Backhoes and L355 Tractor

[pitotshock]

Has anyone used a backhoe (Kubota or otherwise) on the older series tractors like the L355???

I have an older L355SS tractor that I would like to get a smaller backhoe to hook up to do some digging around the farm. I have a few larger tractors, but it always seems like I want to dig in tight areas that the smaller tractor would be handy to use.

Internal hydraulics or external pump?
Subframe? Anyone have a picture of a subframe?
What size of backhoe would be 'best'?

Thanks in advance guys...

 

[rbargeron]

These tractors are light thru the middle so they need subframes more than other tractors do. The L305/L345/L355 were available with the U.S. made 1720 front loader - whose subframe was large and designed for a backhoe. The backhoe added even more frame parts. Once in a great while a loader comes up for sale - but I haven't seen one of those backhoe setups for sale since the '80s. Maybe search Craigslist for "Kubota 1720"

 

[pitotshock]

Thanks rbargeron, mine does have a Kubota loader in place, I just don't remember the model off the top of my head. Will have to take a look.

Not too many of us '80s kubota guys here on the forum it looks like!

 

[pitotshock]

found this link to an old post on the Kubota 4690 which might be applicable here

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/125374-3-point-backhoe-4690-l.html

 

[pitotshock]

OK, finally getting back to this post. My tractor has the K116 Loader with subframe and not the 4690 Loader. Same? Different?

Looking at the tractor and the top link construction, I would think that a subframe mod to make a 4 point attachment for the backhoe would be the best option. Looking at the existing 3 point hitch construction, it would suffer huge damage from extended hoe use.