Backhoe for JD

rockyridgefarm · May 30, 2006

Lotsa good comments.

BTW the manuals for what I have been able to find are linked at the Deere FAQ in Owning-Operating.

I have had the 47 hoe for several years. Sorry that I probably won't find the time to snap pics of the whole on and off process. I will try though!

The RSA system uses HUGE plates mounted to the rear. They are between the ROPS and the tranny, and are almost 1" thick. As was stated the 3 point assembly is removed and the rockshaft arms lift the hoe to the tractor. It is VERY easy. And the whole thing is rock solid.

My only regret is not getting the 48 over the 47. Mine does all that I need , but the 47 won't work on anything newer or even the large chassis TENs. A 48 would. No biggy, but don't make the same mistake. Get the 448.

I have not had any issues with the bucket teeth. ANd all I have is rocks and stumps.

rockyridgefarm · May 30, 2006

Lotsa good comments.

BTW the manuals for what I have been able to find are linked at the Deere FAQ in Owning-Operating.

I have had the 47 hoe for several years. Sorry that I probably won't find the time to snap pics of the whole on and off process. I will try though!

The RSA system uses HUGE plates mounted to the rear. They are between the ROPS and the tranny, and are almost 1" thick. As was stated the 3 point assembly is removed and the rockshaft arms lift the hoe to the tractor. It is VERY easy. And the whole thing is rock solid.

My only regret is not getting the 48 over the 47. Mine does all that I need , but the 47 won't work on anything newer or even the large chassis TENs. A 48 would. No biggy, but don't make the same mistake. Get the 448.

I have not had any issues with the bucket teeth. ANd all I have is rocks and stumps.

454shooter · May 30, 2006

I have the 3720 with the 448 hoe and HD 18" bucket. It will do almost anything a larger hoe will do but will just take longer. It is my favorite attachment and while it is a pain putting the three point arms back on it is worth it for the solid connection. My 2005 model has a pin and bolt connection for the 3ph arms but they could easily be changed to a pin and clevis attach which would knock off 1/2 the time. Get the 448 and don't look back. You won't regret it. And since I bought the 3720 mainly due to your previous posts I would feel better that I influenced you into spending some money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

454shooter · May 30, 2006

I have the 3720 with the 448 hoe and HD 18" bucket. It will do almost anything a larger hoe will do but will just take longer. It is my favorite attachment and while it is a pain putting the three point arms back on it is worth it for the solid connection. My 2005 model has a pin and bolt connection for the 3ph arms but they could easily be changed to a pin and clevis attach which would knock off 1/2 the time. Get the 448 and don't look back. You won't regret it. And since I bought the 3720 mainly due to your previous posts I would feel better that I influenced you into spending some money. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

JEA · May 31, 2006

I've had a 4310 for about 5 years now, and this January finally broke down and bought a backhoe. I went with the 447 over the 448 -- price wasn't so much of an issue for me (you're correct that the difference is relatively minor, in our case a quote of approx. 1K higher for the 448). We are planning on staying with a mid-frame tractor even after the current 4310 is used up. Rather, after playing on mid-frame JD tractors with both 447 and 448 hoes attached, I found the additional weight and size of the 448 made the tractor somewhat more ackward to get into tight spots, and actually resulted in a somewhat overly light front axle to get full traction in 4 WD without a loaded bucket. Thus we went for the 447. Ive got about 20-25 hrs. on the hoe since January of this year, and I'm not dissapointed in going with the smaller 447. Specifically when trenching I would indeed like the approx. 2 ft. longer reach of the 448, and occasionally I would like the slightly higher relief valve settings (specifically when pulling stumps). However, the 4310 really isn't a heavy tractor and the 447 can REALLY throw the macine around when it is working. In sum, if you're going to be on the hoe a ton trenching and, I'd go 448. If you're going to leave the hoe on a lot while doing loader work and general chores around your place, you might prefer the tractor being more agile with the 447.

JEA · May 31, 2006

I've had a 4310 for about 5 years now, and this January finally broke down and bought a backhoe. I went with the 447 over the 448 -- price wasn't so much of an issue for me (you're correct that the difference is relatively minor, in our case a quote of approx. 1K higher for the 448). We are planning on staying with a mid-frame tractor even after the current 4310 is used up. Rather, after playing on mid-frame JD tractors with both 447 and 448 hoes attached, I found the additional weight and size of the 448 made the tractor somewhat more ackward to get into tight spots, and actually resulted in a somewhat overly light front axle to get full traction in 4 WD without a loaded bucket. Thus we went for the 447. Ive got about 20-25 hrs. on the hoe since January of this year, and I'm not dissapointed in going with the smaller 447. Specifically when trenching I would indeed like the approx. 2 ft. longer reach of the 448, and occasionally I would like the slightly higher relief valve settings (specifically when pulling stumps). However, the 4310 really isn't a heavy tractor and the 447 can REALLY throw the macine around when it is working. In sum, if you're going to be on the hoe a ton trenching and, I'd go 448. If you're going to leave the hoe on a lot while doing loader work and general chores around your place, you might prefer the tractor being more agile with the 447.

rockyridgefarm · May 31, 2006

Wow JEA I never considered the additional weight, now I am extra happy with the 47...

I threw the 4310 around quite a bit when I first got the 47m but the hoe seems to have gotten used to me and has settled down quite a bit.

Two things really help me in trenching. First, if I am by myself (which means I am trenching in a deluge...) I run over the rear tire to switch seats. I haven't had much luck pushing the tractor with the hoe...

Usually I have plenty of assistant operators. Then I just position one in the front seat and they keep the tractor moving.

I can reach most of the tractor's controls from the hoe's seat. That is really handy...

rockyridgefarm · May 31, 2006

Wow JEA I never considered the additional weight, now I am extra happy with the 47...

I threw the 4310 around quite a bit when I first got the 47m but the hoe seems to have gotten used to me and has settled down quite a bit.

Two things really help me in trenching. First, if I am by myself (which means I am trenching in a deluge...) I run over the rear tire to switch seats. I haven't had much luck pushing the tractor with the hoe...

Usually I have plenty of assistant operators. Then I just position one in the front seat and they keep the tractor moving.

I can reach most of the tractor's controls from the hoe's seat. That is really handy...