Backhoe Backhoe Is A Go!

[gizmo]

The wife has given me the green light to buy a backhoe attachment. I have a JD990 and wanted some opinionis on suitable 3PH backhoes. I am looking at Woods and Bushhog brands. I'd like to get the biggest, heaviest thing I can that won't wreck my tractor. I have a power beyond system, so a PTO pump is not required. I gave some thought to the JD8B, but I really don't want to mess with a frame mount since I have to use the tractor for other things.

One more thing, the wife also, without me asking, told me to check prices on a JD110. Holy cow! Two tractors! I thanked her and told her that we'll stick with the attachment for now.

 

[Richard]

My understanding is you're better off (safer) getting a BH with a subframe mount, rather than a 3pt.

Never had either myself, just repeating that which I've read.

Beyond that, congrats!!!

You really will love it

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[OkieG]

Umm. If my wife ever asked me to look into pricing a JD110, it wouldn't be "Holy Cow, two tractors!". It would be price the 110 and trade in your "old" tractor or forget it! Still not a bad proposition.
My wife is a sweetheart, who grew up on a farm...and hated it. She's afraid I might turn into a farmer. She thinks if she limits my tractors to just one, maybe I won't become Ag-boy. Still not sure if she's right on that one.
By the way, I have an 8A backhoe. It is a bit time consuming mounting the subframe, then mounting the BH. But, the tractor seems reasonably immune to damage at the tractor/BH interface compared to a 3PH arrangement. Just more bolts holding things together with the subframe.

OkieG

 

[newtothis]

I have a Woods 3-pt attachement on my 28 horse JD and it does everything I've needed it to. I thought during our house building project last summer that I had put it to the test then I come here and find pictures of guys digging out stumps with smaller units than I own. And I mean big stumps that I previously wouldn't have thought to touch. Once my food plots are completed I'll be looking for projects that require massive digging as I miss using it! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[gizmo]

I went by the JD dealer today and took a close look at the mounting setup for the 8B. It actually looks pretty easy to take on and off. The dealer quoted me $7300 installed, so I think I may go with the 8B. I thought about trying to save some money by installing it myself, but I was told that it takes about two days of shop time to install. Apparently the rear end of the tractor has to be nearly disassembled to attach the frame. It's also pretty heavy. At over 1500# it looks much more substantial than some of the 3PH units I looked at.

 

[Bigbear]

Hey gizmo, glad to hear your getting a backhoe. I did a google search on the JD990 and for a Yanmar (JD990) 40hp it is rated at 1573lb 3 point lift capacity. That's pretty close to max. Link I found- TractorData.com . I have a 35hp Jepe and the capacity is 1303lb and my 3point backhoe is pretty close to that. I am converting it over to a sub-frame mount because it seems like it won't hardly lift it, and leaks down rather quick. I have noticed when transporting down the road, the lift arms seem to strain when bouncing, and I sure don't want to break the back end off. Not trying to scare you, but all the guys here say to stay away from the 3-point backhoe, and I am going to take their word for it. I have used it the way it is with no problem, (YET), but I can see some advantages with the frame mount, aside from the damage the 3point can cause. You will be able to use the weight of the tractor for down force on the bucket, makes a more stable stance for digging, no strain on the upper and lower links, and in the event of a cave-in the ability to stop the tractor with the bucket, dipper and boom (3point just raisesup) from falling in the ditch or whater ever you are digging. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif OK, I'll quit, just had to throw in my 2 cents and let you know from a 3point user perspective. BEAR

 

[RaymondG]

I dont want to get you into trouble but I just installed an 8b on a 970 and it was really not that big a deal. Believe it or not the trickiest part was installing the power beyond kit . With the instruction sheet Deere provides with the kit I think anyone that can read with some mech. experience could handle it in about 4hrs max.Oh yeah 229 for the kit. As far as installing the subframe a floor jack a small spud wrench and a patient helper and about 4 more hrs and your done. My hoe was on a trailer so I had to mount it on an angle so I really got to know the controls real quick as I need a lot of cribbing as the out riggers extended past the sides of the trailer.

 

[gizmo]

Raymond,

Yea, I know what you mean about the power beyond kit. I installed mine last year for my log splitter. It was tough to get a tool and enough leverage on the banjo fittings. As far as mounting the BH fame goes, the dealer knocked $500 of list, and is going to pick up from my house and return. In addition, I really don't want to mess with it. The dealer is also selling me a canopy installed for $250, and taking a look at some maintenance issues.

It's funny how all those stumps in my yard are much more noticable now that a BH is on the way.

By the way, how does that 8B perform?

 

[Flyrod]

Gizmo and Raymond,

Keep us posted on your 8Bs. I just bought a new 990 about two months ago and I am looking at getting the 8B as well. I have a few digging projects and stumps. Raymond, how much trouble is it to remove it and put it back on? How does she do on stumps? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[dfkrug]

Hey, BIGBEAR, you are supposed to use the side brackets that came with your 3-pt hoe to keep it from lifting on the hitch. You can also buckle the toplink by not using this important part.

That said, the subframe is MUCH better.

Also what is it with Deere? Factory remote hydraulics take hours to do (I have done a couple), while Kubotas are pretty easy. My new Kiotis took only 45 minutes the first time.