First time BX25 backhoe removal and 3pt hitch install

[dragoneggs]

Well I think I finished getting ready for winter (tractor wise). Finally decided it was time to remove the BH for the first time and install the 3pt hitch. It was a good day today with my son assisting. Went pretty smoothly using the BXpanded BH dolly. Rolled the BH easily into the corner of the garage and feel great that it is in good storage. Best part is wife's car still fits. That would have been an interesting conversation.

Next, was to install the factory 3pt hitch. Again fairly easy except the instructions were horrible. I am often surprised at the poor quality of assembly instructions that come with quality products. You would think a quality company would hire someone that knows how to write concise steps that don't leave you guessing.

Then decided it was time to hook up the Landpride 60in rake and bring it up for storage. I am sure I have some learning to do here because I really had to horse the heavy implement around to position it on the hitch points. Hopefully someone will provide some tips here. Once installed we decided to try smoothing out the neighborhood gravel driveway on the way up to the house. It worked great! The only complaint I had is that my son got the fun part while I walked up the hill. We unhooked that and then went to retrieve the Rankin BB and put that on to ready for snow. Now with the BB installed, it won't snow this year. Wondering if I need chains to guarantee no snow?

Pic is my son is navigating to put her under my deck for winter dry storage. His first seat time. I don't know if I like it when he is around because he wants to drive!

 

[4shorts]

Glad it went smooth. Your right about the 3pt hitch set up. Just wish they had designed the tractor where the 3pt hitch could stay on with the back hoe, that way you wouldn't have to be taking that hitch off all the time.

 

[dragoneggs]

Glad it went smooth. Your right about the 3pt hitch set up. Just wish they had designed the tractor where the 3pt hitch could stay on with the back hoe, that way you wouldn't have to be taking that hitch off all the time.

Yep... exactly what I was thinking. Should be able to fold out of the way so you aren't messing with it and having loose parts laying around. Another item to add to my xmas list... the toolbox. I hope that box is big enough for the linkage.

 

[4shorts]

Yep... exactly what I was thinking. Should be able to fold out of the way so you aren't messing with it and having loose parts laying around. Another item to add to my xmas list... the toolbox. I hope that box is big enough for the linkage.

If it's the OEM ROPS mounted one your talking about don't count on that tool box holding much. It's ok for a few smaller items but for the larger 3pt components it's not much good. I got my 3pt stuff hung up in the BX's shed in one area so I'll be able to find it when needed.

 

[dragoneggs]

That's what I was afraid of... at least it will hold a couple wrenches and pins. Maybe a coke and a sandwich? I hit 100 hours since June. I am a happy camper and yes she will be put to bed only to wake up for garbage and snow detail if needed until spring. We don't get so cold that I am too worried but a battery tender is a thought. Add to Xmas list? Oh... looking at your cozy shed has me thinking too.

 

[TomSeller]

If it's the OEM ROPS mounted one your talking about don't count on that tool box holding much. It's ok for a few smaller items but for the larger 3pt components it's not much good. I got my 3pt stuff hung up in the BX's shed in one area so I'll be able to find it when needed.

Very nice shed. Any pictures of the outside?

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Well I think I finished getting ready for winter (tractor wise). Finally decided it was time to remove the BH for the first time and install the 3pt hitch. It was a good day today with my son assisting. Went pretty smoothly using the BXpanded BH dolly. Rolled the BH easily into the corner of the garage and feel great that it is in good storage. Best part is wife's car still fits. That would have been an interesting conversation.

Next, was to install the factory 3pt hitch. Again fairly easy except the instructions were horrible. I am often surprised at the poor quality of assembly instructions that come with quality products. You would think a quality company would hire someone that knows how to write concise steps that don't leave you guessing.

Then decided it was time to hook up the Landpride 60in rake and bring it up for storage. I am sure I have some learning to do here because I really had to horse the heavy implement around to position it on the hitch points. Hopefully someone will provide some tips here. If your going to use your 3ph you need some Quick Hitches like Pats but OK to use ones can be bought off Ebay for under $100
Once installed we decided to try smoothing out the neighborhood gravel driveway on the way up to the house. It worked great! The only complaint I had is that my son got the fun part while I walked up the hill. We unhooked that and then went to retrieve the Rankin BB and put that on to ready for snow. Now with the BB installed, it won't snow this year. Wondering if I need chains to guarantee no snow?

Pic is my son is navigating to put her under my deck for winter dry storage. His first seat time. I don't know if I like it when he is around because he wants to drive!

View attachment 345158

Very nice shed. Any pictures of the outside?

Bought ot built building? and I to would like to see outside pics.

 

[Ken45101]

If it doesn't average a half hour a week of running, a battery charger is probably a good idea. Cold weather starting is tough duty on a battery. If you start it and just run it for 5 minutes, the battery probably doesn't get enough charge.

A battery tender in winter saves money with extended battery life.

On my B21 TLB I think all the 3pt parts are mounted in one spot or another. IDK, I've had it almost ten years and I've never taken the backhoe off although I've thought about it.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I had a couple of Cadillac Allante's and they would drain the battery while sitting. Just came with that car. Many owners recommended the Battery Tender for the problem. I think the Battery Tender is an OK product that some people swear by.
I've never had any battery problems with any of my Kubotas, left them for months unstarted and untended battery and they all always fired right up when I needed them to in the spring. Have never replaced a Kubota battery and am surprised. I believe Kubota has picked a good battery provider.
I live in Ky and we rarely have temps below zero and not lots of snow. We do have below freezing nights and some days. No, I haven't kept any single one for over 3 to 4 years to do long term testing.

 

[Ken45101]

Three to four months unstarted is better on a battery than started every week in cold weather and run for just a few minutes.

I don't believe Kubota supplies the batteries, that's up to the assembling dealer. On my first Kubota, the battery died a few months after the 12 month warranty expired. Other than that, yes, I've had good luck with tractor batteries. Last year I replaced the original battery on the B2710 I bought in 2000.

I do try to put a charger on anything that sits 2-3 months without being used. However, I find that the small batteries on motorcycles, ATVs, etc. need a Battery Tender Jr. to survive even a couple of years.