the case, but at least in the near-term, I have several jobs that are going to need one.

I know I could just rent a mini-ex, but my schedule is unpredicatable and very busy these days, such that nearly every project seems to get interrupted mid-stream anymore. My days of a predictable schedule, where I could start a job and see it through in one continuous string of evenings or weekends, seem to be gone for now. So, I need the flexibility to just have the thing here for weeks/months, so I can jump on the job when I get free time, and let it sit when that time gets interrupted with a hot business project.

Deere sells the 385A backhoe for my 3033r, which looks like a great implement with full subframe... but it's $15k. Seems like an awful lot to spend for a few "now" projects, and then maybe some future use many years from now, but not any regular need. I was really thinking I should be shopping the $5k second-hand market.

I'd guess that brings us to 3-point backhoes, which I've always heard are trouble, that they break tractors, etc. There's some truth in nearly every stereotype, but also many are over-blown or exaggerated. Moreover, factors such as usage frequency and carefulness or carelessness of the operator may be big determinants on the advisability of this.

What have you folks found and experienced, here?

We used a 3pt hoe for decades & now have rea ones. IMHO, you shouldn't consider one for your 3033r. That tractor is just too small. We can talk more on this if you are not convinced.

But don't let that stop you. If you find a cheap $2500 3pt hoe you could mount it to an old JD model A or old Case farm tractor with a category II 3pt hitch. You can buy either or all of those along with that 3pt hoe for less than you would pay for a subframe hoe for your 3033r.

Quality construction of pivots, accurate control valves, and strength for add-on hoes is all over the place.
There are a very few really good ones, and a whole lot of sub-standard designs. I recommend you start by looking at the top end. You know what the brands are. Look at a few and you will see the difference.

Because of the quality spread, I'd say that trying to fit a BH to a price is probably the wrong approach. Instead, consider that a BH gives you the ability to spend quality project time when you can - and especially on your schedule. You will use it less for digging than you think - because digging goes real fast. And you will use it more often than you can imagine for chores & as a precision crane to save your back when stacking heavy things. A hoe bucket will "till, rack, and smooth" a garden spot jiffy quick. Yes, if you have large rocks yours will need a hydraulic thumb - sorry, there goes more cash. Worth it though.

As for whether itis subframe, dedicated hoe, mini-ex, or ugh - 3pt hoe. I would say to get the best quality first, and see how you like it. If not, that will be easy to sell.

rScotty

 

[flyingace43]

That's better! Contacting...

What's the time required to swap one of these onto a new tractor? Wondering if it makes sense to ask seller to just haul my tractor out there and do the change-over right on-site. Two birds, one stone:

1. Make sure nothing critical to install is left on seller's machine when we take it off.
2. Easy way to unload it at home.

I imagine these things are pretty tippy and unstable on a trailer when stood upright without attachment to a tractor.

Pretty easy to install once you put the power beyond kit which was easy to install and as far as hauling it I put it on A 5x8 trailer with a couple straps and drove 500 miles with no problems. Buy this and don't mess around with hoes that are not for your tractor you will be happy with this one that is made for your tractor. You can put the mounts on and attach the BH without the hyd hooked up because you mount it with the 3pt arms then you hook up the hoses.

 

[Carl_NH]

WinterDeere - any update - did you get the 375a BH in PA that was for sale?

 

[WinterDeere]

By chance, I caught a break and was able to contact the seller over the last two days. But alas, someone has already arranged to pick it up this weekend. I was too slow.

If you guys spot any more 375/385A hoes from Deere in the greater PA/NJ/DE/NY area, let me know. Shame that one was only 2 hours away, but my fault for snoozing.