how to build your own custom backhoe subframe

[dfkrug]

I have a JD 955 and I am picking up a used 8A hoe with a subframe from a 950. I think it is a ladder style subframe. My intent is to figure out how to modify that subframe to fit my 955.

The 850/950 tractors from John Deere were much larger units, tho they
used similar (or less) hp engines. The much smaller 955 was much
easier to build a subframe for (vs the 4300). I would not be surprised if
you can not use any of the tractor-side parts of the 8A subframe for
the 950 on your 955.

On the hoe-side of the subframe, there may be some usable parts, but
it may be easier to start with new steel, vs. trying to cut/weld parts
off the 950 subframe.

 

[MartyinPA]

Yeah, I was afraid of that. I will have to see better when I pick it up tomorrow.

Do you have drawings/pictures for the setup you liked best on the 955? Would love to benefit from your experience!

Thanks again!

Marty

 

[thomastractorsvc]

Call John Deere, I bought a 8A in 2006 with just the BH mount sub-frame, I got a good deal on it because the guys tractor was stolen that had the tractor mounts on it. I was thinking along the same lines as you all I started down the road of designing one when I happened to be at the dealer picking up the power beyond kit and wanted to see how much the mounts cost, It was cheaper to by the complete install kit which I did. It came with BH sub-frame, mounts hoses nuts bolts etc..

I bought the install kit that fit my JD 990 but the funny thing is the sub-frame was the same as the one on the BH so all I did was install the tractor mounts and put the rest in the pole barn for some future project.all the apparently they all use same mounts. The JD mounts were designed to have the BH on the tractor and makes removing it very easy wont void the warranty or break the tractor in half.

 

[MartyinPA]

I would love to go that route, but JD is killing me price wise. I called my local JD dealer and they quoted me a JD subframe (tractor side) for 1,490 and the BH side for 2,140. Combined that is more than I am paying for the hoe! Has to be cheaper to either build one myself or make some use of the subframe from the 950.

Of course the 8A may also be too much hoe for the 955 - HP ok, but weight may be an issue. Not sure. Seems like most folks with a hoe on the 955 opt for the 7 or something in that size range.

Thanks for the input!

 

[dfkrug]

Do you have drawings/pictures for the setup you liked best on the 955?

Go back to post #30 in this thread.

The guy who has that 955 has put many many useful hours on it. The
PrairieDog 7.5 hoe is about the weight of the JD8 hoe, which IS quite
heavy for the small 955. That's all the more reason to install the hoe
very close-in to the back of the tractor, and support it with a subframe
that goes forward to the bell housing.

Since the 955 sits so low, the mid point of the rear axle housings line
up to the mid-point of my hoe's main mounting surface. This means there
were no jogs in the subframe to adjust for height and ground clearance. I
wish they were all that easy.

 

[dfkrug]

I called my local JD dealer and they quoted me a JD subframe (tractor side) for 1,490 and the BH side for 2,140. Combined that is more than I am paying for the hoe!

Well, that's some kind of new record! $3630 + sales tax!

 

[ironwood]

Great stuff.... Ironwood

 

[gorj]

I have a JD 4610 and just purchased a Bulldog BH1818 backhoe. I have read your post and copied some photos and text. I am going to fabricate a sub frame mount and will use some of your suggestions. This unit has a hydraulic pump and PTO shaft so I will not be able to mount it as close to the tractor as you did, but will mount as close as possible. The FEL mount has two holes on each side that are perfect for the forward mounts. Like you I will use the ROPS mount for the rear mount. To maintain rigidity I'll weld a cross brace between the two sub frame arms about half way. I will also fabricate a bracket that will attach to the sub frame and extend upward on each side with a cross member to attach the top arm of the BH. The sub frame will attach to the BH using the existing mount tabs, which are really beefy. But instead of using the pins I will use 1" bolts so there be no flopping around. The top arm will also be bolted and not pined. Detaching will be easy because I'll use an impact to take off the nuts! The Bulldog BH seems to be built well. It weighs about 1100 pounds, and has hefty cylinders. I bought this used, but I looks brand new. I understand it comes from Southeast Asia. I have installed it on the 3 point just to check it out and everything works excellent. When something breaks on it, I'll just use off the shelf parts for it, or fabricate something. Recently had a hydraulic cylinder shaft break on my JD power steering. JD wanted about $500 for a new one. Got an even better one (larger shaft) for $75 on line. Only had to buy some fitting adapters.

 

[dfkrug]

This unit has a hydraulic pump and PTO shaft so I will not
be able to mount it as close to the tractor as you did, but will mount as close as possible.

That's another reason why the PTO pump/reservoir is not the way to go. Your
tractor's implement pump puts out 10.6 GPM at 2500psi, which is excellent. If
you had an ancient tractor with a tiny pump, then the PTO system could be
desirable.

 

[widbill]

I`ve got a1986 ford 3600 with a loader I was thinking about building a subframe for a Liberty 8ft backhoe this tractor lift arms are on top of the rear axel housing.Can ayone show me how to do this?