TC18 backhoe / MMM compatability? - dreaming...?

[hazmat]

It appears that the woods subframe is compatable with the class 2 boomers & MMMs, but the directions for the TC18 subframe don't mention anything. I'm sitting here daydreaming of a hoe for my TC18, but don't want to give up my MMM.

As I see it, my options are 3pt mount hoe - tractor durability issues? or remove the MMM brackets & install the hoe subframe when desired - potential hour(s) long process. Does anybody know how long this would take (shop time from NH?)

Anybody come across a better solution yet?

I'm thinking that my future barn project will "justify" the hoe if I can dig the 4' frost wall & utility trench myself. I'm sure renting a mini excavator is cheaper, but I'd have to give it back /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif. Besides, need to fill up said barn with tools /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Propertymaint]

Hazmat, I would check with a local NH dealer about backhoe compatability/mmm. The class ll may be different than my class lll. I couldn't put a mmm on my tc 40d and 'still have a subframe mount backhoe. I opted for a rfm and a subframe backhoe. If your careful you could probably get a way with a three point mount backhoe but I wouldn't recommend it. The backhoe exerts a lot of stress on the tractor. As far as the brackets on my tractor the mmm interfered with both the front and rear subframe mounts. Exchanging brackets wasn't a choice because they were heavy and involved removing the loader subframe mount to get to the backhoe/midmount mower brackets. The class ll maybe easier but I got to venture it would be at least an hour or two with the right shop set up. Also, I have had a 24hp and now a 40hp tractor with a backhoe set up. The 40hp is night and day over the 24hp tractor but it is 'still not an excavator. Don't get me wrong, it is extreemely handy to have a backhoe on hand for a sunday afternoon project, but depending on the size of foundation your digging in our rocky new england soil, it may take you quite some time with that 18hp tractor. Hope this helps. If you have operated a backhoe or excavator before you will understand, if not I recommend you go to the dealer and try one out before you lay down the cash. What is a backhoe worth for that size tractor $4k+/-?

 

[JayC]

<font color="blue"> I'm sure renting a mini excavator is cheaper, but I'd have to give it back. </font>

Who said you had to rent? Maybe you could find a good used one somewhere. That would sure solve the MMM compatibility issue. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Here are a few sites that may be of some help:

http://www.equipment-locator.com/default.htm

http://www.machinerytrader.com/

http://www.equipmenttraderonline.com/

http://www.machinefinder.com/

http://www.ironsearch.com/IRONSearch/content.aspx

 

[RickB]

Just about the last thing (and it may well be) you want to subject your TC18 to is a three point mount backhoe. Figure 1.5 hours to undo the MMM belly mounting bracket with lift rods and install the front subframe hangars. Just off the top of my head, maybe a little longer the first time, surely a little quicker if done more often.

 

[hazmat]

You forgot a link to good divorce attorneys for when the wife finds out what I've done... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

A couple hours isn't the end of the world to switch over - I'd rather the tractor didn't break in half.

I live close to the Merrimack river, as such my soil is silt-base (I haven't dug up a rock yet) = easy digging for a compact back hoe /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif I probably should just rent the excavator - the weekly rates aren't too bad - the daily is pricey at $300 per.

 

[jinman]

Hazmat, why not convince your dad that he needs a backhoe too? That way you could each go half on a BH for his TC40. You'd spend about the same amount of money and have a more capable tool. The hard part would be convincing him to "plop" down the cash to cover his half since he just did that for the tractor last year. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[hazmat]

I actually convinced him not to get the backhoe. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif He wouldn't get much use out of it. I don't think he's hit 20 hours on the machine yet - it's going to be a real cream-puff used unit someday - too bad for y'all that it won't hit the "open" market /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Got to save his pennies to contribute to the granddaughter's college fund /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif