Backhoe BH Subframe Install

[Avodah]

Got a new BH90 to go on my MX5100 ... can't wait to dig but first comes installation of the subframe.

Just walked around the tractor with the installation manual but need some advice before I start trying to bust my knuckles. First step states to remove the rear wheels ... I believe those wheel nuts are about 250ft-lbs, and all I have are hand tools. I have a decent breaker bar but those wheel bolts are recessed to the point that I can't get good purchase on them. Do the experts here recommend I get (borrow or buy) an air impact wrench? I have the compressor but have never needed an impact wrench beyond my small battery powered one ... which was laughed at by the wheel nuts. I also suspect the Kubota is all metric hardware, right? Beyond this first step the directions look pretty straightforward ... I'll take it slow once I get the wheels off. Thanks.

 

[newbury]

C'mon, don't come on this forum asking if we would recommend getting a new tool. Of course we would!

I just went thru this removing my trailer wheels. Royal pain w/o impact wrench. Sweet and easy with one.

 

[magicheater]

Got a new BH90 to go on my MX5100 ... can't wait to dig but first comes installation of the subframe.

Just walked around the tractor with the installation manual but need some advice before I start trying to bust my knuckles. First step states to remove the rear wheels ... I believe those wheel nuts are about 250ft-lbs, and all I have are hand tools. I have a decent breaker bar but those wheel bolts are recessed to the point that I can't get good purchase on them. Do the experts here recommend I get (borrow or buy) an air impact wrench? I have the compressor but have never needed an impact wrench beyond my small battery powered one ... which was laughed at by the wheel nuts. I also suspect the Kubota is all metric hardware, right? Beyond this first step the directions look pretty straightforward ... I'll take it slow once I get the wheels off. Thanks.

I installed a 4PT Backhoe mount on an L4350 and did not have to remove the rear wheels. I would suggest reading the ENTIRE directions and then see if you really have to do that. Look at all the mounting points and determine if it is even necessary. That MX5100 is one **** of a tractor, love the LARGE front wheels!

 

[Avodah]

Roger on the new tool! I tell my wife ... it's a chore if I have all the tools/parts, but it's a PROJECT if I get to buy a new tool

Appreciate the advice on looking through all the directions. I'm still not sure if taking the wheel off makes it "easier" or if it's absolutely necessary. I think I'll need the impact wrench regardless ... the subframe for the FEL needs to come off & those nuts are at 250 ft-lbs as well.

Appreciate the advice ... especially when I have support to buy new tools. (Gotta give me a break though - I DID buy the BH!)

 

[murphy1244]

Yea, That you did.

 

[Carl_NH]

Get a 3/4" drive socket set. For most of the large hex bolts/nuts metric and inch sockets are close enough to get the job done. These sets can be found for $70 to $1000 frankly the amount of times I use them I would go for the lower cost tool in this case.

Or go the craftsman route 1/2" and get a combination of large metric and inch sockets with a piece of pipe and return them if they break.

Also most of the Kubota loaders and BH are made in the US so may not be metric.

 

[azbinder]

Any bolt that screws into the tractor itself WILL be metric. And yes, it is a whole lot easier to remove the rear wheels. Also, a hoist or cherry picker will be helpful in holding the side frames in place while installing the mounting bolts. And yes on an impact wrench.
Before starting, go through the instructions step by step. I also lay out all of the hardware by the step where it is to be used.

 

[Avodah]

OK ... subframe is on. Thanks for earlier advice. Definitely a do-it-yourself job ... the impact wrench was the way to go.

Need to take this thread in a slightly different direction. Tried to mount the BH90 today ... took it really slow, then bailed out because it wasn't going smoothly. The problem is working around the 3PH. Kubota directions say to "remove the 3PH and/or drawbar" - no problem pulling the drawbar but the dealer told me the 3PH could stay on. (Besides, Kubota's directions are for multiple tractor models & I don't see HOW to completely remove the 3PH from the MX5100.) I read another thread here that mentioned the risk of bending stabilizer bars with the BH90 mounting, so I tried to mount the BH with the stabilizer bars as wide as they'd go. I got the bottom mount bar into the support hook, but had a heck of a time trying to work the guide plates of the main frame into the subframe bosses ... seems the 3PH was in the way as I was constantly pinching the stabilizer bars. Anybody here do the BH mounting/dismounting enough to walk me through any tricks/tips, or does that 3PH truly have to somehow come off?