Backhoe 3 point hook-up vs subframe

[flyingcow]

I have bought this tractor w/Woods 90x BH w/thumb. It's got a really rugged 3 point hook-up. Originally i planned on selling it(the back hoe), but I'm going to hold on to to it until summer. If i hang on to it, i might buy a subframe. I don't plan on doing any large amount of work. Just a few hours on my stuff, and got a feeling the neighbors will need a few things done. talked to equipment dealers, it seems it's a 50/50 deal on whether I need a subframe or not. Haven't priced a subframe yet either. I have run excavation equipment some. I know this is very limited in what it can do. I'm more concerned about being careful so as not to stress the"frame" of the tractor. Seeing as it doesn't have an actual frame,the mounting bolts on the tractor will be getting a good routine inspection. One thought i have is, i got a heck of a good deal buying this unit, might not be bad idea to put a subframe on. But it's not going to get many hours working the Hoe.

So.... to those of you that have experience w a BH like this, what do you think? Should i buy a subframe? Or as some dealers have stated i really don't need one?

 

[teg]

I would say on THAT size tractor, I would not worry about a subframe as much. If it were me AND the price of the subframe is within reach, I would get it for piece of mind. Find out if there is one and how much it cost. Have to have all the pieces to solve the puzzle...

 

[biggerten]

Ain't busted mine in the last four years. Don't need one.

 

[magicheater]

I had a 3PT mount backhoe 7' on my L4350, really stout frame, beat the ___ out of it, tractor fine. Sold it to get a bigger unit 9', got a 4PT mount frame unit. It might be a little easier to get on and off than the 3PT unit. Everything had to be done in the correct order on the 3PT unit or I was fighting it. With a 4PT frame mount you do have to take off the 3PT arms, at least on mine you do. Looks like you have a good size tractor and are a prudent user.

 

[sunnyside360]

I have experience with subframe attached BH only. Dealers around here won't sell you a 3ph attached BH (Green, Blue and Orange). They say they've seen and had to deal with too many problems with 3ph mounted BH -- cracked/broken tractor frames. I'd recommend getting the subframe if you keep the BH -- peace of mind and no worries when using the hoe.

 

[biggerten]

So the folks with a frame say go with a frame. The ones with a 3pt say it's OK. Which ones have more experience with a 3pt?

 

[Mousefield]

So the folks with a frame say go with a frame. The ones with a 3pt say it's OK. Which ones have more experience with a 3pt?

Perhaps the people to ask are the ones that repair tractors or dealers. My tractor came with the backhoe and sub frame. You can use the 3 pt backhoe but from what I have read it can be harder on the tractor. Guess a bit is on how it is used by the operator.

 

[Wayne_Freeman]

For a casual user the 3 pt will do just fine. I have one on my L3400. For regular use or a rental then go for the sub frame. Of course a dealer would recommend a sub frame!

 

[Builder]

For what you're doing, a couple hours here & there, a 3 point would be fine. That's minimal useage. I had a DT285 Kubota with a 3 point mounted backhoe for 10 years. I used it often, to dig footings, bury pipe, trenches, etc., probably 300 hrs/yr and never broke anything.

Since then I've had 2 subframe mounted backhoes and they are sturdier, but not necessary for you.

I would think another benefit for you is that you could keep the 3-pt arms handy for other attachments you'll be using.

 

[rbargeron]

It's pretty well-known that attachments that can apply big forces to the tractor can wreck the tractor. The damage isn't cumulative - forces are either absorbed with no damage, or there is an abrupt failure because the strength of a part is exceeded. For light digging a small 3-point backhoe may be ok forever without breaking anything, especially on a hefty tractor. Anyone with a 3-point bh that has never broken the tractor will say a subframe isn't needed - and that's true by definition, so far. But anyone who has seen a broken housing is easier to convince of the merits of a subframe. It connects to the tractor in more places so the loads are spread out. The fact that any 3-point backhoe hasn't broken the tractor yet doesn't guarantee it won't tomorrow. My 2 cents Dick B

 

[Bedlam]

I agree .Almost 18 years with the same 3 PT hoe and had one failure Got Lucky it was just the top link bracket. (not casing),HOWEVER, I was over doing it , and had the diagonal brace disconnected.Pulling a stump way down in a hole. Did give much thought as to the transfer of stress.But I to this day wonder if the diagonal was hooked up it would have transfered some of that pressure down to the lower pins.
In summary I have gained respect, and my limit of pushing it.(i Hope)
If your careful and don't overdo it i don't think these is a problem.
Thats tractors alot bigger too.

 

[radman1]

The cost of the subframe will be considerable. If you plan on selling the backhoe later the next owner would need to have the same tractor frame to make it work. Chances are you will have inherited a subframe that the next buyer won't want to pay for. For your limited use, I would stay with the 3 pt.

 

[backdoor]

I've had my 3 PT hoe for about 12 years, no problems. I've dug as deep as it will reach, dug out green stumps, big rocks, water lines, swales to turn water, footers, you name it. My use is not constant, sporadic is a better term. I don't use it much anymore, but when I put it on I use it for a couple days. I try to keep my travel speed slow when going over rough ground to keep the torsional forces off the backhoe as much as possible. Mine fits solid on the tractor, but I can feel it back there when I travel rough ground.

 

[teg]

For those saying it *NEEDS* a subframe, did you look at the same 75 hp - Cat. 2 tractor that I saw?? :confused2: Granted, for COMPACT tractors... yes, they can break.

 

[flyingcow]

appreciate all the replies. All good points. I'll use till mid-summer as is, than decide what i'll do next. Good point on waiting until I make a choice as to selling it or keeping it. When i sold my old tractors, i took the money and put it down so my $$$'s financed was decent. If i sold this, i think i could get close to knocking another 1/3 $$$'s off the loan. But, we'll see.......can't wait for warm weather and frost out to start playing. Also, it'll be good experience for my son(16yrs) and 2 daughters(14yrs and 12yrs) to do some digging.