Backhoe Square vs round axle housings

[lazerguy]

Hi folks,

I was wondering if there is a known difference in strength between the round rear axle housings found on older 175's and 180's, versus the square ones found on later 180's, and the more recent Massey tractors like 255's.

I will soon be buying either of those models, and a 3-pt backhoe is a likely addition in the years to come. Having heard horror stories of people who broke rear axles while using 3-pt backhoes, I want to make sure the tractor I choose will be strong enough.

Thanks!

 

[WilliamTO-35]

I don't know about the round vs. square axle housing, but it's true that a backhoe mounted on a 3 point hitch does tend to overload the hitch. For instance, your 3 point hydraulic lift arms may be overloaded, and no longer lift. My neighbor has a 1958 John Deere 440 industrial tractor, and used to have a backhoe mounted on it. It seemed to me that the tractor was being crushed by the weight of that backhoe. I would try to find out what the factory recommended for the maximum weight of a backhoe for whatever tractor you buy, and stick to that figure. Of course, the size of the bucket, the type of material being dug, and the resulting total payload are also factors.

 

[rjmack]

not sure about axle housings, but i know that a rectangular shape (square tubing) is stronger than an equivalent diameter and thickness of pipe.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I can't provide you with statistical information as to how much, but the square axles are quite a bit stronger than the round axles. Considering the round axle housings have a good reputation as to their durability, consider the square housings to be VERY sturdy. The square housings were first used on larger (HEAVIER) 100 series tractors such as 165's 175's....where 135's and 150's retained the round housings. Some 135's (special purpose tractors such as industrial models, orchard models, ect) made use of early versions of the square axles.

I've used a Woods 3-point back hoe on my 40+ year old MF150 (w/round axle housings) without any issues. Worth considering is the fact the 3-point lower links attach very near the differential housing. (as opposed to outer portions of the round/square portion of the axle housings)

 

[lazerguy]

Thanks for your kind inputs!

Yesterday I bought a 1968 MF 180. Its condition is pretty good for the year, which led me to believe that the meter's 5300hr reading is true. (and also the fact the meter actually works...)

Got it with a 7-ft snow blower for $4400 canadian. Not a killer deal, but still a good price seems to me.
Also nice is the fact that 60hp+ tractors are tax-free in Canada.

I figure, since farmwithjunk has had no problems using a 3-pt BH on a 150 with the round axles, I should be OK as long as I get a reasonable-size BH and operate it with some common sense.

Cheers!

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Thanks for your kind inputs!

Yesterday I bought a 1968 MF 180. Its condition is pretty good for the year, which led me to believe that the meter's 5300hr reading is true. (and also the fact the meter actually works...)

Got it with a 7-ft snow blower for $4400 canadian. Not a killer deal, but still a good price seems to me.
Also nice is the fact that 60hp+ tractors are tax-free in Canada.

I figure, since farmwithjunk has had no problems using a 3-pt BH on a 150 with the round axles, I should be OK as long as I get a reasonable-size BH and operate it with some common sense.

Cheers!

"Some common sense"......That changes everything! All for the better I might add.

You got a heck of a deal. A nice 180 alone would bring that much in US dollars here in Kentucky. Throw in a 7' snow blower and the deal got sweeter.