Woods BH7500 backhoe

[jjbath]

I found a used Woods BH7500 backhoe for $2500 at a local dealer. It has a PTO pump and a Kubota frame mount. The dealer told me that a frame mount for my TC35 would cost $1900 and the 3pt would be $500.

I'd prefer the frame mount but $1900 is just ridiculous. Has anyone tried modifying a kubota mount to work with a TC series tractor? I'm wondering how much work it would be? If its too much work I'll just get the 3pt mount.

Another thought is that I could sell the kubota mount that comes with it to help pay for the TC35 mount.

I can't really understand why the TC35 mount is so much. I figured it would be between $800 and $1200. He even told me that most of the mounts are around $1000. So there must be something really special with the TC35.

What do you think about the 3pt route? I know most would agree that a subframe is best but in this case the price is too steep for me.

 

[jjbath]

No one has any thoughts on this?

 

[rootytoot]

Have you checked with other dealers or directly with the factory on the price of the frame mount? $1900 does sound exceptionally high. Also, the factory might have an opinion about whether a different mount that is perhaps a bit more generic would work in your case.

That being said, I would highly recommend the frame mount over the 3 point. Back hoe work puts a lot of stress on the tractor. It might be better to buy the custom mount, do the jobs that need to be done, and sell the combination to recover some of your money.

Good luck,

Kurt

 

[jjbath]

I contacted woods and they said the mount is actually more and the dealer was discounting it. I don't see why the cost is so high.

They also said not to use a 3pt mount on a tc35 as chassis damage would result.

 

[jjbath]

I contacted woods and they said the mount is actually more and the dealer was discounting it. I don't see why the cost is so high.

They also said not to use a 3pt mount on a tc35 as chassis damage would result.

 

[SteveInMD]

I'd prefer a frame mount for my 7500 as well, but my dealer thought I was nuts for asking about it. I described how I would use it and he was 100% sure that the 3 ph would be fine. He's been 100% right so far - I've had it about 6 years. It does make me a little nervous. You do have to take what you read here with a grain of salt. Your tractor will not simply fall apart the first time you attache a 3ph backhoe to it. However you do have to be smart about how you use it.

<I'm ready for the flames to start flying.>

 

[jjbath]

I'd prefer a frame mount for my 7500 as well, but my dealer thought I was nuts for asking about it. I described how I would use it and he was 100% sure that the 3 ph would be fine. He's been 100% right so far - I've had it about 6 years. It does make me a little nervous. You do have to take what you read here with a grain of salt. Your tractor will not simply fall apart the first time you attache a 3ph backhoe to it. However you do have to be smart about how you use it.

<I'm ready for the flames to start flying.>

What model is you tractor? I was thinking the same thing. Besides my TC35 has the NH subframe already mounted so that should help stiffen things up too.

 

[magicheater]

I just picked up a new BH850 with a Kubota frame mount that is not correct for my L4350. After extensive questioning I determined that I can "mod" the frame to fit. It just requires widening a bit and drilling a couple of holes in the forward brackets that attach to the loader frame. I sold a 3PT backhoe in favor of the 4PT mount unit which is a much heavier unit. Paid less than 4 grand for the entire setup. $2500 for the used unit and frame sounds like a good deal unless the unit is worn out.

 

[SteveInMD]

What model is you tractor? I was thinking the same thing. Besides my TC35 has the NH subframe already mounted so that should help stiffen things up too.

I've got a TC33D.

 

[jjbath]

I just picked up a new BH850 with a Kubota frame mount that is not correct for my L4350. After extensive questioning I determined that I can "mod" the frame to fit. It just requires widening a bit and drilling a couple of holes in the forward brackets that attach to the loader frame. I sold a 3PT backhoe in favor of the 4PT mount unit which is a much heavier unit. Paid less than 4 grand for the entire setup. $2500 for the used unit and frame sounds like a good deal unless the unit is worn out.

The mount that comes with the BH is from a 4330 I think the dealer said. Its doesn't look like an easy mod to fit the TC35. I'm sure I can make it work but the amount of work required may just not be worth it.

I may go the 3pt mount but make some braces out of the kubota frame that comes with it. I could also try selling the Kubota mount and use that money for the NH mount.

From the looks of it the BH just sat outside. The paint is faded but it doesn't appear that it was used all that much. Ann of the pins seem very tight.

My thought is that if I spent $2500 on the BH and $2000 on the subframe I may as well by a brand new BH. I think the NH dealer told me he would sell me a 758C for $6900 installed with frame mount.

 

[RickB]

My thought is that if I spent $2500 on the BH and $2000 on the subframe I may as well by a brand new BH. I think the NH dealer told me he would sell me a 758C for $6900 installed with frame mount.

My math skills tell me that the BH7500 with a new subframe costs $4500 which is $2400 less than a new 758C. In my mind, the over/under on that deal is much in favor of the subframe installation of the Woods hoe. The package is 35% less.

That said, you should shop around for the proper Woods subframe. Woods dealer pricing is very much dependent on a discount structure, which is in turn dependent on volume. A low-volume Woods dealer is operating at a price disadvantage inn many cases.

 

[Egon]

Find a welder and fabricate your own subframe.

 

[magicheater]

Would the "new" backhoe be the improved curved boom design? I thought about that when I bought mine, but decided it was not worth the xtra dollars.

 

[jinman]

While I clearly think a sub-frame would be superior, There are several issues that come to mind about this BH on a TC35.

Pros:
It's $1400 cheaper.
Tractor has an existing loader subframe.
The TC35 is near the top HP rating suggested by Woods.
The NH running gears on the Class III Boomers seem to be heavier than a comparable Kubota.
A 3PH backhoe is probably easier to remove than a subframe mount.
Woods shows a 3PH mount on a NH for their newer BH-7X.
And last, but not least...If SteveInMD can get away with it on a TC33D which has no subframe whatsoever, then it seems a no-brainer for a TC35.

Cons:
A subframe is safer...no argument.
Any damage caused by the 3PH mounting will make $1400 look like pocket change.
With a subframe, you would not have to be so careful about shockloads to the tractor from the BH while doing heavy FEL work or driving on rough terrain.

I guess maybe a 3PH would allow you to remove the BH when doing other types of work, and you could just be more cautious when the BH is mounted. I think you just have to decide how you use your tractor and whether the risk is worth savings. One thing for sure, just because you put on a 3PH mounting, it doesn't stop you from continuing to look for a bargain sub-frame.

 

[jjbath]

One thing for sure, just because you put on a 3PH mounting, it doesn't stop you from continuing to look for a bargain sub-frame.

Jim,
I was thinking the same thing.


RickB,
I see where you are coming from. I did do a little searching for a better deal on the mount but I couldn't find much savings elsewhere. I just don't see what makes these mounts so expensive? The only thing I can think of is that because they are custom and low volume they cost alot to make.

Egon,
I have a welder and access to all the free steel I would need but the time it would take to do it properly is hard to come by. I may do as Jim suggests and buy a 3pt mount and later on try making a mount using the Kubota subframe that comes with it.


magicheater,
The new backhoe is a New Holland (not sure who really makes it. I think maybe Bradco) 758C.

 

[barbqranch]

Unfortunately, part of the cost is liability insurance because even if someone doesn't use it properly, they will be sued.

 

[John_Mc]

I have a Woods 7500 backhoe on my TC33D. It was bought used, set up as a 3 pt hitch mount. After a couple of uses, it became obvious to me that I needed a subframe. I ended up going with the Woods 4 pt quick-hitch subframe. Woods did not sell one to fit my tractor, but they did sell one to fit the TC33DA (which is slightly different than the TC33D). MY dealer was willing to try it and see, and make a few modifications if needed. As it turns out, they didn't need to modify anything... it just bolted right on. It cost me $1000 installed, but that was probably 4 or 5 years ago.

I've been very happy with it. The subframe remains on the tractor all the time. The back hoe goes on and off quickly. I can remove it in under 5 minutes, even when I'm way out of practice. If I've had it on and off recently and refreshed my memory on the steps, it comes off in about 2 minutes. Putting it on takes a bit longer, but still a painless, quick process. I was no faster with the 3 pt mount than I am with the subframe. The only real difference is I'm using the BH hydraulics alone to jockey it up and down and align it, as opposed to using the 3PH hydraulics when I had the 3 pt mount.

The difference in operation is night and day. The subframe mount is so much more solid, and so much less to worry about. When working in the stubborn, rocky soil we have here, or digging up stumps, I've NEVER regretted going with the subframe mount.

 

[SteveInMD]

That's seems like a reasonable price. Can you tell me kit number you have? I'm having trouble finding the right one for my TC33D.

 

[John_Mc]

That's seems like a reasonable price. Can you tell me kit number you have? I'm having trouble finding the right one for my TC33D.

No idea of the kit number. All I recall is that I was going to buy Woods' older model subframe, and my dealer said "you may want to wait a bit. Woods just came out with a 4 point quick attach subframe for their backhoes. I haven't seen one to fit the TC33D yet." After waiting for some time and not hearing anything, I caught back up to him and asked what the deal was. He and the service guys at the dealership spoke with Woods, who said they did not have one for the TC33D. They did have one for a model which followed the TC33D (I believe the TC33DA??). Woods said there was nothing for my model.

The guys at my dealership kept digging, and comparing the models. They came to the conclusion that the subframe for the next model just might fit mine, or could be modified without too much trouble. We gambled and ordered it. As it turned out, it bolted right on with no modifications. The only trouble they ran into is that they had to relocate the hydraulic outlets to my rear remotes, since they got in the way (if you don't have rear hydraulic remotes, this won't be an issue for you).

After the installation, I found that the stabilizers to my lower 3 Pt hitch arms were bent. I replaced them, then found them bent again. I just couldn't figure this out... Finally, I found out that when I was driving through a ditch with my brush hog on, the ditch was pushing the mower (and thus the lower 3 Pt arms) up as I drove up the other side. It turns out the handles on the pins that you drop in to lock the stabilizer arms at the desired setting were sticking up high enough that they hit part of the subframe (which remains on the tractor all the time )when the lower 3 pt arms were forced up. These were basically limiting the upward movement of the 3 pt arms, but the ground was still pushing up on the mower. Replacing those pins with bolts solved the problem... the bolt heads don't stick up above the arms enough to make contact.

I've got a call in to my dealer to check what kit they used. He' sresearching what they did on mine... he's thinking it may have been the kit for an older model, rather than the newer TC33DA I was thinking. I'll also check the current price... steel prices have been all over the map since then, so I'm sure it's more expensive these days.

John Mc

 

[John_Mc]

SteveInMD -

I stopped by my dealer today. The guy who was looking up the subframe info to put a Woods 4 pt quick attach subframe on a TC33D was not there, but he had left some notes. Their current price was $1508. The person looking at the notes was prety sure this price included installation. There were two numbers written down near the prices. One was 1013460 (might have been 1013466 ??). From where it was written, we both assumed this was the subframe itself. There was another number written nearby: 1013484. This may have been some sort of hose kit?? We'll find out more when the guy who researched my installation gets back in.

I don't think I had any hose kit on mine, since I kept the PTO hydraulic pump that came with my used backhoe, rather than hooking up to the tractor hydraulics. If you don't need the hose kit either, you may save some money (if in fact that second part number was a hose kit).