Can I put a Backhoe on my NH TC 33D, and how do I start?

[SOB139]

Hi gang,
I'd like to put a backhoe on my NH TC 33D instead of buying a whole new tractor. I'm not very savvy about hydraulics and how to retro-fit, so I'm open for any suggestions on how to begin and what type/brand/size of backhoe would be appropriate.

Thanks for your help!

SOB139

 

[1966Chevy]

Hi gang,
I'd like to put a backhoe on my NH TC 33D instead of buying a whole new tractor. I'm not very savvy about hydraulics and how to retro-fit, so I'm open for any suggestions on how to begin and what type/brand/size of backhoe would be appropriate.

Thanks for your help!

SOB139

some places will sell a 3 point backhoe, advice would be to buy a used one. make sure you have plenty of counter weight in the front of the tractor, also make sure it doesn't exceed your max 3pnt weight. some run off of your PTO, some run off your hydraulics. also make sure you have a high enough hydraulic pressure and flow rate. also some of them you have to sit on the back to control. some you control from your cab. you also need to have 3 valves, so 6 hydraulic ports and 3 hydraulic levers in cab to control all of it. pm me if you have any questions or respond to this

 

[Maxify55]

Most of us have found that ewtro-fitting a BackHoe to our units is coatr prohibitive.

It costs a fortune to install and after whatever task you have is completed it's just very expensive ballast dry rotting for the rest of the days you own it.

It is far less expensive to rent an excavator and let the rental company underwrite the maintenance/replacement costs.

You can search and read the various replies posted within this site.

You're not the first nor the last person to think that it's better the other way around.

My 2 cents worth

 

[1966Chevy]

Most of us have found that ewtro-fitting a BackHoe to our units is coatr prohibitive.

It costs a fortune to install and after whatever task you have is completed it's just very expensive ballast dry rotting for the rest of the days you own it.

It is far less expensive to rent an excavator and let the rental company underwrite the maintenance/replacement costs.

You can search and read the various replies posted within this site.

You're not the first nor the last person to think that it's better the other way around.

My 2 cents worth

a 3 point.isnt retrofit, my 2 cents

 

[DK35vince]

Most of us have found that ewtro-fitting a BackHoe to our units is coatr prohibitive.

It costs a fortune to install and after whatever task you have is completed it's just very expensive ballast dry rotting for the rest of the days you own it.

It is far less expensive to rent an excavator and let the rental company underwrite the maintenance/replacement costs.

You can search and read the various replies posted within this site.

You're not the first nor the last person to think that it's better the other way around.

My 2 cents worth

Can't think of a single time I wished I would have rented vs buying my backhoe.

 

[ruffdog]

There have been some tractors breaking in half. Personally, I would not take the chance with my TC33D. They break where the case attaches to the engine or the case itself fails.
New Holland TC33D Tractor Frame broke in Half - New Holland Tractor Review - New Holland Tractors

 

[1966Chevy]

There have been some tractors breaking in half. Personally, I would not take the chance with my TC33D. They break where the case attaches to the engine or the case itself fails.
New Holland TC33D Tractor Frame broke in Half - New Holland Tractor Review - New Holland Tractors

that's front end loader, they mount to the frame. a backhoe attached to your 3 point.

 

[tcreeley]

I would not try to put a backhoe on my tractor. I'd get a mini-backhoe that I can tow or leave in place - where it moves on its own power.

Here is a link.
Towable Backhoe - Jansen USA




Harbor Freights version-
Search results for: 'backhoe'

I have a minis backhoe that I bought from Northern Hydraulics 30 some years ago. I have dug ditches, footings (5' down), piers, put in culverts, etc. Great tool.

 

[ovrszd]

I've been around backhoes my entire adult life. TLB style.

6 years ago I started my experience with a 3pt backhoe. My neighbor owns it. It's a Woods brand, can't remember the model, will dig 10ft deep. It's mounted on a John Deere 4240. It is powered by a PTO hydraulic pump. Operating seat is on the hoe. No hydraulic connection to the tractor other than the PTO pump. Takes about 15 minutes to install. 5 minutes to remove.

There are two areas that it stresses the tractor. First is the top link attachment point. A considerable amount of "pull" is applied to the tractor in that area. Second issue is how your tractor is secured. In the case of my neighbor's tractor, he has no brake pedal locks. The tractor uses a transmission park "pin" to hold itself. The backhoe puts considerable stress on that park pin system. A better situation would be if you tractor brakes can be "locked".

The biggest plus to a 3pt hoe is not having to modify your tractor which might minimize it's usefulness for other tractor chores.

You didn't give us much information in regards to your expectations? With proper consideration you can do considerable work with a 3pt backhoe. Bigger jobs just take a bit more time.

Welcome to TBN!!!

 

[ruffdog]

that's front end loader, they mount to the frame. a backhoe attached to your 3 point.

I know. People recommended a subframe on the tc33d when a hoe is installed to strengthen the middle.

 

[FredH]

I believe the tc33 is bigger than my 2003 tc30 , at least same size ?? I have used my TC30 with a sub-frame mounted 757BH on it since purchase . Over 800 hours on tractor without any issues . The issue with the NH tractors cracking / breaking in the middle was in My Belief , Entirely Operator Error . Either in set up installing the BH or in operation .

When installing my BH , I still need to use the top link as a connection point , even with a sub-frame . When connecting the top link , the more down pressure I put on the dipper stick , the tighter I can get the top link , WHICH is exactly the Opposite of what I do . Sitting level , no part of BH on ground , I snug up top link as tight as I can with bare hands , then with just a wrench , I try to get 1/2 to 1 additional turn . That is it .

Operational error is thinking You have a 360 excavator when instead You have a 30 hp tractor . Using stabilizers to raise rear wheels off the ground , Using front loader to raise front end of the ground . DUH , Yes it is going to break in the middle . There were people here who experienced this problem , I asked specific questions , which most were not replied to or answers did not add up .

My brother has a similar sized JD tractor which We added a aftermarket 3 point BH to . It has its own Hyd. tank and pump , thus just connects to the pto of tractor . After some redneck engineering , We came up with a solution to more easily install that BH on his tractor . The issue centered around the top link that came with the BH . Anyway , That BH is attached the same way as I attach mine , as far as tension on the top link and operation of the BH.

My Opinion , Yes , You can attach a BH to your tractor , either sub-frame or 3 point , BUT with the Understanding that it is NOT a 360 excavator or a 580 BH .

Fred H.

 

[fried1765]

Hi gang,
I'd like to put a backhoe on my NH TC 33D instead of buying a whole new tractor. I'm not very savvy about hydraulics and how to retro-fit, so I'm open for any suggestions on how to begin and what type/brand/size of backhoe would be appropriate.

Thanks for your help!

SOB139

The BEST way to "begin" would be to list your current TC 33D on Craigslist!
Then: Find whatever size tractor you want, with a sub-frame, and quick disconnect hoe.
30+ years ago I had the your same dilemma.
Ford dealer said; "let me find something for you".
It took 22 months, but he found me a lightly used Ford 3400 TLB (gas-cemetery machine), with quick attach hoe.
I still have it ....and I love it!

 

[CincyFlyer]

Many backhoes come with valves, and you can do with as little as one supply hose (power beyond) and one drain (that can continue the power beyond to the 3-point lift.) I could adapt the backhoe that came with my Mahindra to many different tractors with a little fab work.

 

[ovrszd]

Many backhoes come with valves, and you can do with as little as one supply hose (power beyond) and one drain (that can continue the power beyond to the 3-point lift.) I could adapt the backhoe that came with my Mahindra to many different tractors with a little fab work.

Making them fit isn't the problem. What's your hydraulic pump's GPM rating?

 

[Everhard]

I've a Kioti Ck20 that I mated a NH backhoe to. The backhoe came with the stock NH frame that I modified to work with my tractor. I made quick attach mounts that stay on the tractor. I can mount/dismount the hoe in under 5 minutes max. The hoe cost me $3000, plus maybe $100 in steel to make my mounts. Works really good, doesn't stress my tractor at all, runs off the tractor hydraulics - typically engine at 1800 to 2000rpms, I've done a ton of work with it.
While I don't have a 3pt hoe I did look at them but I'm glad I went with the frame mount. Frankly even if I had a 3pt I'd likely modify it to have a frame. It's simple to do and much stronger.

Biggest challenge will be looking and waiting for a good deal to pop up in your area. It took a while before I found mine. Had to drive 150miles but that was worth it. If it's a long drive see if they will do something like a skype video chat to show you the unit.

No my tractor isn't the fastest hoe in the world but for the jobs I need it to do it works great. If you're expecting it to dig with the efficiency of a mini-ex then you'd better just get a mini-ex as no tractor mounted hoe will work like those.

E.