Mowing Backhoe subframe and midmount mower

[Tryno]

Ok still waiting on the new TC30, received a call from the dealer today. They are having trouble setting it up with a subframe for the backhoe and still be able to mount a belly mower. Anyone run into this problem? What is the solution? Backhoe is a Bushhog 750, belly mower is 60". Dealer is checking on different backhoe brands. Another solution we discussed was for me to take the subframe off when I need the belly mower. How much extra trouble will that be? I offered to go up to a TC33 if it would solve the problem. If I have to move to the 33 or take the subframe off everytime, I think there should be a price adjustment somewhere, what do you think? Thanks Terry

 

[RickB]

I think he should have done his homework before he made the deal. I know of no subframe/MMM combo that is compatible on an NH compact. Maybe someone will prove me wrong; I haven't done any setup for a couple years; just repairs.

 

[Tryno]

Thanks Rick, how much trouble would average person having putting subframe on and off? How long would it take? Any idea? Suggestions?

 

[RickB]

I can't speak directly to a BH backhoe because while we sell the brand, we don't sell their hoes. It would be safe to assume the backhoe subframe occupies the same space as the MMM front brackets. Others will disagree, but I believe with NH at least, if you opt for a MMM and have to use it weekly, you basically have a dedicated lawn mower. Removing bracketry, much less a complete subframe with any frequency is more than I would want to sign on for. Dropping the deck alone is bad enough. Rear finish mower technology has come a long way, maybe you could look at a high quality rear discharge RFM. I don't see any relief from 'looking at' a TC33; the tractor chassis is substantiallly the same as a 30.

 

[MikePA]

I had a 60" mmm and as far as I know, the bh subframe uses the same bolt holes. At a minimum, the mmm brackets will be in the way. When I sold the mmm, I had to remove all the mounting stuff and it's not something I'd want to be doing on a regular basis. IMO, a backhoe and a mmm are not a viable combination.

 

[Tryno]

what if you were only making the change 2 or 3 times per year?

 

[PineRidge]

<font color="blue"> I had to remove all the mounting stuff and it's not something I'd want to be doing on a regular basis. IMO, a backhoe and a mmm are not a viable combination.
</font>

I agree with Mike, it's not something that you would want to change back and forth on a regular basis. I have a Class III with a NH backhoe and I wouldn't want to remove all the hardware more than once myself.

 

[hazmat]

I'd bet the time to setup/breakdown the MMM/backhoe brackets would be measured in hours not minutes.

If you are only using the hoe 2-3 times a year, don't spend your money - rent a compact excavator for $300.

If you are only using the MMM 2-3 times a year - I'm assuming this is "field" or "pasture" mowing. The MMM is the wrong tool for that job - get a rotary cutter - aka "bush hog". Cheaper & designed to mow tall grass.

If you want a finish mower (for cutting lawn) and a backhoe on a New Holland product - you will need to get a rear finish mower. I had a landpride RFM (loaned to me while I waited a few weeks for the MMM to come in). It had a better cut than the MMM. It was a bit tougher to manuver around all my trees, but manageable. It was also $800 cheaper than the MMM.

Good luck.

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> what if you were only making the change 2 or 3 times per year? </font>
That's a tough call. What's merely inconvenient to one person can be a major pain to someone else. Plus, it's not just removing the mounting hardware, it's setting up and adjusting the springs that attach to the rear axle. Ask the dealer for copies of the bh and mmm installation manuals to see what's involved. I'd opt for a rmm.

 

[Tryno]

rmm doesn't work for my needs. Will have a brush cutter for rough pasture. mmm will be used along with a trac vac to pick up leaves/grass clippings. Renting a backhoe was considered but doesn't work well with my schedule. Looks like I will learn to do the subframe mounting. Thanks Terry

 

[tractorman]

I can promise you that you will not want to change the mounts. Woods is coming out with 4 Point Backhoe mounts that are designed to work with the factory mmm for many different tractor models. I just installed one on a Case IH DX40 and DX24E, they appear to be designed pretty well. I just checked their website, nothing yet for the TC30, it might be worth putting a phone call into them to see if they have one in the works. It would be worth the wait. Good luck, Tractorman

 

[Tryno]

Thanks tractorman, dealer is checking with other backhoe mfgers, I think Woods is one that he is calling. I KNOW I don't want to be changing the mounts but if the choice is a bh with subframe and changing the mounts or a 3ph bh.... I think I'll go with the subframe. It's not always what I want, sometimes it's what I have to do. I'm sure you know what I mean.

 

[RodgerF]

I just bought a BushHog 750 backhoe for my TC30. The actual subframe stays with the hoe, just the brackets are left on the tractor. My guess is they use the same holes in the side of the block the mower brackets use. These holes are also use by the loader.

When I was shopping around I was indeed told Woods was coming out with a 4 point attachment. It was my understanding it's available now. Also, Bradco uses the 4 point attaching system. Somewhere in my mail box I have a quote from a dealer in NY for the Bradco setup. I don't remember the exact price but it was competitive with the Woods/BushHog.

Rodger

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> mmm will be used along with a trac vac to pick up leaves/grass clippings. </font>
Something else to consider...Get a riding mower or a small garden tractor to handle this responsibility. For what you are going to pay for a mmm, you are well on your way to a nice garden tractor.

I mention this because when I bought my TC25D I originally thought it could handle cutting the 1 acre of grass we have. It could, but the ground had to be fairly dry or the tractor would leave wheel marks. There were also soft soft spots in the yard, I would not take the TC25D into. That's why I sold the mmm and went back to using the trusty old Wheel Horse tractor with a 43" rear discharge deck for lawn cutting duties. The TC25D was bigger and taller than the Wheel Horse and did not fit around or under a lot of trees, shrubs and planting beds.