Backhoe attachment transport no front loader

thunder86 · May 7, 2021

Can you drive and transport a tractor with the backhoe attachment on but no front loader? I have an 18 foot trailer and looking to get a bobcat ct4045 with backhoe. Issue is I'm seeing its gonna be too long. Tractor is 10.5 feet alone, with front loader I doubt I'll fit the backhoe or a cutter on the back. Can I load and transport the tractor with backhoe without the front loader or is this a horrible weight counter?

Nacademus · May 7, 2021

It's quite a counterweight, but if your drop the backhoe bucket to the decking and secure the tractor really carefully, it should be relatively ok. I would think, anyway. Use serious chain loading ratchets and not some harbor freight nylon straps.

thunder86 · May 7, 2021

Nacademus said:
It's quite a counterweight, but if your drop the backhoe bucket to the decking and secure the tractor really carefully, it should be relatively ok. I would think, anyway. Use serious chain loading ratchets and not some harbor freight nylon straps.

Thanks. I'm just wondering driving it around too though? Is it an issue to drive it with no front loader?
I have 18 inch diameters logs cut at my property I'm hoping to get to a sawmill in the near future then I won't have to transport but for now I gotta make this work.

Nacademus · May 7, 2021

Do you NEED the backhoe on it when driving it? You should be able to remove it. I think you're going to have some issues moving it around unless you've got a decent amount of book weights on the front. It'll definitely be a little tippy without the extra 500lbs or more of counterweight but if you're really careful it should be transportable. I wouldn't work it that way. Overall, I'd consider it unsafe.

thunder86 · May 7, 2021

Nacademus said:
Do you NEED the backhoe on it when driving it? You should be able to remove it. I think you're going to have some issues moving it around unless you've got a decent amount of book weights on the front. It'll definitely be a little tippy without the extra 500lbs or more of counterweight but if you're really careful it should be transportable. I wouldn't work it that way. Overall, I'd consider it unsafe.

18 foot trailer. I don't think it's long enough to fit it.

4570Man · May 7, 2021

It’ll fit, just let the backhoe stick off.

Nacademus · May 7, 2021

Did you transport it with the bucket up? You're an agent of chaos! A madman! Lol

thunder86 · May 7, 2021

4570Man said:
It’ll fit, just let the backhoe stick off. View attachment 697693

Awesome. What size tractor and trailer length is that? The tractor I'm looking at is 10.5 feet not including FEL length or backhoe. Dealer didn't call me back so I gotta wait until tomorrow to get more measurements.

4570Man · May 7, 2021

thunder86 said:
Awesome. What size tractor and trailer length is that? The tractor I'm looking at is 10.5 feet not including FEL length or backhoe. Dealer didn't call me back so I gotta wait until tomorrow to get more measurements.

That’s a Kubota M59 on a 20 foot trailer.