Woods 9000 to 3pt conversion on L4200

[Jay4200]

I got my L4200 as a transport system for a Woods 9000 backhoe, and have never removed the backhoe. The backhoe is on a subframe mount. I am going to start running 3pt implements, but it looks like the backhoe rear mounting plate uses the 3pt hitch arm mounting holes. If that is the case, I suspect that going from backhoe to 3pt is going to be a serious time-consuming PITA. Does that sound right?

JayC

 

[KennyV]

Hello JayC...
Hope you finally get the 3pt licked... It is way too handy, but then so is a BH, I have always wanted to put one on my L4200, but with a cab it presents a bit of a problem...
Here is a picture I took years ago while I was changing from AG tires to big Turfs.
Hope you can see where the 3pt arms attach, if not I'll shoot another picture for better view...
And YES if the subframe is infact using the 3pt mounts it is going to be an itch to switch back and forth... Good luck, KennyV

 

[magicheater]

I just made the switch from a 3PT backhoe to a sub frame 4PT mount. I have not modified the 4PT mount yet, but will have to remove the 3PT arms when I use it. Because the backhoe I got was bigger than the old 3PT unit I wanted the sturdier 4PT mount. I am not sure you could use a quick hitch with a 3PT backhoe, someone please tell me if you are. What I do is plan a bit more and wait a bit more until there is enough work to do to justify making the switch. For me that is usually when a job comes in and then I will do all the work I had been saving at home and whatever I find to do after that, before I change back. After I have connected and disconnected a few times I will post about my experiences. I will be getting my new 5' Loader Buddy soon and went with a pin on version cause I really don't plan on taking it off! Pics to follow.

 

[repete]

My 2550 uses the sub frame mount. I found that it takes a while to get used to the process but once you get it down it goes fairly rapidly.

The removal is easy, the installation gets a bit more tricky and I usually have to mess with it for a while.

I do both process with the PTO still connected as you have to move the machine about a bit to get it in the proper position. My hoses are long enough to remove and install the backhoe while still having power to use the bucket and outriggers.

I found that the BH mounting pins will fit through the holes in the foot plates of the BH for storage with the unit.

Remember in the process, PATIENCE is a virtue. Good luck.

 

[Jay4200]

Hello JayC...
Hope you finally get the 3pt licked... It is way too handy, but then so is a BH, I have always wanted to put one on my L4200, but with a cab it presents a bit of a problem...
Here is a picture I took years ago while I was changing from AG tires to big Turfs.
Hope you can see where the 3pt arms attach, if not I'll shoot another picture for better view...
And YES if the subframe is infact using the 3pt mounts it is going to be an itch to switch back and forth... Good luck, KennyV

Thanks for the pic, Kenny. You are truly 'the man'.

Well, crap. The real PITA is going to come in when I'm running a grading blade or something similar. I can see it now...there I am grading along with a blade - **CLANK** - hit a big rock and need the 'hoe to pull it out. Think about switch...quit for the day. Blow off project for 2 months, then it snows...

I'm suddenly in the market for an excavator! Either that, or maybe I'll try to pick up a cheap baby tractor (like a 'B' frame) to use for the 3pt. I don't need much tractor for dragging implements like the blade and rake. My big ol' L4200 is still going to be running the 3pt in the winter (running my new 6' snowblower), but I can live with just about anything when making the switch twice a year.

Thanks again - JayC

 

[KennyV]

Know just what your saying... no matter what you have on, you are going to need to switch to something that is a pain ...
You can spend about a grand, to put a skid steer adapter on your loader;
SS adapter around $5oo
pointy bucket (like the attached picture)around $400
SS plate on your existing bucket about $100...
Then you could dig up the medium size boulders, and start a collection of handy SS attachments.
Even then you still have to swap attachments... it's just a lot quicker & easier. KennyV

 

[Jay4200]

Know just what your saying... no matter what you have on, you are going to need to switch to something that is a pain ...
You can spend about a grand, to put a skid steer adapter on your loader;
SS adapter around $5oo
pointy bucket (like the attached picture)around $400
SS plate on your existing bucket about $100...
Then you could dig up the medium size boulders, and start a collection of handy SS attachments.
Even then you still have to swap attachments... it's just a lot quicker & easier. KennyV

I've thought about one of those SS adapters - a friend of mine with a new Kubota is always trying to talk me into it. The coolest setup he runs in a 3pt hitch adapter, so he can run any 3pt implements (just backwards), using his FEL arms.

I downloaded a manual from Woods, and it might not be too bad - I do have to remove the rear bracket, but it looks like I just have to loosen two bolts, then pull two pins to remove the thing. That might not be so bad.

JayC

PS - I still want an excavator