Opinions on 3PH Mounting of BL4690A Backhoe?

[Don_Curley]

Another question on my soon to be delivered B2910 ... what's your opinion on the 3PH mounting approach used by Kubota for their BL4690A backhoe unit? I ask, as in Muhammad's "Compact Tractor & Buying Basics" book, he mentions that the 3PH mount for a backhoe is the weakest of the three mounting approaches (i.e., 3PH, sub-frame, and frame mounted). Although the ease of removal/installation is better with the 3PH method, it seems like the subframe approach would be the best compromise. Any thoughts on this aspect of the Kubota's BL4690A backhoe for the B2910?

Thanks in advance,
Don

 

[radman]

I too have been looking at backhoes and in particular a kubota backhoe. My dealer sells multiple brands of backhoes but keeps encouraging me to buy a kubota. His biggest reason for the kubota backhoe for a kubota tractor is, Kubota will stand behind both products. If the tractor is damaged by the hoe, Kubota would do the repairs. If another manufacture's hoe damaged the tractor, probably neither would claim responsibility. Personally, I don't particularly like the 3pt setup on the BL 4690 backhoes (basically a pipe that wedges itself beneath the lift arms to prevent further lifting of the 3pt). However if Kubota is willing to be responsible for damages, it is difficult to be too critical. It appears to be a design they have used for years and is probably reliable.

 

[Don_Curley]

Good points radman. However, do you (or anyone else) know if the Kubota BL4690A can be subframe mounted (or would I have to go with a different brand of backhoe altogether)? I have heard really great things about the speed and relative digging power of the 4690, but I continue to be somewhat disappointed in the factory's choice of the 3PH mounting approach (even if Kubota does stand behind it).

Don

 

[radman]

Don:
After talking to two dealers, the 4690 backhoe comes as you have seen - 3 pt mount. No subframe available. Like you said, the 3pt mounting approach is somewhat disappointing.

 

[hayden]

I'm quite happy with my 4690A on a B2910. The 3PH verses subframe mount is a passionate topic. You might let other factors drive your decision like:

1) Do you use a mid mount mower? If so, use the Kubota BH. The Woods subframe mounts intefere with the mid mower mounts. You have to bolt/unbolt parts to switch implements.

2) Do you need more ground clearance. THe sub frame reduces ground clearance.

3) Will the BH+frame exceed your storage space? The frame makes the whole assembly about 3-4 feet longer.

Which ever you pick, I'm sure you'll be very happy with the results.

 

[BruceW]

I have a 4690A on my 3010 and find it easy to mount/dismount, has a very solid feel when attached ie. no exta movement, and is a pleasure to operate. The only negative I could say is that when removing the top link attachment pin the clearance on the 3ph is a little short. I disconnect the lower linkage and lower the arm to gain clearance.

bruce

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The 4690A hoe uses a "modified" 3pt hitch, the top link is replaced by a very stron top link specific to the backhoe, and the "bar" that "keeps the 3 pt hitch from raising" also transfers part of the backhoes's weight from the end of the 3 pt hitch arms, back to the middle of the arm. In conjunction with the dual framed B2710's and 2910's, it seems to be as stiff a set up as the Bush Hog and Woods subframe units we sell. It better be strong to justify the pain in the arse it is to hook up!

 

[Don_Curley]

CaseKub3,

Thanks to you and the others for the informative replies on this thread. In terms of your reference to the "hook up" being a "pain in the arse" ... are you referring to the initial installation of the 4690A backhoe (in a shop setting), or does that comment also apply to routine change-out by the owner?

Don

 

[Jag]

Don, not sure why you do not like the 3PH on the B4690. It works and seem to do all that is asked of it.... I know I have over 100 hours of actual use on my backhoe. And everything is holding up great. The only thing on my set-up is to change the top bushing on the mounting arm, as required to keep the pay down. Do not remember what they cost from Kubota, but can get them for the CO-OP for under a dollar.

 

[Don_Curley]

Jag,

The only reason I questioned the 3PH mounting for the B4690 backhoe, was that this seemed to be considered a weaker mounting approach for a backhoe than a subframe or frame mounted route by folks more knowledgeable than I. While I have no experience in such matters, I believe I did understand the logic, at least enough for it to be a concern for me. However, at this point, enough folks (who have the B4690) have responded that it's working out OK, and my dealer (and others) have also pointed out that there is a plate and bar arrangement that pretty much ties everything down in such a way that strength is apparently not an issue (especially for non-commercial use ... which will certainly be the case for my backhoe applications). Finally, as radman pointed out earlier, Kubota stands behind the B4690 ... and if it was such a weak mounting approach that caused frequent damage to the tractor or backhoe (and therefore excessive warranty costs to them), I am sure Kubota would have changed the mounting to something beefier.

So, I am not going to worry about it any further, and I am indeed going with the B4690 on my B2910. The only problem now is availability for the backhoe, as my dealer has two on back order, and all of the other Kubota dealers in their "dealer trade region" also do not have stock. Kubota says the back ordered units will ship towards the end of June, but I sure hope I do not get sucked into a Kubota parts supply issue (in terms of it going much beyond the end of June). We'll see.

Thanks again to everyone for their input,
Don