Backhoe LS backhoe

Jesse Shoemaker · Jul 11, 2015

Hey all, been a while since I posted but I've been lurking forever, got a new backhoe put on my 2012 R3039 last week and figured I'd leave a quick review of it. It's been great so far. I've dug lots of bushes and several tree stumps up with it so far. Takes just a few minutes to get used to it and know what it can do. I'm currently working on the biggest stump I've tried as of yet. It's about a twelve in diameter oak stump. It's going kind of slow but I'm just messing around with it a little at a time. The backhoe has done everything I've asked if it. Just takes a little patience. I have yet to get some pics of it. I forget when I'm in the seat. It's a great little digger and it sure beats a shovel. It's fairly strong for what it is and breaks most roots pretty easily. I'll get some pics as soon as I can. If you're considering adding one or ordering your new LS with one I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Fawken · Jul 12, 2015

Sounds great. When removing stumps use the pry function by curling the bucket. Lifting up on stumps with the boom gives you very poor leverage.

BlessedMess · Jul 14, 2015

Jesse: 110% agree with you... I had never used a BH until getting one with my LS tractor, and it has been easy to master and quite the workhorse. So far I've used it to remove large stumps, plant an orchard, excavate bamboo roots, and even to "double dig" part of the yard into vegetable garden. The only good/bad is that there are ~20 grease zerks, and it isn't too hard to pull one out when disconnecting the grease gun. Hope you continue to enjoy and good luck with the stump.

BTW, I've yet to take it off, but will be soon to do some bush hogging. I've watched videos from other brands, but welcome any tips you and other owners may have during removal to make it easier to put it back on a month or two...

Woodshaver · Jul 14, 2015

On the LS backhoe when and why do I want to use the unload function? This is the left operation joy stick all the way forward.

peter3759 · Jul 15, 2015

Woodshaver said:
On the LS backhoe when and why do I want to use the unload function? This is the left operation joy stick all the way forward.

The float function is for when you don't want to dig deeper but maybe scrap the lose mud, stone or whatever out of the hole. I actually use that function a lot!

Woodshaver · Jul 16, 2015

OK, thanks. My old Sherman backhoe did not have this. I read in the manual it was for float mode but only experience with a backhoe is removing trees and tree stumps. Will be digging a trench for drainage pipe so will try this function. Thanks for the input!

Jesse Shoemaker · Jul 18, 2015

BlessedMess said:
Jesse: 110% agree with you... I had never used a BH until getting one with my LS tractor, and it has been easy to master and quite the workhorse. So far I've used it to remove large stumps, plant an orchard, excavate bamboo roots, and even to "double dig" part of the yard into vegetable garden. The only good/bad is that there are ~20 grease zerks, and it isn't too hard to pull one out when disconnecting the grease gun. Hope you continue to enjoy and good luck with the stump.

BTW, I've yet to take it off, but will be soon to do some bush hogging. I've watched videos from other brands, but welcome any tips you and other owners may have during removal to make it easier to put it back on a month or two...

It's really not that hard to take off. I removed it just to see how hard it was. The manual explains it pretty well. Only advice I would off is to remember when you start to pull forward after you pull your two pins, after you stop to disconnect the hydraulics, use the bucket to make the front of subframe lower so it clears the rear mounting bracket on the tractor. Took about 15 minutes to unhook the first time. Hooked it back up a week later in about 10 minutes.

Jesse Shoemaker · Jul 18, 2015

peter3759 said:
The float function is for when you don't want to dig deeper but maybe scrap the lose mud, stone or whatever out of the hole. I actually use that function a lot!

I didn't realize the hoe had a float function. That's cool

Woodshaver · Jul 20, 2015

Always remember to disconnect the hydraulic hose before pulling away fully. Yea, it's common sense but I was so busy fooling around trying to clear everything I bent the quick connect mounting bracket by pulling away too much. Removed and straightened but not a smart thing to do, hopefully a lesson not to do again.