Backhoe Woodmax 6600 backhoe

sebes · Sep 18, 2016

I am thinking about buying a woodmax 6600 backhoe for my b9200. If anyone out there has one I'd like to know how it preformed for them. I feel confident that my 3ph will handle it being that it weighs just under 1000 lbs. I would prefer a used kubota 4672 but have no idea what they weigh and can't find any specs on the net. I can buy a used one for $3200 but it's 4 hrs away. Any information would be much appreciated.

zmansmac · Sep 18, 2016

I bought the WoodMaxx 6600 backhoe a couple of years ago and really like it. Of course, it's the only backhoe I've ever owned so I don't have anything to compare to. But I've made a 4 foot plus deep trench to get power to my pole barn and have dug out over 50 tree stumps so far, the last dozen or so with a home made ripper blade that works really well for that purpose. It has plenty of power for my tractor.

I initially had an issue leakage at the hydraulic pump which is powered off the PTO. But WoodMaxx was very quick to ship me a replacement and no cost to return the original unit. I ordered mine with the optional hydraulic thumb which is very handy to have, especially for lifting out dug up stumps. The only other issue I have is that I recently noticed that the pin that connects the hydraulic cylinder to the thumb is bent. It appears to be a design issue to me, i.e. pin diameter too small for it's length, and I'm trying to figure out a way to resolve it. But the thumb still operates.

The only other issue I had was with their poorly written, and mistake ridden manual. I'm guessing this was largely due to this being a new product for them at the time and non-experienced technical writers. Because of my background working experience I spent many hours finding and documenting errors and ambiguous descriptions and sent the information to them. Although they were kind enough to thank me, I never received an updated manual so I don't know if they ever made any of the corrections.

Your B9200 is very similar in size, weight and power to my B7500 so the 6600 should work well on your tractor. The 6600 is a 3 point backhoe which many people on this forum don't like, but they are generally cheaper I think. If you decide to go this route you will need to "beef up" your tractor. There is a heavy duty top link bracket that should have and a support bracket kit. This link makes reference to them: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/170759-backhoe-ok-b7500-2.html. The top link bracket spec sheet shows that there is one made for your B9200. I don't know about a bracket support kit for your tractor though. The spec sheet I attached on the referenced link is specific to my tractor so you will have to check with a dealer on that kit.

BTW, the lifting power of your 3 point has nothing to do with it. When set up properly the 3 point will not lift or move the backhoe. You didn't mention in your post but I will assume you have a loader on your tractor. I don't think any of the backhoe manufacturers recommend attaching a one without a loader on.

Good luck with your decision.

sebes · Sep 19, 2016

Thanks so much for your reply. I view this purchase as a big decision and information such as yours helps a lot. I do have a fel and as you mentioned in your post now that I think about it the 3ph wouldn't lift or move the backhoe. The weight would be carried by the rear axle

zmansmac · Sep 19, 2016

When you use your backhoe the stabilizer legs are extended down to just slightly take the pressure off the rear wheels. One of the biggest issues with a 3 point hoe is the twisting force that can be exerted on the rear axle area through the lower arms. Guys have talked about tractors breaking in half if this condition is too severe in operation. But I've only heard of one case in all these years of that happening and I've never seen any real evidence (pictures) of it happening.

So I wasn't too concerned about it when I made my decision. As I mentioned, if you go with a 3 point hoe, you definitely want to get the heavy duty top link bracket. I believe it was only about $100. If Kubota doesn't make a support bracket kit for your tractor you should be able to make something like it if you have some basic metal working skills. The idea of it is to simply tie the rear of your tractor to the front on each side to stiffen it much like older cars that used to have full length frames.

Due to a time constraint, I actually used my backhoe when I first got it to dig the trench I mentioned without the support bracket kit because it didn't come in to the dealer yet. Others can chime in but if you are not hard on your backhoe you could probably get away without it. But definitely upgrade to the heavy upper link bracket.

sebes · Sep 19, 2016

My next question would be how much time is involved in installing or removing the backhoe because I use other implements? Once again thanks for your much valued imput

zmansmac · Sep 20, 2016

Connecting my backhoe is done in about 15 minutes. Removal is a little faster because you aren't trying to line up the holes to put pins in, you only need to adjust the stance til the pins are free and pull them.

Like many others, I built a dolly for my backhoe not only to move it around for storage but it is also makes it easier for the install. On this backhoe you have to connect the pump to your PTO first so you can operate the stabilizer legs for connection alignment. I make the top link connection first and then the lower arms.

Expect to spend a fair amount of time getting the hoe adjusted to your tractor for the first time, but that's a one time setup. It should be set up so that the floor pan of the backhoe is level with the ground when the stabilizer arms are up.

Darrylb83 · Apr 23, 2018

zmansmac said:
Connecting my backhoe is done in about 15 minutes. Removal is a little faster because you aren't trying to line up the holes to put pins in, you only need to adjust the stance til the pins are free and pull them.

Like many others, I built a dolly for my backhoe not only to move it around for storage but it is also makes it easier for the install. On this backhoe you have to connect the pump to your PTO first so you can operate the stabilizer legs for connection alignment. I make the top link connection first and then the lower arms.

Expect to spend a fair amount of time getting the hoe adjusted to your tractor for the first time, but that's a one time setup. It should be set up so that the floor pan of the backhoe is level with the ground when the stabilizer arms are up.

Wondering how the backhoe is doing?? Still like it?