small tractor backhoes

[justanotherjoe]

Just curious about why you are interested in the weight of the subframe? I would think that more is better when using the hoe, because the s'frame weight is under the tractor and away from the hoe for strength, and the weight is counterbalancing.

My little 6' digging depth b'hoe is from Koyker. The vertical boom cylinder won't stay up since day one. When I called them about it, they suggested returning the 600# hoe to the factory. Arizona is a long ways from the Dakotas.

In retrospect, I would just rent an excavator twice a year or buy one. Yes, a b'hoe is convenient, but not $5000 worth. My little tractor is 17' long with the hoe and front loader, hard to manuever among the trees. Tractors are for pulling implements. For digging and scooping, excavators and skid steers work better. Think about the intended uses, then rent similar equipment before buying. They are all fun to use.

 

[rk246]

I actually want the weight, that is why I was wondering, I wanted to know how much ballast it would add when doing FEL work, as for the total weight of the BH, I am just curious for going accross the lawn etc. I am wrestling with the cost and trying to figure out if I can justify it, compared to renting equipment. It would be ease of use anytime I want vs having to have a little excavator delivered everytime and having to use it in the alloted time, rather than taking my time. If I find the right deal I will probably go forward with it....

 

[brewdog]

Woods list the BH7500 hoe at 980 pounds. Add to that my estimate of 100-150 lbs for the subframe.

The subframe is primarily a pair of "C" channel type steel lengths about 5" wide and 7' long. The frame carries the majorityof the HOE weight on a pair of thick pins that the lower 3 point hitch arms of the tractor mount on. The pair of channel irons continue forward toward the middle of the tractor to a set of plates that anchor to my Front end loader mounts. The front of the subframe weldment has a quick release pin that attaches it to the weldment that's mounted to the FEL frame.

The subframe transfers the load to the front of the tractor as well. The overall weight of the HOE is carried at 3 points. The two lower 3 point hitch pins and a third point directly below the rear FEL mounting brackets.

Without the subframe all of the shock loads will be directed to the upper 3 point hitch point and the 2 lower 3 pt hitch pins. That keeps 100% of the dead and live load on the rear end of the transmission housing.

 

[rk246]

Subframe seems to be the way to go, thank you for the info...

 

[MarEng]

The sub frame does steal ground clearance and make some access for maintenace difficult. This is more of an issue when working on rough ground. Usually I can use the backhoe to walk off by doing things they warn against in tractor safety school. But, I have been both high centered and tail in with the sub frame to the point of having to walk back for the other tractor. On balance it was the way to go, just be aware it does come with some trade-offs.

 

[kozak]

Dmace,

That Grounbreaker is an Awesome Woods Backhoe !! Thanks for the Pic !!

Vic

 

[MMILLER]

Does anybody have an idea what the BH80-X by woods is going for? I am interested in one with subframe mount and both a 12" & 24" buckets. Can't seem to get reply from my local woods dealer whom I purchased my Tractor from. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[CT_Tree_Guy]

Michael - Wish I knew, but I don't. More to the point, I wish I could sell you one, and share your wonderment at why doesn't dealer doesn't seem to be interested in doing just that??

I guess all you can do is to keep asking him nicely if he'll please sell you one. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

John

 

[Highbeam]

The post where that picture, the woods hoe, was originally posted gave a narrow range of prices from that particular dealer. It was in the 6000$ range as I recall. I actually drooled over that nice orange how since it was mounted to my tractor in the photos. Oh how I could use it, I have a problem with the price tag of all the backhoes though.

You can buy a very capable excavator or backhoe for that amount or better yet rent one for all the jobs. Write a list of what you would do with it. For me it is stump digging and trenching for utilities along with gazillions of other unthought of uses. Well, once the stumps are gone and the utilities connected that expensive BH is still there along with the payment.

Beyond the price of the BH and the subframe is the cost of plumbing hydraulics if you don't happen to have something ready to hook up.

Convenience of not having to rent an excavator and the fun of running a hoe are worthy considerations too.

 

[3RRL]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Convenience of not having to rent an excavator and the fun of running a hoe are worthy considerations too. )</font>

I thought about renting a backhoe and have had and excavator come do work on my property. But as you said, the convenience is overwhelming. My property is located so that it is not easy to get to. Add to that the fact I'm only there on weekends and arranging an excavator or renting becomes a logistic nightmare (for me).

The real kicker is the fact that I don't always know what i'll be doing up there so to make plans in advance...well...it's too advanced for my little peanut. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif With this in mind, buying one to have and to hold dearly became a brighter prospect.
And as it's worked out, I've switched back and forth several times during the weekend to get backhoe work done.