Backhoe backhoes

[Tritonman]

Just curious. How do the three point mounted backhoes compare to the ones that bolt onto the frame of your tractor. I have a JD 4400 for a tractor and want to be prepared in case I stumble across a screaming deal. Thanks

 

[Rara Avis]

You will want the subframe...especially if you are doing finish work...

 

[MJPetersen]

The general concensus is that it is better to have the subframe unit. You can use a 3 pt mount if you are doing light ocassional work, but for frequent and more difficult work you should have a subframe unit. It is easier on your tractor, it is more stable and it generally places the hoe closer to the tractor for balance and stability.

That is not to say that a 3 pt hoe cannot fairly easily be converted to a subframe mount. Many have done it. By the way--I have NEVER heard of some one converting from a subframe mount to a 3 pt mount, but I have heard of many who convert their BH to a subframe. That should say something.

Mike

 

[YanmarFever]

A subframe mount is a lot faster & easier to hook up. Not only that but it takes the strain off the middle portion of the tractor.

I have sold a few bell housings to customers with 3 point backhoes after they find out the hard way about the 3 pt. backhoes

I have a 3pt b/h on my Yanmar FX42-D, but I also reinforced the frame first to remove the strain off the transmission mnt bolts.


Most new tractor manufacturers will not honor a warranty if a 3 point backhoe breaks the tractor during the warranty period. They specify a sub frame mount only.

 

[dirtworksequip]

I don't think there are a lot of 3pt owners out there that love their 3pt hoes. I have not talked to anyone that ever liked a 3pt hoe over a subframe mount hoe.

Sincerely, Dirt

 

[petegoud]

I'm one of those 3-point backhoe owners who have been using it for about four years now without any problems. That being said, I would be interested in hearing how some of you have made subframes for small backhoes. Like where does one attach the subframe? I would be interested in making my own subframe.

Doug

 

[wedge40]

I'm one of those 3-point backhoe owners who have been using it for about four years now without any problems. That being said, I would be interested in hearing how some of you have made subframes for small backhoes. Like where does one attach the subframe? I would be interested in making my own subframe.

Doug

Ya what he said.

I have looked at my FEL and it looks like I could tie into that and suspend the frame from the axle housing. This is what was done on the original subframe for the Fords way back when.

I have found a used subframe, but I'd have to pick it up, he wont ship. with the price of gas it would cost me about $200 in shipping.

Wedge

 

[AndyMA]

I don't think there are a lot of 3pt owners out there that love their 3pt hoes. I have not talked to anyone that ever liked a 3pt hoe over a subframe mount hoe.

Sincerely, Dirt

I've had 3 subframe backhoes on smaller tractors (up to TC55 size). Now I'm running a 3 pt hitch Woods 1050 on a TN75D. The mount is rigid and the TN being a heavy Cat II machine is built very diferent from a CUT Cat I hitch.

Andy

 

[Taiser]

Another guy here with a 3pt, a 4672 on a KubotaB7800. ZERO problems. Not to say I wouldn't mind a subframe but then I could not attach a MMM. Kubota warranty does cover any damage when using a 3pt (must be a Kubota BH though) and the mounts for the 3pt are wicked mean looking.

Nothing is attached to the transmission but to a steel frame around it, so worse case scenerio is a twisted frame mount from around the tranny and if you seen the thickness of this, I don't think I'll be the one breaking it unless I'm digging out marble rocks!

I've dug out some pretty scarry stuff with mine with no problems, but it's enough to make me want to make a subframe if I could but I have to say no problems so far. Then there is the Kioti with a submount and the BH on that snapped the frame anyways, so who knows. Here's the mount for mine...

 

[pycoed]

That is not to say that a 3 pt hoe cannot fairly easily be converted to a subframe mount. Many have done it. By the way--I have NEVER heard of some one converting from a subframe mount to a 3 pt mount, but I have heard of many who convert their BH to a subframe. That should say something.

Mike

Well you have now, Mike! I bought an old backhoe which had a subframe to fit to my old UTB 445. (it was local & the right price). I cut the subframe off & fabbed a three point mounting for it for two reasons:
Firstly, the subframe would have fouled the output to the front propshaft for the 4WD.
Secondly, a subframe mounted backhoe would be too low when travelling over really soft ground & would almost certainly dig in causing a stuck tractor. All my ground is soft, so I needed to be able to raise the hoe quite high for travel. Cleaning ditches is the main intended use for mine.
The fabbing took me three tries to get right, mainly because I hadn't realised that the TPH does not hold it's position positively, so I had to triangulate a brace for digging which could be easily & quickly unbraced to lift for transport.
Works fine now, but not as elegant or easy a solution as the single acting cylinder brace that another poster dsecribed to me before I got mine working properly. I may end up doing that if I find a suitable ram at the right price.

 

[3RRL]

I've got a 3pt mount backhoe that's dug quite a lot for me without a subframe on my 55hp Kama. Some of the stress is placed onto the hydraulic box where the top link is attached, so I thought it better to make a subframe for it, just in case. It takes a little reverse engineering, but it can be done, and the result is a much better attachment to the tractor dispersing some of the stress to the frame etc.
Here's a thread where I built my subframe. acouple years ago.

Seven Point Backhoe Mount

 

[Charlesaf3]

Another guy here with a 3pt, a 4672 on a KubotaB7800. ZERO problems. Not to say I wouldn't mind a subframe but then I could not attach a MMM. Kubota warranty does cover any damage when using a 3pt (must be a Kubota BH though) and the mounts for the 3pt are wicked mean looking.

I have a subframe and MMM on a b3030 - I'd have thought the b7800 would be the same

 

[Taiser]

I have a subframe and MMM on a b3030 - I'd have thought the b7800 would be the same

Hmmmm was told it couldn't be done on mine, all your attachments are from Kubota?

 

[dfkrug]

....I would be interested in hearing how some of you have made subframes for small backhoes. Like where does one attach the subframe? I would be interested in making my own subframe.

I encourage anyone with the interest to make their own subframe. If you
do a search, you can find many posts on custom subframes. I believe I have
posted pix of 3 of the 4 full custom subframes I have built. Different tractors
offer different challenges, in terms of clearance, available bolt holes, height
of the rear axle casting, etc. I have helped a few owners with long distance
guidance, starting with some strategies (see text file). You have choices
to make on how stiff and solid you want it to be, if you want to use the
toplink casting on the tractor, how close to the rear you want it mounted,
your seat strategy, etc.

If you do decide to go ahead with it, others on TBN would like to see pix.