Backhoe Need opinions on adding 3-point hitch backhoe

[tman1020]

Three point mounts and or subframe mounted backhoes can damage your tractor. There was just a post on here last week of a subframe mount that snapped off the back of a tractor. Bottom line is backhoes are hard on a tractor whether you're taking it easy on them or not. The forces a backhoe can exert on your tractor are pretty heavy duty. You may think you're taking it easy because you're not pulling very hard on the lever at the same time you could be putting between 3 or 4 thousand pounds of pressure on it. One problem I've seen is guys will reach out and hook something with one of the teeth on the bucket and raise the front of the tractor unknowingly and then have the bucket slip loose and the front of the tractor slam down. That is a recipe for a cracked transmission housing with or without a subframe. Also if your stabilizer pads sink into soft soil all that weight is now being placed on your mount whatever it may be three point or subframe. Don't get me wrong I have a Backhoe with the subframe mounted on my tractor and I do use it but what I'm just saying is the risk potential is there either way you go. I think your tractor would probably handle a backhoe as long as you remember it is not a dedicated construction equipment Backhoe but I would try to get every advantage in your favor and go with the factory recommended one in the mount they recommend. And as far as taking it easy well really truly we all know how that's going to turn out. Good luck.

 

[BoneheadNW]

Thanks, man.
This is exactly what I was looking for......someone with actual experience with a compact tractor and a 3-point backhoe. Do you have any idea what your backhoe weighs?

According to the manual, shipping weight is 851 lbs, including the crate.
Bonehead

 

[Supraman0614]

I have an XR4145 with the LS hoe (subframe mounted). There is a provision under the BH seat to install the top link. I put it on to see if it would fit and it looks like it is supposed to be there. There is nothing mentioned in the manual(s) about using the top link with the BH mounted but why would they put it there? My dad's old Kubota has a subframe mount BH and he has used to top link on that for years with no issues. I'm not sure you could use that hoe without it. What is the consensus on using the top link as well? It seems to me that the more attachment you can get to the tractor, the stiffer the entire assembly becomes.

 

[tman1020]

I have an XR4145 with the LS hoe (subframe mounted). There is a provision under the BH seat to install the top link. I put it on to see if it would fit and it looks like it is supposed to be there. There is nothing mentioned in the manual(s) about using the top link with the BH mounted but why would they put it there? My dad's old Kubota has a subframe mount BH and he has used to top link on that for years with no issues. I'm not sure you could use that hoe without it. What is the consensus on using the top link as well? It seems to me that the more attachment you can get to the tractor, the stiffer the entire assembly becomes.

It probably has the connection there because it could also be used as a three point mount if you take off the subframe. I have often thought of adding the top link as well I was just afraid of the amount of stress that it puts on that location of the tractor. During operation of my backhoe even with the subframe out that backhoe flexes quite a bit through the subframe. I would much rather break at the subframe than my top link mount.

 

[Mad Mac]

Well, rats. Sounds like I shouldn't try to clear yaupon with a backhoe. On the other hand, thank you. This may have saved me the cost of a backhoe and a broken tractor.

 

[jhous]

I recently purchased an LS XJ2025 (the successor to your model) with loader and backhoe. I've also often rented, for both personal and business use, small backhoes- BX or B Kubotas. The best use for a hoe with a small tractor like this is low impact trenching and ditch digging as well as loosening up materials prior to scooping them up with the loader. They are fantastic at doing these jobs without tearing up the rest of the landscape. You can dig up a stump or two if you have a lot of patience (a WHOLE lot of patience).
The stress of backhoe work bounces, jerks and moves small machines constantly. All of them I've used were frame mounted. The LS is a 4 point frame mount and has worked really good for me so far. If you intend heavy use, like stumping, I would avoid 3pt mounts.
BTW, after removing a few stumps in the past, I've found that cutting them flush with the ground and ignoring them is the best policy.

I was about two days away from pulling the trigger on a new J2025H and then this J2020 popped up with only 139 hours on it at a really good price .....so I went with it.

"...I've found that cutting them flush with the ground and ignoring them is the best policy...." Ha, Ha...That's what I've been doing for the last 20 years and it's worked well. I've just wanted one of these little tractors ever since I saw the first one years ago. I can in no way justify this purchase in any rational way .....So, I so I make all these noises about all the things that "need" to be done. The wife doesn't help.......she came up with her own list of "needs to be done" ......she a good wife.

"...You can dig up a stump or two if you have a lot of patience (a WHOLE lot of patience)..." Do you know how much patience you have to have to do it with an axe and a shovel; in my case it's measured in years. I'm old..... it takes me all night to do what I used to do all night.


Good point about the backhoe bouncing the tractor around. Makes sense. I hadn't thought about it that way. A subframe definitely sounds like the better approach.

Thanks for taking the time.
J.

 

[jhous]

Well, rats. Sounds like I shouldn't try to clear yaupon with a backhoe. On the other hand, thank you. This may have saved me the cost of a backhoe and a broken tractor.

I don't think anyone has said not to. The consensus of opinion seems to be that 'stumping' is one of the most stressful things you can do with a backhoe as many of the great guys here have told why. So if you go that route, you probably should have a subframe mount backhoe and proceed with caution and patience. It also sort of depends on how large your trees are and your tractor and how much risk you are comfortable with.

One piece of advice I got was to cut them level with the ground and forget about them. I really consider that excellent advice since it would save serious money and possible damage to your tractor. As for me, I'm going to get one (a frame mount, I believe, right now) as I don't see doing very much 'stumping' and I just want one to play with......I mean work with.

 

[newbury]

I have a 3pt BH on my Kubota B7610 (a 4672A to be specific) and have never had a problem. I recently removed the BH and re-installed it and I hope my luck continues. As for "taking it easy" on the BH, I don't really know what that means. Since this has been my only tractor for the last 8 or 9 years, I don't abuse it, but I certainly don't treat it with kid gloves either. I would be happy to answer any specific questions that you have.
Bonehead

The "3pt" on the Kubota SHOULD have an extra heavy duty top link. I looked into it when I opted for my BH70-X for more depth.

A good 3pt or subframe mounted BH will be able to lever up the front of your tractor, shift it to either side, and push and pull your machine towards and away from your work.

I think I could reach up and grab a tree limb and lift my B7610 up.

<snip>Scan through the history here and you'll see casting after casting sheared off by a BH on the 3pt--some scary and interesting pics to help decide which is preferential. Most recent was a Kioti post that thankfully didn't get into the reservoir, but has certainly weakened the whole back of the machine.<snip>

I've been here since 2009 and only have seen about three postings that attributed broken casings to 3 pt backhoes. Could you provide links to "casting after casting"?

I don't think anyone has said not to. The consensus of opinion seems to be that 'stumping' is one of the most stressful things you can do with a backhoe as many of the great guys here have told why. So if you go that route, you probably should have a subframe mount backhoe and proceed with caution and patience. It also sort of depends on how large your trees are and your tractor and how much risk you are comfortable with.

One piece of advice I got was to cut them level with the ground and forget about them. I really consider that excellent advice since it would save serious money and possible damage to your tractor. As for me, I'm going to get one (a frame mount, I believe, right now) as I don't see doing very much 'stumping' and I just want one to play with......I mean work with.

I had one large maple tree stump that I couldn't get out. Piled dirt around it, waited 3 years, it turned to mulch.

I've recently been "stumping" bamboo in dried soil. I'm trying to be careful to not lift the front and drop it, but it happens. And I feel like a kid in a sandbox to reach out, scoop up a 12" bucket of dirt and move it. Especially compared to the round point shovel alternative.

 

[IslandTractor]

If you take it easy on the bacihoe you may very well be fine. If you are are aggressive with the backhoe you could have have troubles and crack your tractor. So it depends.

What he said.

 

[tman1020]

The "3pt" on the Kubota SHOULD have an extra heavy duty top link. I looked into it when I opted for my BH70-X for more depth. I think I could reach up and grab a tree limb and lift my B7610 up. I've been here since 2009 and only have seen about three postings that attributed broken casings to 3 pt backhoes. Could you provide links to "casting after casting"? I had one large maple tree stump that I couldn't get out. Piled dirt around it, waited 3 years, it turned to mulch. I've recently been "stumping" bamboo in dried soil. I'm trying to be careful to not lift the front and drop it, but it happens. And I feel like a kid in a sandbox to reach out, scoop up a 12" bucket of dirt and move it. Especially compared to the round point shovel alternative.

ForumGeneral ForumsParts/RepairsBroken Backhoe Subframe Repair
This is the most current one I have seen.