woods backhoes

[odom88]

I currently have a woods ( 1998 ) 7500 backhoe and while I have got a fair amount of use out of it several problems plagued it. For one the backhoe broke from the closest cylinder multiple times. I finally had a professional welder redo and so far so good.

But the second issue is that the hydraulic lines also take a beating when the hoe is raised all the way up and back, or if dirt gets in where the hoses go up through the frame. I have replaced the hoses far too many times and it is a real pain given that their is basically no room to fish them up through the frame of the backhoe.

So my question is/are:

Are the newer woods backhoes ( BH 80 or BH 90 ) designed any better? I won't buy another one that essentially pulls itself apart, it has to be built heavy enough which the older model simply wasn't.

Are the hydraulic lines on the outside of the framework much like excavators or do you have to fish them through the entire frame if you need to replace one? I expect normal wear and tear and the need to replace one once in a while but I need to be able to do it by myself and without it stopping me for half a day or more just to tear the whole thing apart. If the lines only go through a short distance of the hoe and then exit that would be fine but if each line goes through frame to each cylinder I won't want any part of it.

Hate to spend extra for a mini excavator so hoping the new woods are new and improved. I have read good reviews so far online. Perhaps the problems I have had were with the 3 pt hitch mount ones like mine.

Thanks for any help/advice!

 

[NHbotanut]

I have the BH70X that I bought new with the tractor in 2007. So far I have ( knock on wood ).... only had to tighten one hydraulic hose, about a year after I got it, & 2 years ago, replace one of the dipper hoses. I have used it pretty hard at times, but I have no issues with the strenght and quality.
My backhoe is mounted on a subframe, so I can't comment on the 3pt hitch. Personally, I wouldn't think the 3pt Hich could handle the tork and stress that the subframe takes.
The only pain is lining it up.....as a matter of fact, I just put the backhoe back on the tractor on Sunday. Took about 5 minutes

 

[newbury]

I also have a BH70X on a B7610. I've investigated getting it put on my M4700. Woods basically told me to buy the heavy duty top link mount from Kubota and when I talked to Kubota they told me it was a Woods part for the BH90X, basically to adapt it to a 3 pt hitch. Apparently they did not think the > 50HP tractors required a subframe.

One of the main reasons I wanted the hoe on a tractor was travel speed, otherwise a mini-ex would be better. But I'm still planning on daily 1 mile round trips with the hoe, which would take forever on a mini-ex (B7610 12mph, U17 2.6mph)

 

[odom88]

Thanks for the information. I am sure the subframe would be much stronger and the lack of one probably contributed to my older model breaking so often. Although I have looked at the newer ones briefly and the build is much heavier.

Problem now I have found is that woods doesn't make a subframe for my tractor. It is an allis chalmers 5040, 40HP. Seems odd that I can't get a backhoe from woods for this tractor. Anyone else run into that problem or have a solution?

 

[Furu]

I have a BH 90x and love it. Subframe is the only way to go IMO. The dealer was emphatic on that as well. I will try to get some photos of the routing of hoses.

 

[canadiantoy]

I have the BH-80X and I love it.

I only have two issues with it:
1. It lowered the ground clerance of my tractor. This was only an issue before my lot was cleared wich lead to issue 2
2. The side to side cylinder hoses are run under the backhoe from factory. Because of issue 1. I ripped out two of these hoses before I rerouted them above the cylinders. Problem solved.

Simon