Backhoe Need opinions on adding 3-point hitch backhoe

[IslandTractor]

This is a very useful thread, thank you one and all. Let me ask another question. How difficult is it to change out the subframe mounted backhoe compared to a 3 point hitch. We would be changing out our Mahindra 5555 (the old 30 Series) at least twice a year.

Twice a year is no biggie either way. I could change out, that is disconnect, either my Kioti long subframe BH or my Woods four point subframe BH in about five minutes start to finish. Mounting the Kioti took about ten minutes and mounting the Woods takes 15-30 minutes depending on the cycle of the moon. The Kioti style subframe is not really a precision fine tolerance design and it responds well to "persuasion". The Woods requires lining the two sides of the mount up in three dimensions simultaneously by fiddling with the BH hydraulics to get everything within 1/8" or so before it all clunks into place. That goes faster with practice but I only do it a couple times a year generally so it takes a while.

 

[sgtboz]

The first time I put on my 3pt Kubota backhoe it took me about 1.5 hours! It was quite awful and quite a learning curve. Like IslandTractor said, there are several vectors that have to align in 3D space to get that sucker on there. But, like anything over time, I got to where it only took me about 15 minutes. My record was 9 minutes and, yes, I timed myself. :0 The real trick was in the discipline to really line up the tractor when backing it into the backhoe. If you only do it twice a year, you're probably not going to be terribly adept at whatever it is you do! But, that's neither here nor there if it's a tool you need and that's the only way to use it.

 

[oldpilgrim]

The first time I put on my 3pt kubota backhoe it took me about 1.5 hours!

Not quite that long for me, but I did work up the sweat of frustration ! Your whole post is dead on.


Mounting my Mahindra hoe takes me about 3-5 minutes now. Dismounting it takes about 1-2 minutes.

Mounting can be a hassle the first time you do it as it takes practice to learn the best sequence of front/back/tilt/lift, etc. But after a while it becomes second nature, like anything.

 

[newbury]

Yes I actually have priced subframes and I have found they vary substantially from brand to brand and for size of machine. My prices are slightly out of date but should be close enough. These prices are based on a 25 to 30 hp frame size tractor when I checked with in the last year and a half. Kelly Backhoes said between 2&3 hundred depending on style of subframe. Ansung ( OEM for Kubota) added 400.00. Bradco added about 1200.00. Woods was all over the place I got two prices in the range of 500.00 and one of 1500.00. Can't remember exactly but I think Rhino wanted around 500.00 and I priced a cheep Chinese made model I cannot remember what brand but it had the Italian valve on the Internet sold as a three point mount with a subframe option they wanted 275.00 but only had select models available. These prices were for at time of purchase not after-the-fact. So yes more than a couple (2). But in the realm of things for the most part in my opinion well worth the extra money especially if it's what the manufacturer recommends.

So, to summarize none for $200, correct?

 

[tman1020]

So, to summarize none for $200, correct?[/QUOTE.

Correct. None of the ones I priced were 200$ so I was incorrect with my my quote of a couple hundred. Sorry if that was misleading or troublesome to you or anyone else.

 

[IslandTractor]

Tman1020, you just scored a TBN hat trick. First time anyone has ever been wrong on TBN. First time anyone ever acknowledged being wrong. And definitely the first time anyone has apologized for being wrong! You'll end up in the hall of fame if you keep it up.

 

[brown40]

I have an old woods 7500 and its a snap; stored on cinderblocks its only an inch or two beneath the subframe. Lift it up into it's receiver, install 2 bolts and plug it in. 2-4 minute job. Takes getting the routine down and a good storage configuration to do efficiently... what a nightmare they can be at the start though!
I'm certain there was a time you could get a subframe for $200...

 

[California]

I find it pretty easy to mount my 3-point hoe using its hydraulics to align it.

But if I stored it on a furniture dolly, it would be even easier.

 

[buickanddeere]

Nobody ever claimed a backhoe or excavator arm and bucket had too much "power ". Likewise a backhoe bobbing around on a three point hitch is frustrating compared to rigid mount . Then again just about any three point hitch backhoe tops using a shovel and wheelbarrow .

 

[jhous]

So, to summarize none for $200, correct?[/QUOTE.

Correct. None of the ones I priced were 200$ so I was incorrect with my my quote of a couple hundred. Sorry if that was misleading or troublesome to you or anyone else.

.........................................

Your figure didn't bother me in the least. You gave me useful information and your opinion and that's what I asked for. I knew on a national forum such as this any numbers given can vary significantly and exact numbers would be up to me to find with local inquiries. So, Thank you very much. You really helped me.