Backhoe Can I run a backhoe mounted to the loader arms?

sweetjeep · Nov 8, 2007

Hey folks,

I have a 4720 and have been searching for a backhoe. I've come across quite a few hoes for skidsteers and I have come to wonder.

Is there a reason I can't get a skidsteer backhoe, the skidsteer to Deere adapter plates to mount it to the loader arms, and then use it like you would (I guess) on a skidsteer?

Any reason I can't do this?? I figure the arms are rated to manipulate upwards of 4000lbs (or so), the backhoe will be partially braced against the ground anyway, it not completely braced against the ground..

Aside from running the hydro lines to the front of the tractor... what's the problem?

Thanks!

jdbower · Nov 8, 2007

In addition to torsional stresses on the loader arms, I'd imagine that rear ballast would be an issue - with a typical backhoe using the engine and loader as ballast (and the loader providing additional stability by resting on the ground) you'd be at a distinct disadvantage. You also may run into issues with the front axle being too weak to handle the forces involved, the rear axle on most tractors is much beefier. You can probably get away with it for light-duty work, but I wouldn't settle for less than a subframe-mounted backhoe personally.

kennyd · Nov 8, 2007

I am not sure you could even lift the weight with it being so far forward, and for reason already stated, I don't think it's a good idea.

Brimstone10x · Nov 8, 2007

Ya sweetjeep you mite be able to put it all together but it wouldnt hold up to any real work!

Superduper · Nov 9, 2007

Skidsteer attachments aren't exactly cheap. There are already plenty of backhoe choices for your 4720. So the real question that begs to be asked is WHY the non-conventional?

RollTideRam · Nov 9, 2007

It seems like it would be hard to see what you are digging with the hoe so far in front of you. JC

dfkrug · Nov 9, 2007

This is a question I have asked before and the answer is not
a simple one.

First, skid steer loaders mount b/h attachments on their FEL
arms and they seem to work. They DO have a problem with
the bkt curl mechanism (the QA plate) getting overwhelmed
by the forces, so they use an additional strengthening
attachment to the frame. This is done either above or
below the QA mechanism. I have been looking into this
as I have been asked a few times to mount a SS QA plate
to a b/h attachment so it can be used on a skid steer. I do not
own a SS, but I am considering such a purchase so I can
experiment. Hoes already set up for SS use are very pricey.

If your tractor can lift 1200#, then it can lift most of the CUT
b/h attachments out there, usually rated for 90" dig depth. The
loader on your 4720 can easily do that and it is beefier than some
FELs on some skidsteers. Itwill be harder to fab a strengthening
linkage to the FEL arms or tractor frame, but it is doable. If you DID
go that route, I think it would be easier to use your 3PH, modified with
a strengthened toplink. I prefer a full subframe off the rear, but
a loader's subframe would be less likely to break a tractor than
such an excessive load on a 3PH, IMO.

sweetjeep · Nov 10, 2007

Thanks folks.. it was as much a curiosity as much as anything.

The question came about as there is a local dealer who has a Woods 9000 backhoe that is setup for a skidsteer, as is, they want $5500 and it's brandy new. Compare that to a BH90x (which Woods tells me is only functionally different in it having a curved boom.. big deal), which is retailing at around $12000. Not an insignificant difference.

Yes I can, and yes Woods does offer a mount to correctly subframe mount the 9000 to my tractor, but it was just a thought that came to me.

The main benefit I was thinking would be the reach and the ability to put the backhoe into locations it might not otherwise reach. That and it would be dramatically easier to mount and dismount the hoe. I know a lot of people don't need to pull them often, but I will.

For example I have a series of rock terraces that I can't exactly back up to but I can drive up to with the hoe on the bucket. I'd go from maybe a 6' effective reach to upwards of 15' (from the point at which the tractor has to stop moving forward).

klink · Nov 11, 2007

It depends on what you need a front mounted Back Hoe for. I mounted a QA Dipperstick and bucket on the front of my 410 loader. I used a fasse electric devirter valve to control the bucket action. total length from QA bracket to the outer tip of the bucket is 8'. I used it to clean out a dry creek bed, that was full of silt dirt and small trees. It worked very good, But it was designed and built with this job in mind. I removed the teeth from an 18" John Deere BH bucket. All the parts [including the fasse valve] cost around $1200. This does not count my labor. But I like to build things. I would not recommend a front mounted swinging Dipperstick BH. use stationery only.The swinging unit would be unstable-unsafe and put too much side stress on your loader.
Also to work correctly, you need the right length. If Dipperstick is too long, you will break something. and if the Dipperstick too short, you won't be able to see what your doing over the hood. In my opinion a BH works better as a trench digger. Regular back hoes dig trenches better. A front mounted skid Steer BH unit might work better than a tractor mounted, because of no hood. I have never ran a skid steer, but I do have a 46 John Deere BH. which the small size has its limitations. This is why I built the front Dipperstick unit. My combination of front dipperstick and BH works out good for my projects. One advanage of a tractor front mounted Dipperstick is that you can drive to a remote area to dump your spoils or load a trailer. Answer to question -- I'm in the [ it depends camp. ]