BH for a BX2200

daveMT · Jul 23, 2002

I know that Kubota does not recommend a backhoe for the BX2200, and that is why they made the BX22. However, I own the BX2200 and would like a limited use backhoe. Has anyone ever used a backhoe from here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1751755296

They weight only 450 lbs, and the BX TPH is rated at 662 lbs. The picture shows their BH on a B7300. Here is another one that weights 500 lbs:
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1751928773>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1751928773</A>
This guy will also sell you a kit if you want to weld it together yourself. I've checked with them, but they don't have records for which tractor it is being used.

As I've stated, renting a BH is an option, but it is a real hastle since I am in a remote location. I like to have it ready to go when I need it since it is my cabin and my time there is limited.

jphipps · Jul 23, 2002

I remember reading somewhere, possibly on TBN, that Landpride was coming out with a BH for the BX2000...

jrlichina · Jul 23, 2002

That Puma brand BH has got to be the CADPlans 608, it looks exactly like it. I built a CADPlans model 508 for my old Simplicity Sovern that I now use on my BX2200. It is designed for a Cat-0 hitch so I would go with the 608 since it's designed for Cat-I and digs a bit deeper. It works just great. I added the rear hydraulics that is on the BX22, see my thread for all the part numbers. I plan on adding hydraulic stabilizers and most likely a quick hitch hookup in place of the 3-point mounting.

bphillips · Jul 23, 2002

Yes, I have seen the LandPride BH @ a local dealer in central NH.

Brad in NH

daveMT · Jul 23, 2002

I have a few questions for you:
1) Why did you add the rear hydraulics?
2) What is a subframe backhoe, as compared to a 3 pt?
3) How will the quick hitch hookup work that you are planning on adding?

BTW, I looked at Bill Mullens Caddigger project on CTB. It looks like a great project, if you have the time, resources and skills.

jrlichina · Jul 24, 2002

For DaveMT.

1. Why did I add the rear hydraulics? Answer - To power the BH, the log spliter I made, and I am planning on making a hydraulic powered tree spade. It was cheaper than adding an independant PTO powered pump.

2. What is a subframe backhoe, as compared to a 3 pt? Answer - A subframe is a structure that gets bolted to the tractor's frame to stiffen the frame(the loads impossed by the BH can damage the stock tractor frame). It also provides a means for a quick connect attachment system of the BH to the tractor.

3. How will the quick hitch hookup work that you are planning on adding? Answer - I would basically duplicate the mounting system used on the BX22. Take a look at a BX22, it's kind hard to explain.

daveMT · Jul 25, 2002

I verified it is the Caddigger 608. He makes them stock from the plans. He also builds his owns kits that he will sell for you to weld together. How hard was it to get the materials together?

Haven't been to the dealer to look at the 22 frame. Maybe Saturday. I'd love to see pictures when you get the quick hitch and hydraulic stabilizers done. Does anyone else have experience with subframes and quick connects for their backhoe?

I'm also concerned about the warranty, because Kubota indicates that unapproved attachments void the warranty. But I guess once the warranty is over it doesn't matter?

Thanks for all the help.

jrlichina · Jul 25, 2002

I went with the complete kit from MetKit. I could have gotten the steel locally but not for a lot less so it was fairly cost effective. The same goes for the hydraulics. You could probably get them a bit cheaper from a place called "Surplus Center" but I didn't feel like doing alot of hunting around. As far as the subframe mount hoes go, they are definately the way to go if you plan on doing a lot of serious digging. They are much more stable. I only do a bit a digging around the house for trees and the like so the 3-point works just great for me. I have a lot of projects slated before my quick hitch conversion so don't hold your breath for those pictures. Warranty, well I'd like to see how they could prove I actually used a BH on the machine and that it was the definate cause of a failure. Not to mention that if my old Simplicity garden tractor could handle it with no problems the BX sure the heck better!!

daveMT · Jul 31, 2002

I ordered the plans for the Caddigger 608. I want to take a look at the parts list, but will probably order from Medkit. BTW: they are related, since the same guy answered both sets of questions.

It’s going to take me some time to understand the hydraulics though. The rear hydraulics that you installed only provides quick coupler ports for the BH and others, correct? I was also able to get pdf versions of the manuals from tractorsmart.com, so I am digging through them.

Since I am not going to do much hoeing, I’ll just go with the 3 PT hookup. The hydraulic stabilizers seem to very worthwhile though. Medkit has a add-on kit for them, along with an angled (super) boom and a thumb.

Thanks for the advice and help. Go Pack!

jrlichina · Jul 31, 2002

The need for the hydraulic stabilizers is much less if you use the 3-point mount since you have to raise the hitch to move it anyway. They would help on really uneven ground though. I was just going to add them because I have some extra cylinders and valves laying around the shop. Yes the rear hydraulics provides the hydraulic source for the BH or other things plus it only cost about $160.00 for the factory parts. This is all you need to power the BH. The other option is to use an independent PTO pump. These cost about $380.00 plus you need more hoses, a filter, and a tank. This is a nice option because it can provide higher working pressure than the tractor's system which is set between 1600 - 1800 psi., but it is more expensive. I opted for the tractor hydraulics because I can use it for other attachments. If desired you could always raise the system pressure up a little bit without doing any harm. This requires you to shim the relief valve on the tractor. The tractor service manual gives part numbers for various shims. Good luck with the project!