backhoe question.

[jiminpa]

i bought a 08 l3400 and was thinking about putting a backhoe on it.what is the best way to do it?

 

[Richard]

I don't know anything about them but I'd want a frame mounted verses 3-pt mounted.

 

[azbinder]

NO to 3 point. Subframe style only.

 

[mikester]

The best and cheapest way is to buy a used machine with BH already attached

Renting a machine is even better than a BH on a SCUT

 

[bdhsfz6]

I did what was suggested above. I traded my last tractor for one with an OEM hoe, which uses a subframe. I learned a lesson the hard way when I broke a chunk out of the transmission housing using a 3pt hoe on a previous tractor.

Keep in mind, if you want to use the 3pt hitch for other implements, the hoe can be time consuming to remove and put back on.

 

[Henro]

i bought a 08 l3400 and was thinking about putting a backhoe on it.what is the best way to do it?

The best way is certainly using a subframe backhoe. No question at all on my mind (like the others).

The easiest way is probably a three-point hitch backhoe. They can be reliable and used without damage to the tractor **if they are installed properly**. The ones that were used on Kubota tractors included a heavy-duty reinforced top-link bracket to prevent damage to the transmission case, as well as a safety bar that went under the three-point hitch arms, to prevent the backhoe from rising and pinning the operator against the ROPS, should a mechanical mounting point fail.

Would I add a three point backhoe to a tractor that I owned? No I wouldn’t.

Do I have a tractor with a three point hitch backhoe? Yes I do. But the B2910 Kubota tractor came with the Kubota backhoe installed on it, by the Kubota dealer, when I bought the tractor new 23 or 24 years ago. I’ve used it A LOT over the years and I’ve had no problems.

But you asked what the best way is, not the easiest way. The best way is definitely using a subframe.

 

[azbinder]

While working for a Kubota dealer, I installed a number of backhoes with subframe mounting. I would say that the "average" mounting time, after initial installation, was 10 minutes at the most. And that includes R&R the 3pt arms. Just make sure it is sitting on a solid surface.

 

[Henro]

While working for a Kubota dealer, I installed a number of backhoes with subframe mounting. I would say that the "average" mounting time, after initial installation, was 10 minutes at the most. And that includes R&R the 3pt arms. Just make sure it is sitting on a solid surface.

This is a good point. Putting a 3PH backhoe back on the tractor can be difficult sometime. Maybe most of the time? That is another advantage of the subframe backhoe. Overall easier.

I have over the years read of people buying used subframe backhoes and later realizing they need a subframe to install the backhoe...which may turn out to be an issue finding one.

 

[dnw64]

Just make sure it is sitting on a solid surface.

And let me add "flat". Which is the same advice for mounting/dismounting any tractor implement, I have discovered...

 

[fried1765]

The best and cheapest way is to buy a used machine with BH already attached

Renting a machine is even better than a BH on a SCUT

BINGO......different machine,,,,,,,best answer!

 

[brewdog]

Hire or rent a small excavator. Far cheaper and less time consuming in the long run.

 

[Shawn T. W.]

Depends ...

I'm usually only home for a day or three per month, as a long distance truck driver ... Can't guarantee any particular day most of the time, it's more of a "range" ... So renting would be a challenge to say the least ...

Can't really reserve it for a particular day ...
Rental place is 45 minutes each way, times two ...
What's your very limited time worth?

On my Massey Ferguson SCUT I can take off my quick hitch, tuck my 3pt stuff away, back up to my BH on my uneven gravel barn "floor", hook it up, and be driving out of the barn in 12-13 minutes, same time used to put it away and come back to 3pt QH ... For a small less than hour project this is much quicker than renting, even if they have one available.

I got mine for convenience ... Sometimes I only swing by under a load for 2-24 hours, and have my bosses semi-truck ...

 

[fried1765]

Hire or rent a small excavator. Far cheaper and less time consuming in the long run.

Does not make any sense for me to hire or rent.
Often only need machine for an hour or two each time.
Rental place is 1 hour each way.

 

[Jeff Lary]

I have an L2950 with a Woods 7500 and use a sub frame. I have done extensive ditching, and culvert installs on my property (5 just this year) and ditched through extremely rocky soil maybe 400 feet. Rocks the size of basketballs every foot or two all the way. I have dug out huge rocks and stumps and I cannot Imagin having mine be a 3pt connection. I am very certain it would have broken the rear casting in many instances in the past. Sub Frame only, is my opinion. Hope this helps. JeffinMaine

 

[drssg]

I have been fine with my Woods 3PH BH for the last 20+ years. Connecting and disconnecting definitely requires patience and attention. There are plenty of opportunities for something really bad happening, if you get careless and/or frustrated.

If I had to connect and disconnect it regularly, I might look for a better solution, but for occasional use, the convenience of having the implement on hand is worth the setup hassle.

 

[Hay Dude]

Does not make any sense for me to hire or rent.
Often only need machine for an hour or two each time.
Rental place is 1 hour each way.

Great to see you back, my friend.
Did you know 5030 passed away?
Still have the L48, I see.

 

[old and tired]

Great to see you back, my friend.
Did you know 5030 passed away?
Still have the L48, I see.

He has not been back since he posted that. And before 5030 died...

No big deal, it just why I HATE "Similar Links" where old zombie posts are brought back from the dead...

Makes you wonder if Fred is alive or not... he posted a bunch, then nothing.

 

[dnw64]

A few months ago, I wondered if my late Uncle Fred had ever been a member, as he was a very technological/mechanical man and had some tractors, and would have done very well on this forum. His grandfather was a (locally) famous mechanic when mechanic-ing was first becoming a "thing", around the turn of the (last) century. He was also known to be the first person in the county to get a driver's license.

My uncle dropped out of school at 16, but still managed (without any additional formal education) to become the chief safety engineer for a P&G facility.

I searched every way I could think, but never found any hint of him on here.