back hoe side saddle?

[Frankenkubota]

it's been almost 2 years since i got my tractor and the BH has never been off. i use it all the time, not every day but almost every time i'm out and about i see a rock or stump and i just gotta rip it out.

i drive around with the BH in what i'm calling the standard configuration, it sticks way out and straight back, everything tucked in properly. it took me a long time to understand just how far that thing sticks out and how it limits your ability to get around so.....

i just rotated the BH to the side and it buys me a little more clearance in the rear.

Is there any reason not to do this?

As a side note, i extended my 4 in 1 bucket as far out as it would go and the BH as far back as it would go. i think i walked off

40 ft? that's a long machine!

 

[CausticUrbanCoast]

Having it off to the one side all the time, expect to see suspension and tire wear to be accelerated. Possibly also the articulation joint bearing from bouncing around off-axis (depends on the bearing type kubota used).

Small tractors, unlike large tractors and dedicated backhoes, are not centered or offset to maintain that position. Part of the cost savings.

 

[rScotty]

I wonder how the length of the M59 - which come with integrally mounted BH and non-removeable loader - compares with the MX5800 with its similar sized loader and BH.

Hmmm. Any plans to add a thumb? I think that a BH thumb pretty much doubles the usability of the hoe. But I admit my use of the hoe is mainly trees and big rocks.

To answer your question, I carry the BH centered. It's less in the way for getting around than that huge loader bucket is. Sometimes when moving a tree trunk I'll offset the hoe like in your photo so that the tree is carried fore and aft like a lance, but I travel slowly because of the weight on the side. The tractor handles that fine.

In really tight areas I'm likely to drop the front bucket, raise the FEL arms, and leave the BH attached. I might leave it centered or to the side. My feeling is that the BH doesn't stick out all that far but I've never measured it.
rScotty

 

[Aquamoose]

I can’t see why not. You could alternate sides if you’re concerned about uneven wear.

 

[RickB]

Having it off to the one side all the time, expect to see suspension and tire wear to be accelerated. Possibly also the articulation joint bearing from bouncing around off-axis (depends on the bearing type kubota used).

Small tractors, unlike large tractors and dedicated backhoes, are not centered or offset to maintain that position. Part of the cost savings.

Tell me more about CUT suspensions.

 

[CausticUrbanCoast]

Front are normally center pivot, weight is transferred to the side with the load.

Unlike telehandlers, construction equipment, and large tractors, independent suspension is not very common in compacts, cheaper to use a center pivot and a fixed rear axle.

What else do you need to know? Put your tractor on a scale per wheel with the backhoe to the side and see where your weight distribution is.

I suppose one might be able to counter balance if they had wheel weights only on one side.

Edit: oh and I am unaware of any compact that is fully articulated.

 

[RickB]

I just found 'suspension' to be an exceedingly odd term to be used in this context. It really doesn't apply as there are no springs, shock absorbers or struts or any other components commonly associated with suspensions used in CUTs. But I get your drift.

 

[ptsg]

That's why the side shift backhoes are great.

Not only the operator can offset the arm so he can actually see the ditch he is digging, he can also just swing the boom all the way to the side and makes for a very compact attachment, that doesn't really get in the way and still be within the tractor width.

 

[loggin]

Another thing to consider, aside from what is mentioned above, is traversing inclines. If the incline is sever enough and you have to travel perpendicular to the hill you would want to swing the boom to the uphill position to shift the centre of gravity. Less likely to tip when the weight is uphill. Something to keep in mind if you always put it to one side and then find yourself in a position where you might be going diagonal to a decline and maybe drive through an unseen hole on the low side with the backhoe parked at the low side as well. Could be quite disastrous!!

Not as important on flat ground of course.

 

[Smokeydog]

On my hillside farm always swinging the boom uphill for stability. Sometimes slightly drag an outrigger just in case. Had a few add-on ag tractor backhoes that were hard to reach the swing controls from the driver seat that were more hazardous and not well balanced. Sold those. Even full size dedicated backhoes are tricky on a slope. The Kubota TLB models fit well in my niche environment for work vs stability. So always conscious about the backhoe position and clearance. Have to lower the boom of the M59 to clear the tractor barn door. Raise and lock inside so will not bleed down a push on sliding doors. Works good till the day I forget.