Backhoe Loader and backhoe for 3203:

[jd4310man]

Lookin at the Deere 3203 tractor and looks like a good machine. Although after I checked out the specs on the 300 loader, I was not to crazy about the lifting capability of it at only 700lbs.
I know that this machine is a "knock down version" of the 3320 and am wondering if anyone ordered one with a 300X loader? would It mount up to this tractor?
Also was looking at the Woods backhoes and discovered that they offer a solid mount 7' or 8' backhoe for the 3203.
Has anyone put a backhoe on this machine?
Thanks for any input/info!

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

If really interested in 3203 suggest follow up with member JohnDeereDLR, based on this comment in his post 2/24/2007 in thread "John Deere 3120 against Kubota"

Quote"
You can indeed put a 300X or CX on a 3203 tractor. I do it all the time at my dealership. The 3203 and the 3320 have the same pumps in them. You can even put the 447 hoe on this tractor.

JD DLR
End Quote"

 

[jjmarotz]

I have a 3203 also. My question is how do you get the hyd's to work with a hoe? Seeing how there is no power beyond or 3rd scv. I have talked, and talked with my dealer about this, but nobody can tell me how to hook up extra hyd's. My cousins hubby is one of my local Deere's main service techs, and he can't even give me an idea as to how it's done. If anyone can shed some light on this it would be mighty helpful to more than just me. Thanks.

Jerrami

 

[jd4310man]

As I was looking on the Woods web site, I found that you could look at their manuals online. They have manuals for there products, but also for specific mounts for different brands of tractors. I found that they offer a subframe mount for the 3203. In this backhoe subframe mount, they also show how they tap into the hydraulics to supply power to the hoe. Here is the link to there list of mounts:
Woods Equipment Company - Manuals
Look under Backhoe Sub-Frame Mounting kits, and find the 3203 from the list.

 

[jjmarotz]

I must be blind. I can't see a manual for the 3203, from Woods. Anyone else find it?

 

[Westendorf-RR]

The TA-160 loader is a fit on your tractor. It has a 1650# lift capacity at the full height of 9'5". Here's a photo and like to additional product information online. It power-mounts in seconds without tools or stands. Quick attach is standard or available with skid-steer quick attach.
Front-End Loaders by Westendorf: loader for tractor, shade canopy, wagons, manure & landscaping equipment.

 

[jd4310man]

jjmarotz:
The link is about in the middle of the page, look for the exact words, 1021970 4-Point SFMK BH70-X, BH80-X - John Deere 3203 FWA ROPS

 

[jjmarotz]

Found it, thanks.
Now, can just the hose kit, (#1019008) be installed and used as a 3rd scv, or a power beyond? Or does it eliminate loader use when hooked up? All I will be using it for is a hyd top link. Maybe we can get kennyd to check this out, as this seems to be right in his area of expertice. 1021970 4-Point SFMK BH70-X, BH80-X - John Deere 3203 FWA ROPS
Thanks for the info.
Jerrami

 

[kennyd]

OK, I downloaded and looked at the Woods manual.

They are indeed adding PowerBeyond by taking the flow from the DSCV to the backhoe, the returning the fluid to the tank (RTT). BUT, when used in this manner the 3PH is disabled, that is what the steel line feeds that you remove. So when the BH is removed, the 3PH inlet is hooked back to the outlet of the DSCV.

To add a remote valve, you could take the outlet of the DSCV to the inlet of the new valve, the outlet of the new valve would go to the RTT port, and the PowerBeyond port of the new valve to the 3PH inlet. Woods was also very nice to give all the fitting sizes so you could piece a kit together yourself.

I hope this answers your questions? Please let me know if I can help further...

 

[jjmarotz]

Thanks for your help kennyd. I think I am following you on where the hookups belong. Might just bite the bullet and start work on it. I already have a single handle valve, some misc. hoses, etc. I just plain HATE plumbing work. Way to many sizes of fittings to choose from.
Thanks again.
Jerrami

 

[jd4310man]

So basicly Woods is tapping into the hydraulic flow that feeds the rockshaft to pick pressure up to feed the hoe. But couldnt one fit up a T and still be able to feed the hoe as well as the rockshaft?
How does Deere plumb their power beyond? In their setup they sertainly maintain flow to both functions.

 

[jjmarotz]

I wondered this also. I have thought about putting a T fitting into the steel line to feed the remote, and the return could go into the plug right below the hyd oil fill cap. Could this possibly work and maintain all the pressures needed to supply the loader, 3ph, and the 3rd circuit?

 

[kennyd]

No guy's, you CAN NOT "T" a pressure line. The fluid (like electricity) will always take the path of least resistance, so you will never get any useful pressure from either valve...the fluid will want to go to the tank through the valve that is in neutral.

The JD PowerBeyond system works the same way, there is one RTT port that disables the 3PH, and one return to the 3PH when the BH is removed. The BH is mounted by lifting it onto the subframe mount with the 3PH arms, THEN hooking up the hoses after it's mounted. If the 3PH was still functional, it could come off the mounts if the rockshaft lever was moved unintentionally. This is how it works on the mid-frame tractors. On the small frame machines, the 3PH arms are removed before mounting the BH.

(disclaimer: I do not have a BH, I just know this from reading-so the details may not be exact, except that you do NOT want the 3PH enabled with the JD BH mounted)

 

[kennyd]

Thanks for your help kennyd. I think I am following you on where the hookups belong. Might just bite the bullet and start work on it. I already have a single handle valve, some misc. hoses, etc. I just plain HATE plumbing work. Way to many sizes of fittings to choose from.
Thanks again.
Jerrami

Just make SURE that the specs on the valve meet or exceed the flow rating of your tractor, which is about 8 GPM.

 

[jjmarotz]

Ah chit!!! Shot down in our moment of glory trying to save some cash and making a simple idea, shot down.

No disrespect kennyd.
As I and others do respect your wisdom and input here. Thanks for the info.
Jerrami

 

[Sweats62]

Wouldn't know a thing about the backhoe. I do, however, have some practical experience with the 300X loader. My 3203 came with it, the dealer (whether he knew what he was saying or not) endorsed it, and I've had no problems with it after many hours of rigorous use.

 

[jd4310man]

jjmarotz:
I believe that all is nessessary is to interrupt the pressure line going to the rockshaft valve and extend the line to the rear of the tractor, install a quick coupler and then run the rest of the line back into the rockshaft valve to complete the cercuit.

 

[Superduper]

Of course lift capacity also has to do with pressure and the 3203 hydraulics is rated at 7.6 gph@2150psi vs 8.6gph@2500psi for the slightly pricier 3120 tractor. Therefore, while the 300x loader does have higher lift capacity when mated to the 3x20 tractors, it's capacity should be diminished by the weaker hydraulics when mated to the 3203 tractor so the user will not receive all the benefits ordinarily gained from the 300 vs 300x upgrade. Perhaps some more mathematically inclinded TBN user might be able to calculate the actual loader capacity differences based on the hydraulic differences. Oh yeah, I believe there are some differences in the axle capacity too and you will want to ensure that you do not overload the tractor even if the mounts can handle the upgraded equipment.

The base price of the 3120 tractor is $1650 (LIST) more than the 3203. Surely, there is likely to be some discount from list price so the differences should be even less than that. If you carefully review the differences in the tractors features and capabilities, I think it would be prudent to give more serious consideration to the 3x20 line if loader capacity and backhoe use is truly contemplated. The base price for the 3203 is $15,499 (list), the loader probably will run in the neighborhood of $3500 +/- installed, and a backhoe could easily run $7,000 to $8,500. Surely an extra grand to get the "right" tractor designed for that particular purpose is reasonable?

The other thing that comes to mind is if a problem occurs with the tractor related to the use of an implement that was not on Deere's list of "compatible" equipment, who will warranty it? What if it was a very serious problem and the tractor split in half with a 300x or 300cx loader attached on one end and a backhoe attached at the other end and neither were endorsed as compatible attachments by Deere? Look, all I'm saying is that when the tractor is equipped like that, with beefy loader and backhoe, the entire package could be somewhere between $25k to $30k (new list), and when you are already spending that kind of money, surely the extra grand and change is within reach and worth the peace of mind to buy and equip it properly?

 

[jd4310man]

Lets be realistic hear and look closely at this model 3203. I believe that this paticular model is simply a stripped down version of a 3X20 tractor. I would say that Deere engineers used the same chassis as the 3X20 tractors and built around that to build a more "cheaper" tractor. It would make sence to me that it would cost less to use the same chassis insted of having to go and redesign a whole new one. I bet Deere used as much of what they have to save money without loosing quality!
To say that the 3203 would somehow fail because of an overload due to the 300X loader and an other manufactures backhoe I think is an unrealisic assumption. I spoke with a Woods dealer about mounting a backhoe to various Deere models and they said they will not install a backhoe if woods engineers have not approved it for that paticular model.
I found on Woods site that they indeed have a solid backhoe mount for the 3203, Im sure that if woods spent the time and effort to design a mount for the 3203 Im sure that the tractor can handle the stress. Like anything else, it would be a liability on them should something happen. If Woods approves it Im satisfed.
And as for the extra capacity of the 300X, Im sure that Deere's pressure rating of 2100lbs Is what the relieve valve is set at, not what the pump is putting out. At best one is only gaining 300 extra pounds of capacity anyway. Doubt thats going to damage the tractor any.

 

[thebigc]

The base price of the 3120 tractor is $1650 (LIST) more than the 3203. Surely, there is likely to be some discount from list price so the differences should be even less than that. If you carefully review the differences in the tractors features and capabilities, I think it would be prudent to give more serious consideration to the 3x20 line if loader capacity and backhoe use is truly contemplated. The base price for the 3203 is $15,499 (list), the loader probably will run in the neighborhood of $3500 +/- installed, and a backhoe could easily run $7,000 to $8,500. Surely an extra grand to get the "right" tractor designed for that particular purpose is reasonable?

I agree and that's how I became a 3120 owner.