Backhoe Need help with backhoe decision

RodgerF · Feb 21, 2005

I've been looking around at backhoes for my TC30. My dealer carries the Bushhog brand. A dealer a little farther way carries the Woods brand so I've been debating back and forth and doing some reading.

Today my dad call and says he found a good deal on one. It's from a used equipment dealer with a fairly good reputation. The backhoe is a Massey Ferguson brand but dad didn't remember the model number. It's brand new and still strapped to the pallet with a 16" HD bucket.

Dealer says its made by Woods and can get the subframe mount for me. I would install it myself and plumb it to the tractor hydraulics. Dealer said it came with a lot of equipment he bought and wants to move it. I can save $2500-3000 this way.

So, what say you? Will this work? Is the M-F hoe made by Woods? Am I nuts?? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Thanks

Rodger

JerryG · Feb 21, 2005

Unless MF has changed in last year, their backhoes are made by
Soo Tractor Sweeprake Company.

Scrounger · Feb 21, 2005

I dont believe that is made by Woods. You could call the Wood's 800 or email them from their website to confirm that however. I think Woods has some stampings regardless if they OEM them or not so it might be on the hoe.

Henro · Feb 21, 2005

That is a considerable savings in my book.

My experience is that while I do use my backhoe, I don't use it anywhere near as hard or long as I use my tractor.

Although I am a fan of "brand matching" when it comes to key pieces of my tractor, I have to admit there is no reason to do that with a backhoe and if it looks good I would probably jump on it.

Being a subframe rather than a 3PH backhoe is a huge advantage, as you will not have to be worried much about possible tractor damage, related to somehow forgetting to install extra brackets/supports that are often required with 3PH backhoes.

As long as the seller will guarantee that it will "bolt on" to your tractor, and refund your money if it will not for some unforeseen reason, I would jump on it.

There is no doubt in my mind that for MY use, a backhoe like that would work as well for me as the factory one I got with my tractor. Simply because I am not using my backhoe every day or anywhere near as much as I use my loader.

Give it serious consideration.

(And don't forget...Fathers (and FILs) know best... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Rick Jay · Feb 21, 2005

RodgerF,

I'd definitely try to confirm who actually made the backhoe in question. Then, if you're still interested, I think I would be tempted to negotiate a real good price on the backhoe alone, and then see if he'll mount it to your tractor for a slight additional fee.

That way, SHOULD they be any problems with incompatibilities in the subframe or other issues, the dealer will have to handle it. Considering you could be saving several thousand dollars off of your other choices, it might be a safe way to hedge your bets a bit.

Have EVERYTHING in writing before hand about it being on a subframe, fully functional, installed, etc. etc..

Good Luck.

~Rick

RodgerF · Feb 22, 2005

Thanks for the information and advice. When I was told the backhoe was made by Woods I thought it would be a simple matter of getting the subframe and bolting it all together. Since this doesn't seem to be the case, I'm not so sure.

Do backhoes attach to subframes in a standard manner or does each hoe take a different subframe? For instance, is the subrame the same for either the Bushhog or Woods or does each one take a different subrame to mount on the TC30?

I'd hate to buy something that would take significant re-engineering to work. On the other hand, I'd hate to pass up a deal that could same me some serious money.

Thanks again

Rodger

BER · Feb 22, 2005

RodgerF...I have a small MF backhoe. The backhoe is bolted to the subframe with 4 large bolts. This leads me to believe that the backhoe could be installed on any subframe as long as the mounting holes lined up correctly. I think the subframe would be brand and model specific, as it relates to mounting to your tractor, but the connection between the subframe and backhoe could be easily adapted with the correct hardware. Like was mentioned before, get it in writing that all will work correctly.

grandad · Feb 22, 2005

The backhoe units from each manufacturer are unique to that manufacturer and the manufacturer engineers various subframes to mate specifically to different makes and models of tractors. But a Woods backhoe will only work with a corresponding Woods subframe; it won't fit onto a BushHog subframe, etc.

You would need to figure out who made the BH and see if they have a subframe kit available for your TC30. If was originally sold as a M-F brand BH, M-F would probably only offer subframes for their own model tractors. If you can determine who the OEM manufacturer was, they might be able to tell you if it's a standard design with other subframes available.

I wouldn't want to take any chances with "re-engineering". The subframe assembly takes a lot of load and stress during backhoe operation. Any structural failure could do serious harm to your equipment or yourself.

RodgerF · Feb 22, 2005

Again, thanks for everyone's input. After a little further research I've decided to pass on this hoe. Dad went and looked at it again today then went to a M-F dealer to see what it was. It's a 12xx model (he couldn't remember the last 2 numbers) 6.5' hoe. It had one swing cylinder with a chain. He also went and looked at a Woods hoe which he seemed to like much better. The M-F dealer said the hoe was more suited for an 18-20 tractor.

So, it looks like it's back to Plan A. The leading candidates are the Woods and BushHog. I just need to brow-beat a couple dealers some more to bring the price down a little. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If anyone's looking for a small M-F hoe, let me know. This hoe can be had in the $3500 range and it's new. The hoe is in the Uniontwon, PA area.

Rodger

rbargeron · Feb 23, 2005

grandad's comments are right on - the subframe is VERY IMPORTANT - maybe the most important component.

I would suggest looking closely at the Bush Hog and Woods products - the actual ones designed for your exact tractor. A really good subframe design has good ground clearance at the boom pivot and tucks the backhoe in close to the tractor so the overhung weight has less effect. Bradco does a good job of this.