Backhoe Easier way to get backhoe on?

[viperman]

I just had to see had hard it was to get the backhoe on and off. Getting off no problem. Putting it back on took me and my uncle about 30 minutes to get everything lined up. Does anyone have an easier method?

 

[PineRidge]

Viperman consider yourself lucky as it took me over an hour the first time I put mine on. It does get easier and quicker though each time you go through the procedure. Lining up to the tractor seems to take the most time and I solved that problem by making a backhoe dolly that makes moving the backhoe for alignment a lot easier. I also use a large tapered punch to help me align the front mounts a little easier. Once the holes are aligned I then remove the punch and insert the NH supplied pins.

You are sure to get better at it even without a dolly though.

 

[Propertymaint]

I agree. The first couple times can be a bit aggravating, but the main thing is to make sure you back up to the hoe square. Also from the rear of the tractor you get a pretty clean line of site to line up the front subframe mounts. Any large implement hook up will dictate that you take the time to be completely lined up. I was going to say if you have ever hooked up a minute mount snow plow to a pick-up you will know the importance of being properly lined up but I don't suppose you have had the pleasure, living in Texas and all. Don't get discouraged it will be a snap once you get the hang of it, I take mine on and off all the time.

 

[GATC35]

Like shooting, welding or anything that requires a little skill...practice practice practice. The first time I did mine it took over 45 minutes. I did it last week in 9 minutes. The height and alignment of the aft mount is critical. If the sub frame arms are not directly under the front of the forward attach mounts you don't stand a chance. Don't be afraid to move the tractor several times before you attempt to engage the aft mount. Also make sure the aft mount is clean and free of dirt. I wipe mine down with a rag dampened with oil. Do the same thing with the cross member that engages the aft mount on the sub frame. You don't want allot of oil here because it will just hold dirt and grime. I just apply a small film I can feel with my finger.

Of course you could cheat like Pineridge and make a dolly ! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif Check out his tractor pictures and projects. Lots of good stuff there.

Good Luck....!

 

[dliston]

When I originally bought the tractor, the BH came mounted and, of course, I needed to mow right away with the RC. Took me over an hour to dismount it - couldn't get the balance right so that I could drive away from it - it just kept hanging on.

After I finally got it disconnected - the FEL quit working right. No where in the manual does it say to reconnect one of the hoses to the tractor (to the hydro sump I'm guessing.) I could lift the FEL, but it would not go down right - only way to get it down was to float it and then BAM it crashes to the ground. After much head shaking and more than a little cussing on my part/forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif, my 16 year old daughter says, "That hose looks like it could fit on here."

Well, I stammered and groaned and tried to explain that I was following the directions in the manual, but she still hasn't let me forget that SHE fixed MY tractor. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Tried about a month ago to remount it for the first time (just for practice and so that I could move it out of the way...) Took about 40 minutes to remount and then about 10 to dismount, so I'm getting better! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I'll be building one of PineRidge's dollys this winter so I'll be moving it again, then.

Just remember, take your time and do it right. Don't try and hurry - that is when it takes even longer.

Doug

 

[Libertine]

Pineridge:

<font color="blue">I also use a large tapered punch to help me align the front mounts a little easier. </font>

Good idea. I usually just put one pin in - drive it a few feet and jiggle it, second pin goes in easy then. Will try dat (your suggestion) next mounting.

I second, third, fourth the other suggestions. It's pretty easy once you get the hang of it. And I do like the fact the subframe is not permanently on the tractor, but stays with the BH. Alignment is everything.

JEH

 

[JohnInCA]

viperman,

Here's a dolly I use. Makes the installation very simple. Park the tractor on concrete, and you can roll the backhoe right into position. First picture shows the two dolly pieces. The larger (swivel casters) goes in the rear, and the smaller goes on the front. The rear dolly piece attaches with the two bolts you see in the picture. The front dolly piece attaches using the two pins that attach the backhoe subframe to the tractor.

 

[JohnInCA]

Here's a photo of the rear dolly in position...

 

[JohnInCA]

Here's the front dolly in position...

 

[JohnInCA]

Here's the end result...