Backhoe 3pt hitch Backhoe takes it's toll

[Herkypilot]

I had my Woodmax 8600 backhoe hooked up to the L3540. It weighs about 1,000 lbs. While it was mounted I dug out 5 medium to small stumps and various large rocks. I dismounted the backhoe this past weekend and this is what the toplink pin looked like - Thankfully it's an inexpensive part to replace and I believe it's designed as a wear item.



I took the lower arms off also to examine the attachment pins. Those looked fine. Passing along for those who are considering a 3pt backhoe.

I have been in the slow process of converting to a subframe mount. After looking at this pin, I don't think I'll use the backhoe again until I complete this conversion.

HP

 

[Code54]

Wow - at least it is a minor and cheap part. Shows the force it is applying!
I been taking down a lot of decent sized trees with my mini ex (20-25" across) and I can tell it makes it work ripping roots. I can certainly see how it would put a lot of stress on a top link pin on a tractor mounted backhoe. I also would guess the Woodmaxx unit is fairly strong for its size.

I want to say on my old Kubota tractor my top link pin was replaced with a hardened pin when I got the factory backhoe.

 

[Herkypilot]

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I want to say on my old Kubota tractor my top link pin was replaced with a hardened pin when I got the factory backhoe.

The tractor toplink itself is not used. The backhoe has a solid piece of steel rod that connects to the tractor. This pin is used to make the connection. You can just see the pin in on the far right of this pic. Different tractor in this pic by the way.

 

[mapper]

The warranty on my tractor stated specifically that it would be voided if a 3 point BH was mounted on it, the only kind allowed was a subframe mount. They are really hard on the 3 point hitch.

 

[Herkypilot]

The warranty on my tractor stated specifically that it would be voided if a 3 point BH was mounted on it, the only kind allowed was a subframe mount. They are really hard on the 3 point hitch.

I can see why - you are right, its very hard on the equipment if you are doing anything more then digging in topsoil.

 

[Code54]

The tractor toplink itself is not used. The backhoe has a solid piece of steel rod that connects to the tractor. This pin is used to make the connection. You can just see the pin in on the far right of this pic. Different tractor in this pic by the way.

View attachment 503738

Yes Sir, not the top link itself, the actual pin was hardened - would work the same as your pin but a bit tougher. My concern would be instead of the pin bending the top link bracket may let go and that would be bad, very very bad.....

 

[jenkinsph]

I had my Woodmax 8600 backhoe hooked up to the L3540. It weighs about 1,000 lbs. While it was mounted I dug out 5 medium to small stumps and various large rocks. I dismounted the backhoe this past weekend and this is what the toplink pin looked like - Thankfully it's an inexpensive part to replace and I believe it's designed as a wear item.

View attachment 503734

I took the lower arms off also to examine the attachment pins. Those looked fine. Passing along for those who are considering a 3pt backhoe.

I have been in the slow process of converting to a subframe mount. After looking at this pin, I don't think I'll use the backhoe again until I complete this conversion.

HP

I think waiting to complete the subframe mounting is a wise choice. No point in stressing the tractor between now and then.

 

[jabelding]

I had a Kelly B10 3pt Backhoe with an interesting system. It had a set of adjustable arms that attached from the top link position down to a plate that bolted to the drawbar in conjunction with the standard top link, so it added another triangle brace so none of the prying or pulling motion would pull much on the top link. I would say it was just as strong as a frame mounted unit. Had it for many years and no issues, granted it is only a 6ft unit. It was a challenge to install the first time, but once i had it adjusted correctly it wasn't bad to install and you could easily lift the rear of the tractor with it.

 

[Oldoak]

Apparently not all compact Kubota tractors are built alike. There was no warning in the warranty I received with my Kubota about using a 3-point hitch backhoe.

I have been using a Woods 750 3-point hitch mounted backhoe on my Kubota L4200 for nineteen years without a problem. And believe me our area has a lot of hardpan and rocks. It has seen a lot of trench digging for laying drain tile and such. So a 3-point hitch mounted backhoe can and will dig more than top soil without a problem for some compact tractors. A blanket statement to the contrary is not accurate.

Though, I do believe frame mounted backhoes built for specific series of tractors is the best way to go. Those backhoes are beefier and have a lot more digging power. And a lot more expensive.

 

[Herkypilot]

A blanket statement to the contrary is not accurate.

True - your results may vary. When you start with a thousand pound BH and then add the pulling power of the hydraulics, the weak link is going to show if there is one. The problem with the assumption that You haven't had a problem is you can't predict where that breaking point will be for components on your tractor. I'm convinced that my combination will lead to a bigger failure unless I change the way I mount the BH to the tractor.

The backhoe Jabelding posted above looks much lighter and I like the idea of bracing to the drawbar.

HP