As promised, here is the write up for the install on the 46 backhoe.
First, some tools you might need (in addition to regular wrenches and socket set):
-torque wrench that goes up to 280 lb-ft
-air wrench (not required, but makes it a lot easier to tighten down the big hoe/subframe attaching bolts)
-drift
-rubber/plastic hammer
-mover's dolly
-floor jack
-couple of big pieces of cardboard
A note about the instructions: at first, I only saw the installation instructions in the manual that is taped to the operator's station. However, I found that there was a much more comprehensive set of installation instructions in the bag containing the mounting hardware that gives all the required torque numbers, etc.
Assembly Procedure:
1. Remove bolts/straps holding the stabilizer legs and hoe to the pallet. Note, the main bolts holding it on to the pallet (under the stabilizer mounts) go all the way through the pallet and if you don't remove them before you set it down, you can't get them out - don't ask how I found this out...).
2. Remove wire/pins holding the stabilizer hydraulic rams in their shipping position and mount them and stabilizers to the hoe.
3. Attach bucket. I thought this would be the easiest part, but getting the pins through all the pieces, including the two bushings that are sandwiched between the linkage and the bucket, takes some time and patience. Before you use your plastic hammer to drive the pins into their final position, you need to make sure the holes for the retainers line up with the holes in the bucket pretty well. After you get the pins in position, use the drift to line up the holes perfectly so the retainers will go in. I greased all the pieces up real well before sliding in the pins.
Incidentally, the instructions say "use bushings as needed". Mine had enough play to take all the bushings. Also, when installing the first pin, you can use the seond one to line up the other end of the bucket/bushing assembly so it goes together easiser. When you're installing the second one, you just have to do the best you can.
4. Remove all the three-point hitch stuff and the old draft arm pin mount. Install new draft arm pin mount with new bolts provided. Torque the bolts as indicated. Note, you will re-use the old PTO shroud, draft arm pins and drawbar.
5. Install subframe hangers.
-use furniture dolly to roll subframe under tractor
-install hangers on the loader mounts, but don't tighten the nuts, you need to be able to reposition them.
-instructions say to place the hangers so that the outer sideof the hanger is 7 1/2 inches from the loader frame plate, but 6 3/4 inches worked on mine.
-slide the subframe into place (while lifting up on the rear to get the hooks in place on the draft arm pins) and raise the front of the subframe up to test fit the pin/hanger placement.
-torque hanger nuts.
6. Attach subframe to backhoe.
-can leave backhoe on pallet, but need to jack it up to get clearance to attach frame and bolt into place.
-power beyond hydraulic line may interfere a little when fitting the subframe to the hoe - mine did and I had to reposition it slightly to get the pieces to mate.
-set the subframe on cardboard to protect it while you slide it into position.
-torque bolts - this is where the big, bad Harbor Freight 100-600 lb-ft torque wrench comes in, you need 280 lb-ft on the hoe/subframe attaching bolts.
-bolt behind hose and the two on the bottom are hard to get to - need to torque the bottom ones after the unit is on the tractor.
Well, guys, that's about it for now. Hate to leave you with a cliff-hanger, but I ran out of time before dark yesterday, so did not have time to actually mount the unit up or try it out. I will do that in the near future and report back.
Overall, everything went together smoothly and all the parts fit as advertised. It took me about 5 hours to get this far, but I'm a slow worker and tend to screw around a lot in between steps. I am not the worlds greatest mechanic, but did not feel overwhelmed by any of this.
Hope this has been of some help.