Backhoe backhoe questions - 4000 series compacts

mikemike39 · Oct 19, 2003

Tractor newbie here - never seen one with a backhoe so I can't answer this myself

I am deciding between a B2710 Kubota and a JD4115 - both with FEL

Then I started to think about all the useful things I could do with a hoe - planting holes for trees, digging out small stumps etc - the kind of jobs I hate doing by hand

Question is - if I want one that is easy to get on and off - does that mean I need a 4310 size tractor (ie a 47 backhoe?)

Seen some mention on this site of the 46 hoe for the small JD tractors, but it isn't mentioned on JD website not Midlawns - and someone said I think you need to take of the three point hitch, which sounded complicated - I have no mechanical expertise..

Anyone able to give me any information about this - how easy they are to get on and off the JD 4000 series, and does it depend on the model etc? I notice in the UK btw that it seems Kubota have stopped selling Backhoes for their tractors, I am not sure if this is the case in the US??

Cheers Mike

JDGREEN4ME · Oct 19, 2003

JD now offers a BH (46 model) for use on the 4115 model. I have a 4110 and considered one for it. It is a frame mount and part of the 3pt is removed. I can't help you out with how hard or easy that is to do.

rockyridgefarm · Oct 19, 2003

I hace the 47. It would be nice to say that I looked at it carefully before buying it, but I guess my nose is long enough already... I never saw one. But if I had, I'd have bought a Deere! The frame mount is awesome, it really fits well. It really does go on or off as fast as Deere says. Don't sweat removing/replacing the 3point links - its a breeze. The arms are each fastened with two pins, and its a 3-5 minute operation, tops. That is a small price for the excellant fit once in place. The 47, and 48 don't have a subframe, so they don't rob ground clearance or affect the mmm. (The 46 is a subframe unit...)

I have heard pricing that puts the small frame guys aweful close to what I paid for the 4310/47 so I would say, be sure to consider that.

If you are wanting a backhoe, I would try and steer clear of the 3 point mount ones. They may be as safe (although, there are plenty who say otherwise) But the backhoe can sure throw the tractor around, and the 3 point mounts sure do seem to wobble around.

As to the 46, click here.
Leave tractors and atatchments checked, and click Go. The select the 46 backhoe from the list for CUTs. There are the specs, although no pics.

rockyridgefarm · Oct 19, 2003

OOps! I just now noticed why you comment on the Kubs Backhoe being dropped in UK! I hope that link works on your side of the pond! I have worked the dns to get nonUS versions of sites (like Deeres) nut never the other way. Do you get to see the cabs on 4000TENs that we have seen pics of? With no AC. we don't need a greenhouse on ours - but they look COOL!

cowboydoc · Oct 20, 2003

I'll ditto what Mike has said. The JD backhoe for the 4000 series is a piece of cake to take on and off. Five minutes most and that includes putting the 3 point arms on and off. I've got the 48 hoe with my 4600 and it's great.

McK · Oct 20, 2003

Mike

I have a 4210 with a backhoe. The 4210 is very close to the 4310, so this should be of some help. The 3pt can be taken off in less than a min (no tools required). The hoe itself can be on in 5 min. If it takes me longer than 5 min, its because I cant get the tractor aligned with the hoe when I back up to it.

If you get the JD, have a HYD floor jack handy, it will make installing the L-Pins a breeze. You will see what I mean the 1st time you install the hoe.

I almost didn’t get a hoe when I bought the tractor. Boy am I glad I bought one, I have gotten plenty of use out of it.

Hope this helps

McK

bebster · Oct 20, 2003

McK,
Last time I went to install my 48 BH, the L-pin alignment was off just enough so the pins wouldn't go in. So I put in some smaller diameter pins (from the 3PH that just came off) to hold it in place, and then hooked up the hydraulics and lowered the stabilizers to lift the BH into alignment. Worked fine.
Bebster

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 20, 2003

I have a 4200 with a 47 backhoe. It's solid as can be and I'm very happy with it. The irony is that when I was buying my used 4200, I tried very, very hard NOT to buy the backhoe with it. I could only get them to take $500 off for no backhoe and still thought about it. Finally, they gave me the $500 off and just threw in the backhoe because they didn't want to mess with selling it separately. Certainly an example of the "two fools" story. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Of course, it's the thing I use most with my tractor now. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rockyridgefarm · Oct 20, 2003

I have NEVER heard that story before... I am sick with envy! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Glad you got such a great deal!!!!

bomack · Oct 21, 2003

My 4310 47 BH combo is terrific. BH goes on/off in a jiffy (easier than the MX field cutter). Initially the rocker shaft upper position had to be increased to properly set the L pins (factory manual helped with this). This adjustment took 3 minutes. I have a 9" and 16" bucket. When scoopping out of a hole the 16" fills a wheelbarrow in 2-3 scoops.

bebster · Oct 22, 2003

bomack,
Can you kindly explain what you mean when you say the "rocker shaft upper position had to be increased"? Sounds like an adjustment that could be really helpful.

Gary_in_Indiana · Oct 22, 2003

Mike,

The grass is always greener. I didn't get the free hat and keychain with my purchase. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

rockyridgefarm · Oct 22, 2003

I just had to go re-read your story.

I'd be willing to pack up BOTH the hat and keychain if you'd swap, but then I already HAVE a backhoe, and I'd rather you get to keep enjoying yours! So I guess I won't be sending you any baubles...

Seriously that is TOO C/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gifL!!

dmccarty · Oct 25, 2003

bebster,

I think what bomack meant....

Each rocker arm has a shiny adjustuble plate. The plate is on
with two bolts if I remember correctly. The plates can be
moved up or down but only about a quarter of an inch or so.
When the BH is being mounted these plate is what lift the BH
into positions so the L Pins can be inserted. The L Pins lock the
BH to the tractor.

The problem that I have almost everytime I mount the BH is that
the BH is just a bit shy of lining up the holes. So you can move
the plates around to help make an adjustment.

What has worked better for me is to use the BH stablizers to
every so slightly raise the BH for the final alignment. I don't
have a flat place to park the BH. Once I build the barn this
should not be a problem anymore. Or so I hope...

I have a JD48.

Later,
Dan

rockyridgefarm · Oct 25, 2003

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( What has worked better for me is to use the BH stablizers to
every so slightly raise the BH for the final alignment )</font>

I tried that today, even though I haven't had a big problem. It worked great!!

bebster · Oct 25, 2003

Thanks, Dan. Using the stabilizers is what I had to do when I first mounted the BH. It's a good trick, but seemed "non-standard" procedure. But I guess I'll just assume it's part of the process in the future -- it's certainly easy enough to do.

chevelle67 · Oct 27, 2003

I have a 46 on 4110 and love it, the subframe seems like a hinderance at first but it is not a problem at all. Mounting and removal take about 7-10 minutes including the 3 point. It is nice that there is a sub frame because that little hoe can throw the tractor around abit. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

bomack · Oct 29, 2003

Bebster, sorry for the delayed response, I was away at my tractor retreat /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif , below the rockshaft on the leftside is an arm/linkage with a locknut that is used to adjust how high the arms lift. I adjusted it approximately one turn and it made the difference. If adjusted to far the book says the relief valve will bypass. I assume this would be audible. My advice is get the factory manual. By the way, I first tried adjusting those shiny plates on the backhoe but it didn't work for me.

bebster · Oct 30, 2003

Thanks for the tips. I'll probably be removing the BH in a couple of weeks (right now am on major stump removal campaign so the BH will stay on for a while), and report my experiences with the adjustments then.