Backhoe 3 pt hitch backhoe success stories?

[wilkesland]

I still haven't pulled the trigger for purchasing a backhoe for my MF 1260. Based on all I've read on this forum, I've had my mind made up for a subframe mount hoe. BUT, looking around it seems that I could purchase a used 3pt hitch hoe for significantly less money. So, my question is, maybe dumb, are there folks are there any positive testimonials for using a 3 pt hitch mount hoe without a subframe?

As this is my only tractor, now and probably forever, the backhoe would see intermittent duty - mainly digging foundations for our porch additions, various and sundried culverts on our 46 acres and possibly excavating the roots around larger trees that need to be removed.

 

[JerryG]

Barry,
There have been many people that have purchased and used three point hoes with much success. Having said that, they are the luck ones. There have been many documented cases of compact tractors breaking at the transmission or the bell housing. This is almost without exception when using a three-point hoe. A sub-frame will brace and stabilize the backhoe by virtue of it being attached at the points below the rear axle and also tying in to the loader frame in the middle of the tractor. I did own a MF 1250 that I bought new in 1999 with a MF 1217 backhoe. One of the first jobs that I did after purchase was to dig 4200' of gas, water and electric lines from 2'-4' deep. This was through hard packed red clay that was about 50% flint rock. I know that I for one wouldn't have been as confident to do this job if in the back of my mind I had to worry about whether or not I would break my tractor.

BTW, if you get a MF hoe. The MF1217 was the one that was originally placed on MF1260s. More than likely your dealer wouldn't be able to get a MF 1217 at this time, because it has been out of production for some time. The backhoe that would be placed on your tractor at this time would be a MF1475 or a MF1575. I do have some literature that also says that a MF 1480 will fit and has quite a bit more power, but it doesn't show the MF 1580 as fitting. I don't know the reason for the change. I now have a MF 1440 with a MF1475 and I am very pleased with it. Both of the hoes that came after the MF1217 are better hoes for many reasons.

 

[3RRL]

Hi Barry,
I will tell you that I've used my 7-1/2" backhoe on the 3pt mount without a subframe. I've used it quite a bit now for diggin' up stumps, roots, gutter and rocks out of my hard road. I estimate about 50 hrs max with the backhoe to date is all though. Anyway, I always tighten the 3pt hitch and side links up so there is as little movement as possible and the hoe sits "rigid" on the 3pt. I use the lower hole for the top link attachment. I also have it mounted to a pretty beefy 55 hp Kama.
I'll post a picture of the backhoe...a heavy duty Nardi weighing in at almost 1200lbs.

I will be honest and tell you that after reading the forems I have the same concern that you do in your post. I know there's a lot of stress there on the tractor housing and I don't want to break it. There was no sub-frame available for my tractor/hoe combination so I am trying to design/make one for it. I think it will be stronger and better and less stress on the tractor housing.... Just has to be better. . My plan is to get it made and mounted as soon as I can.

Yes, I use it now on the 3pt but I'd recommend getting the sub-frame with it if you can, or as soon as possible just to remove the possibility of damage to the tractor.

 

[3RRL]

Jerry,
As you say, I'm one of the lucky ones (so far). When I asked the dealer about the need for a sub-frame he assured me that my Kama could handle the stress placed on it by the the backhoe...(of course he would since he did not have a subframe to add to it). Anyway, I had to repair damage to my road crossing the ravine caused by a wash out. That meant placing some pretty big rocks and re-build the road. So I decided to test it out, hoping that I would not break anything.

Here's a picture of one of the rocks I needed to place.

I sweated it out the whole way and luckily this was the heaviest rock I had to dig up and move. Like you said, I was fortunate but I was worried the entire time. I'll be working on the subframe design more now that this chore is complete. It will be a relief when it's done and mounted for my future projects.... Get a Sub-Frame

 

[jpm]

Hi barry i have had both 3pt and sub frame and i would never have a 3pt again because you have to get between the tractor and the hoe to connect the 3pt. Dr. bills are much higher than possible saving's and chrushing hands,head.ect hurt a lot .Just something to think about j

 

[GaryE]

Barry,

I have only used a BH with a subframe. It is hard to describe, but when you “feel” the stresses exerted on the tractor when you hit a large rock, you will be happy there is a subframe to disperse those stresses evenly over your tractor.

I say go with the subframe.

Good luck,

Gary

 

[AndyMA]

I run a 3PT hitch Woods 1050 on my TN75. On all of my Catagory I machines I have had before I have used Subframe mounts. On a Cat II Utility tractor the tractor and 3 pt assembly are many times stronger than they are on a Cat I machine. Also the rigid assembly on the Woods 1050 hoe, is very solid and barely resembles a standard 3 pt hitch.

Andy

 

[wilkesland]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I suspected that 3 point hitch hoes might be more suitable for cat 2 hitch machines than cat 1. After going out and looking carefully at how the 3 point hitch attaches to my tractor and what it attaches to, I'm returning to my original resolve to buy a subframe mounted hoe.

I tend to be a "some tool is better than no tool" guy and that is not always true. Some times "some tool" is worse than no tool. Plus, with the building of our house we have been hemoraging money for the last several months and I'm looking for ways to stop or reduce the bleeding. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif So I was thinking(wishfully)that a used 3 point hitch hoe might be a place to economize.

Thanks again to everyone for their comments. What a great place this is!!

 

[Captinjack]

I use a Prairie Dog 7.5 on a TPH with a Kama 554. I contacted the mfg. who vehemently said not to use the TPH, however, none is available. I only have about 10 hrs. use on it and I baby it to reduce the loading to this rugged tractor with a class 2 hitch.

I run it off the PTO and the power is less than I thought it would have. Perhaps the dealer turned it down to protect the tractor? Regardless, I am a "love the one your with" and "Go to war with the army you got, not the one you wish you had" kind of guy so........Ima gonna run wut I got, because I don't have much other choice.

Are subframes more difficult to remove and use TPH implements. I value ease of changeout and installing/disconnecting my BH setup is NO Problema!

 

[3RRL]

Hi Jack,
I'm sure you read my comments above. That Kama you have can take a lot of stress as you've seen in my pictures. But as I said, I'm working on a sub-frame design to fit the Kama to minimize stress on the tractor's housing. IF I ever get it done, I'll be glad to share it with you. My thoughts are to have it stabilize the backhoe using the tractor's frame in conjuntion with the 3pt for easy attachment and removal. It's priority is moving towards the top of my list.