Subframe Backhoe

[dwalk19]

What are some good subframe backhoe options, I own a mahindra 2538 and will be purchasing a backhoe attachment in the near future, I'd like to explore my options to other brands besides mahindra to see if they would be any cheaper, it's a 38hp tractor, and the backhoe definetly needs to be a subframe mount, (No 3 point) and I prefer it to run off tractor hydraulics because I plan on adding rear remotes also and can do all the plumbing work at once, I believe woods may make them, haven't got a price or found a dealer yet but will look into them also

 

[John_Mc]

I have a Woods 4-point quick attach subframe for my NH TC33D tractor. I really like it. The subframe stays on the tractor once installed. With a little practice, you can get the backhoe on in 5 minutes or so.

 

[texasranger556]

Woods was in the $7-8k range when I priced them years ago. That was for subframe mounted 7.5 foot digging depth if memory serves.

 

[dwalk19]

Okay thanks, the mahindra backhoe is around 7 so maybe that's the route I'll end up going

 

[RNeumann]

A US company make the BH for Mahindra. I don’t know if they sell direct. I don’t recall the name but it’s been talked about on TBN. It’s something like Kansas Iron Works....but again I’m not sure of the name.

 

[dwalk19]

Yeah i contacted them, it's Kansas metal works I believe) they no longer makes them for Mahindra and offered no sales

 

[Stimw]

I bought a very well made hoe from- Titan Attachments - PalletForks.com - 8-65-8241
They sell several but the newest has the curved boom and their list is $3700..
I bought it first of the year and got it during one of their many sales and they offer free shipping!
It is 3 pt mount but I fabricated a subframe for it to fit my 3510 Branson.
It is smooth and has plenty of digging force with tractor hydraulics and only 13-1500 rpm.
It came with international stick pattern but I switched hoses to SAE pattern which I think makes more sense.

 

[majorwager]

Did not realize titan offered such a reasonably priced BH. Woodmax also offers a fine product.

 

[texasranger556]

I've heard of people going with prairie dog backhoes. They look very similar to a woods in pictures. I have no experience with them though.

 

[dwalk19]

Never heard of prairie dog, I'll look them up, I am definetly going to get subframe mount, I'd like to fabricate my own mounts but beyond a welder, I just don't have the means or the time really

 

[majorwager]

Dwalk,
Agree, I have a Long brand 10 ft BH. It is quite heavy. It is a 3 point style but when mounted we realized it could tear the lower arms and top link right off the tractor. We fabricated a simple channel iron frame w/ a big U Bolt attachment to rear axle, and extended forward to the 2nd bracket holes for the FEL. The older utility tractors had fewer obstructions from 3 point to loader. The unused 3 point remained in place, lower links, the mfg provided a rigid top link connection arm. You are wise NOT to rely upon the tractor linkage.

Edit:There are photos of my BH on this attachment forum under thread" Help Me Identify this BH Attachment"

It is not my thread, I just owned same brand as OP. Thread is back a few pages by now. I do not keep my BH mounted,actually hasn't been used in years.

Edit: Not just small tractors susceptible to BH damage, minus a carrier frame.

 

[Stimw]

The danger of using a BH on smaller tractor without a subframe is that the stress can break the tractor in two at the transmission/bellhousing.
Subframes extend under the tractor to the front spreading the stresses and reinforcing the basic design.

 

[CincyFlyer]

I have, most likely, the exact Mahindra backhoe that would fit your tractor (I have a 2540, which is a shuttle version). The subframe actually replaces part of the FEL subframe, so that your FEL and BH are on the same frame, which is then bolted to the tractor chassis. There may be cheaper ways out, but it's a solid piece of equipment, and bolts right on. I believe that it's Korean made, as is the tractor chassis. I've already dug up and fixed my water line, which saved me at least two grand.

 

[dwalk19]

Yeah sounds the same, I've called a bunch of dealers to get the best price i can, I'm pretty sure I'll be going the mahindra route but figured I'd throw it out to see if there were any other options, I had factory backhoes on my other tractors, although not used alot, Its hard to live with out once you've had one

 

[Stimw]

Just take a good look at the factory hoe, here is a Kioti hoe video and that is the exact hoe that I have. Kioti Tractor Backhoe Review - YouTube
It is just re-badged and painted orange.

 

[dwalk19]

I'm sure the subframe would be different, and probavly no go on mahindra, buy I wonder if backhoe would drop right in mahindra brackets

 

[CincyFlyer]

Just take a good look at the factory hoe, here is a Kioti hoe video and that is the exact hoe that I have. Kioti Tractor Backhoe Review - YouTube
It is just re-badged and painted orange.

Actually, that is quite a bit different from the Mahindra unit. The Mahindra has a stout steel box section upon which the seat is mounted, and which attaches to the subframe.