Backhoe Backhoe Installation

JimMorrissey · Jan 21, 2005

Has anybody tried to install their backhoe themselves? It doesn't look too complicated, although everything seems to be more complicated than expected. The subframe install will be the difficult part.

The reason I don't have the dealer install it is that I don't have a trailer big enough to bring it home with. The new backhoe will add a lot of extra weight and my trailer just can't take itl Maybe I should just pay to have them pick it up on a flatbed.

rdln · Jan 21, 2005

No sweat, just recheck fasteners after a few hours of use.

ronjhall · Jan 21, 2005

Not exactly the same thing. Dealer installed my BH on the same model tractor as mine. Then delivered it to my place. It fit on my tractor with no problems. Well almost. It has always been a pain to get on the tractor. But has gotten easier each time I do it.

RobS · Jan 21, 2005

I installed mine myself. Did the power beyond kit, added the tractor brackets and even changed out the hoe subframe (it was originally set for a different model tractor). All was a piece of cake. The worst part was the final hook up to the tractor. I had the hoe on my trailer and had to hook it up there. Much swearing etc., some due to my first time, some from the awkwardness of doing it on the trailer /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rswyan · Jan 21, 2005

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Yes - when I bought mine I had the dealer (who is a two hour drive away) have Kubota drop ship it to a business about 30 minutes from my house that had a loading dock and towmotor. A friend and I took his pickup and went in and picked it up. I removed it out of the bed of his pickup with the FEL and a chain.

Once I got the backhoe moved into the shed I used a chainfall to lift the main part of the 'hoe upright to assemble it - the dipperstick and some frame parts had to be installed, and there was some plumbing. In the assembly instructions Kubota recommended a A-frame overhead crane on wheels (so you could move the 'hoe over to the tractor when done) to lift and support the unit while the assembly was being done.

It took me about a day and half to put it together, mostly because of my 'crane' (chain fall and three 4" x 4"s) It's not particularly hard, the big thing is having some way of raising and holding it up and being able to get the tractor to it or it to the tractor.

If you do it make sure that your hoses are routed so that they don't rub - the instructions weren't real specific on how to route them.

DK35vince · Jan 21, 2005

My backhoe was bolted to a wood pallet when I picked it up a the dealer.
Unloaded it off the pickup with the FEL and carried it to the garage ( left it bolted to the pallet while I finished assembly).
Final assembly included adding the subframe mounting brackets, installing backhoe bucket, installing hose kit, quick couplers and fittings to the hydraulic block and hoses, assembling and mounting the subframe.
I didn't run into any problems installing the backhoe myself .
Took around 4 or 5 hours to have my backhoe installed and running.

Banjo · Jan 22, 2005

Once you're getting close, you might be able to get the hydraulics connected up before it's mounted. Then you can move the backhoe itself to help line it up for mounting (e.g. get the stabilizers down, etc.).

I've done that hooking my (home made) one up. Just go slow on the controls.

FWIW. Andrew

PS. To answer your original question, I wouldn't hesitate at all to do it if it were me.