I haven't had the chance to make any solid observations/measurements, but I believe it would simply involve adding a "hoop" in the center area of the subframe to go over the PTO shaft, and of course cutting out the interfering straight section.
Given the past controversy about similar tractors twisting and splitting due to backhoe overstress, I haven't given the idea much more thought. I'm not going to be keeping my hoe on during the winter so it's not a big problem for me, personally but it would be cool to see someone else take the point on this and report back.
PS. regarding the hoe filling in for the ballast box, I don't use any rear ballast when I snowblow anyway
Given the past controversy about similar tractors twisting and splitting due to backhoe overstress, I haven't given the idea much more thought. I'm not going to be keeping my hoe on during the winter so it's not a big problem for me, personally but it would be cool to see someone else take the point on this and report back.
PS. regarding the hoe filling in for the ballast box, I don't use any rear ballast when I snowblow anyway