Backhoe Stabilizer Pads?

Jackrabbit_Slim · Jul 9, 2004

Didn't realize the rubber pads on a Kubota backhoe stabilizer pad were not included in the purchase price.

Thinking about getting some rubber stall mat (recycled tires, I believe) and using that.

Anyone ever done this? Advice on laminating two pieces together for extra thickness?

Thanks,

Slim

GregJ · Jul 9, 2004

I just use a couple of scraps of 2x6 held on with lag screws when I need a pad. They have lasted quite a while now. I only use them when I'm on our asphalt.

Greg

PineRidge · Jul 9, 2004

Never had any need for the rubber pads. Most of my digging is in the dirt so I reverse the stabilizer pads on my New Holland backhoe and they dig in and get a better bite.

Do you use the rubber if you are on concrete or blacktop?

Gary_in_Indiana · Jul 10, 2004

"Do you use the rubber if you are on concrete or blacktop? " 

That's the idea. I believe the JD versions are even called concrete pads. I know there is a reference in the manual to using them on concrete to avoid damaging it. On dirt there's really no reason to use them or not. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

DDT · Jul 10, 2004

I have found that asplat and concrete are very slick when trying to hold the tractor still while useing a BH. I dont have pads either but need some. it can put heavy scars in the surface of asphalt.

Cliff_Johns · Jul 10, 2004

( I just use a couple of scraps of 2x6 held on with lag screws when I need a pad. Greg )

This is what I do as well. I drilled some holes and hold them on with bungees. The Deere feet have a pointed flange on each edge of the feet, so once the 2X6's are set down on the concrete, they aren't going anywhere. Seems to work quite well.

Cliff

DiskDoctr · Jul 10, 2004

Slim,

On our larger Case, we took the rubber pads off, which were essentially a number of rubber strips about 4" wide sandwiched together and stood on edge between two pieces of angle, which were the length of the existing plate.

The angles each have 2 holes which allow you to bolt through your existing stabilizer plates. They can be easy on/off.

Make sure the angle is not quite as high as the rubber, else you'll tear up the surface you are trying to protect.

I don't know what the stabilizer plates look like on your Kubota, but if they are flat, should be pretty simple to use existing holes or make new ones.

Good luck.

-JC

Jackrabbit_Slim · Jul 10, 2004

Thanks, JC. Reading your description really helped put the plan together. I think I should be able to assemble a pair and get exactly what I want. Appreciate it.

Slim

DiskDoctr · Jul 11, 2004

Slim,

No problem, glad to help. I've gotten some pretty good advice from the good people here, so I try to return the favor.

I should also mention that there were two bolts running between the angles, through a hole in each of the strips to hold them secure. Not sure if they would be needed on a smaller machine, but would hate to see them slip out /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Good luck

-JC

OkieG · Jul 22, 2004

Sorry I'm posting so late. Just to illustrate another way to go.
I built a scrap steel piece that pins to the stabilizer foot and glued a piece of hiway retread that had fallen off some 18 wheeler.

This is a close-up of one of the pads mounted.

Here we are ready to dig. A short thread was posted on their construction.

OkieG

KiotiJohn · Jul 22, 2004

( Here we are ready to dig. A short thread was posted on their construction.)
In the picture that goes with this caption you have the rear tires way off the ground. Do you actually dig this way? Everything I've read, and everyone I know with experience says to keep the rear tires touching the ground and the stabilizers just firm to the ground for better stability. I'm interested to hear other opinions. John

DiskDoctr · Jul 22, 2004

Okie,

I really like the tire tread idea. Have you had any trouble with the adhesive losing its grip?

I didn't look at the thread to see what you used, probably should do that, too.

KiotiJohn- If you lift your rear wheels like that, you get a better angle and less front end lift, as your fulcrum is now the stabilizers (closer to the hoe) instead of the wheels (closer to the front). Also lets you dig a little shallower and flatter at the same time with more movement of the hoe available.

Of course, it depends upon the situation, too. Tires and stabilizer pads spread out the TLB weight if surface damage is a concern.

-JC

KiotiJohn · Jul 23, 2004

( KiotiJohn- If you lift your rear wheels like that, you get a better angle and less front end lift, as your fulcrum is now the stabilizers (closer to the hoe) instead of the wheels (closer to the front).)
I've used my BH a lot since I got it, and I have never had any front end lift, as the stabilizers seem to keep that from happening. I just reread the owner's manual on the BH, and it states to keep the wheels on the ground along with the stabilizers, loader down, and brakes on. Of course, we all don't always follow those recommendations, but I have tried with the rear wheels up, and I didn't like the way it felt just on the stabilizers. It felt more wobbly to me when digging anywhere off center.
Back to the thread: OkieG, This is a great idea for working on surfaces one wants to protect. I just pulled a huge tire out of my wooded area that would do just right for this. Thanks for posting the pics. John

Jackrabbit_Slim · Jul 23, 2004

Appreciate it very much. Went the route with the tire rubber cut into strips, drilled holes through all of them, sandwiched it into an angle iron frame and ran long bolts through to hold the whole thing together. Like your approach very much. And yes, I got my rubber the same way. Trolling the four lane for trash. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif What's my life come to? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

DAP · Jul 23, 2004

I wouldn't imagine that lifting the rears would be that tenuous --- on a hoe with a subframe mounting.

A hoe (like Kubota's) with 3 pt hitch mounting would be a different beast methinks.

KiotiJohn · Jul 23, 2004

( I wouldn't imagine that lifting the rears would be that tenuous --- on a hoe with a subframe mounting.
A hoe (like Kubota's) with 3 pt hitch mounting would be a different beast methinks.)
You may be right, and mine has a subframe. Do you think it would add a lot of stress to the front end though? I know this BH gets my tractor dancing sometimes, and if the front is on the ground with the rear up, I wonder. Guess I'll just try it and see! John

SPIKER · Jul 23, 2004

I like the idea of the used truck tire, I see them ALL the tiem, and evven HIT a few, luckly no RIM was in them at the tiem! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif I was thinking those (ones still fully round) would be GREAT to pick up about 4 or 5 and cut them and make a MAT for in front of the work bench or for infront of th etool shead where the mud always seems to build up... also for use on the edge of a boat dock. I would think that vulcanizing them together with propane torch, but maybe not hold up? just a thought as the pre-fromed ROUND maybe not too easy to straighten out. they DO make excelent flower garden raised beds though, (sister had a lot of them.)

for my HOE, I raide back wheels JUST a bit, same for front withFEL. and I can get 6" deeper dig by raising front end MORE, but not so far as to creat any problems with oil sotch ect. only tired it ONCE when I was experimenting with it NEW back 2 years ago, haven't really NEEDED to try for any deeper, but after 4~5' it goes SO slow I wouldn't want to try and get MORE depth unless it was REALLY needed and even then I would probably think about hiring out that job unless it was a simple think one bucket wide.

Mark M /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

DiskDoctr · Jul 24, 2004

KiotiJohn,

I should have added that my post about raising the rear wheels as standard operating method is with a full size Case backhoe.

Could be different with CUTs...

-JC

theonlybull · Jul 24, 2004

it definatly is with most industrial backhoes. i've used our sitting on the wheels, because i've had to, but it doesn't work very good, the higher the machine is, the better it digs, and the more stable it feels.... you can get all 4 tires atleast 2' off the ground with our 580.....

OkieG · Jul 24, 2004

Everything I've read,...

My JD8A Backhoe is a subframe mount. The Operator's Manual pictures stabilizers, loader bucket and all 4 wheels on the ground when in "digging position", but also says "To help prevent damage to backhoe: Raise tractor only with stabilizers." I think that's a warning not to raise it with the BH bucket, but doesn't say so, in so many words. So, instructions are not real clear. At least raising the tractor with the stabilizers seems to be acceptable from reading the Operator's Manual.

... and everyone I know with experience says to keep the rear tires touching the ground 

Unfortunately, I don't know anybody with any kind of Backhoe experience, but the construction BH operators frequently have their tractor tires of the ground while working. My personal experience is that my BH moves my tractor around no matter what I do, but the tractor stays put best with loader bucket rolled forward so cutting edge is vertical, firmly on the ground. Usually that means front tires are in the air. And rear tires are off the ground, too. The stabilizer pads hold the ground better with all the tractor weight on them.

Now, both my loader and BH stabilizer arms will drift over a few minutes, so wheels find their way back to earth. If I notice I'm losing grip on the ground, I just bump the wheels back into the air.

OkieG