Backhoe Backhoe for John Deere 4720

[Deere4720]

Hi everyone,
I just joined this forum, but I have been reading it for some time and have learned a lot. I bought a 2008 JD 4720 ehydro this past summer for use on a hobby farm. (30 cow calf pairs, hay ground, etc). I was afraid it was too small, but I have been amazed by its power and usefulness. I am considering buying a backhoe to mount on it, and I'm looking for some feedback. I am still trying to justify it, but I would like to think that it's something I'll buy and wonder how I did without it!

What backhoes have you folks put on a tractor like this? I have been studying the Woods BH90X. (I haven't priced a John Deere, but I'm guessing it would be more expensive) I think it be a good fit, but the local dealer doesn't know much about it. For those that have the BH90X, how do you like it? Does it do everything you wanted? I know it won't be the same as a full size machine, but I don't want to buy a dinky toy either. I would be doing a lot of ditch cleaning, culvert installs, and some tree stumps here and there maybe. Here is what I am thinking:
BH90X
PTO powered hydraulics
Manual thumb (since they are so proud of the hyd one. I'm thinking I can make it a hyd one myself later on.)
18" bucket

The main problem I have is that the local dealer (or anyone else) doesn't have one I can physically go look at and sit on. I have used a full size TLB a few times, but I have never been around one of these. I would really like to "kick the tires" on it so to speak.

Any feedback or insight current owners of a Woods or John Deere machine could provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[jenkinsph]

How much does the optional hydraulic pump add to the cost? What is the gallons/minute? Are you sure you need this expense in lieu of the tractor power beyond circuit?

I would think a 9ft hoe would be a good fit for your tractor. Looking at the pictures I would wonder if you can get cylinder guards for the rear stabilizers as I would recommend them. Also make sure the new backhoe will fit your tractor as I think their is a difference between open station and cab requirements.

 

[Deere4720]

The PTO pump was about $650 I think. I don't currently have a power beyond hose on my tractor-just the single scv. Is the power beyond something I could add you think? Maybe that would be a cheaper alternative. I have an open station, so will have to look into the compatibility a little more. Thank you for the input!

 

[Furu]

I have a BH90X on my 4720. LOVE it. Make certain you get the subframe, I would never tie in with a three point on a BH. I use the PB off the tractor to power it and it works great, plenty of flow. Don't know about cost comparison to the PTO pump but $650 for the pump and all the requirements (assuming there is at least a small reservoir) that seems cheap. The PTO would also require a higher engine speed thus more fuel burn. I mostly run mine with the engine near idle as no more flow that that is required.
Look around at what a PB would cost. Not hard to install but actually doubt it would be less than 650 because Deere loves their stuff.
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I have the manual thumb as the cost for the hydraulic is about 1200-1500 last time I checked and I just have not been able to justify that. Many times after using it with the manual thumb I swear I am going to upgrade but then I cool down and tell myself: "Just how often do you really use the thumb can you justify it." As a result I still have the manual thumb but still want the hydraulic one.

 

[RoyJackson]

The PTO pump was about $650 I think. I don't currently have a power beyond hose on my tractor-just the single scv. Is the power beyond something I could add you think? Maybe that would be a cheaper alternative. I have an open station, so will have to look into the compatibility a little more. Thank you for the input!

I think you could add the Power Beyond. The good thing is the 4720 is a current model and the kit should still be available. I expect you'd have more pressure available for the backhoe.
I have a 448 'hoe that came with the 4520. I use it now and then, but if I could have talked the dealer to split it from the tractor, I probably would have...and, I probably would have regretted that decision. When you need one, a 'hoe is pretty handy!

 

[kevin37b]

Roy , how are you ? Always enjoy your posts , down to earth no cowpoop . Have another GOODYEAR , Kevin .

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy , how are you ? Always enjoy your posts , down to earth no cowpoop .

We're doing quite well, Kevin...and thank you!

 

[Deere4720]

I'll have to do some price comparison. If it's not too hard to add the power beyond, I might go that route. I would definitely like to not run the tractor very fast unless needed. I forgot to add that I was planning on a subframe too. I've read too much about splitting a tractor I half without it. I need to call a few dealers and get some quotes. It sounds like the prices can vary a fair amount between different dealers. What you said is spot on, Roy. I wouldn't use this thing a ton, but when you need one you normally need it sooner rather than later!

 

[jenkinsph]

I'll have to do some price comparison. If it's not too hard to add the power beyond, I might go that route. I would definitely like to not run the tractor very fast unless needed. I forgot to add that I was planning on a subframe too. I've read too much about splitting a tractor I half without it. I need to call a few dealers and get some quotes. It sounds like the prices can vary a fair amount between different dealers. What you said is spot on, Roy. I wouldn't use this thing a ton, but when you need one you normally need it sooner rather than later!

You have mentioned running the tractor fast because of the pto pump. Why do you think that is necessary? There seems to be a myth floating around the forums that to use the pto that it has to turn at the full rpm in use. While mowers and some implements work best at the higher speeds some implements work better at lower speeds. If you compare the tractors hydraulic pump gear driven off the engine, it can pump at speeds from an idle to full speed, the speed and output in gpm are linear for the most part. Same is true using a pto driven pump, you can adjust the engine speed to get the flow you want for digging.


Another example is a post hole digger, most are run at an idle, which corresponds to much lower pto speeds. It would be very difficult to work with a phd running at 540 rpms, and could be dangerous too.

 

[RoyJackson]

You have mentioned running the tractor fast because of the pto pump.

Good point...
The 448 backhoe manual recommends engine RPM not to exceed 2100, which is about 300 RPM less than PTO RPM. I normally run the engine between 1500 and 2000 RPM when using the backhoe. I am using the tractor's hydraulics, not a PTO pump.