Backhoe Backhoe subframe

[Dozernut]

I have been dealing with a 3pt. hitch setup on my backhoe and tractor. This setup will teach you how to use salty language, quickly /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. I wanted a subframe for my setup with a quick attach. I was told by two different dealers that no subframe was available for my Great Bend 751 backhoe and tractor. I was getting ready to build my own, but decided to check the Great Bends web site. I called their 800 number and spoke with one of their reps. They do have subframes with a quick attach available to fit my tractor and backhoe. This has been an exercise in frustration, but with a good final result. I don't know how the dealers dropped the ball on this one, but maybe my experience will help someone out.

 

[grandad]

Have been thinking of a 3pt backhoe for my Kub 4610, so your salty language comment caught my attention. I'm considering the two Kubota factory hoes... one's a smaller 3 pt unit with its own pto pump and the other a bigger subframe model that uses the tractor's hydraulics.

I have been leaning toward the smaller one - it should cover my needs (which would involve some stumping, trenching, etc.), but I sure would appreciate anything you can share about why your 3 pt hoe has been a pain before I make a decision. Thanks!

 

[Dozernut]

grandad
I like the hoe alot, but just putting it on and taking it off is a pain. I am sure there are smarter people than me that can do it easier and faster. I tend to put the hoe on and leave it on when I could really use a different implement.
This is not my major concern though. A lot of strain and stress is put on the attachment plate where your top arm is attached to your tractor. If you are not careful you could crack the transmission housing the bracket is bolted to. The repair would be more expensive than a subframe for the hoe. The subframe eliminates this stress on your tractor and eases hookup and removal.
I like the pto pump, but a tractor hookup would be easier. The pto setup is cleaner, as it is a closed system and there is less chance to introduce contaminates to your tractor. My auxillary remotes and hose connectors get awfully dirty working out in the dust and dirt. I keep them capped but still have to wipe them off with a clean rag before hookup. I've rambled long enough, I hope I have answered your question.

 

[Rick Jay]

grandad,

Can't help you out specifically with your tractor and potential hoe, but I can give you my $0.02.

I have a subframe mount Woods 7500 (7 1/2') backhoe w/pump on my B2910. Backhoes are heavy, and as such do require a bit of jockeying around to put on and take off. I can usually put mine on or take it off in 10-15 minutes and I don't try to rush. Some days it goes better than others. I personally like the subframe mount, but if you're buying a manufacturer's recommended 3 pt. hoe, I don't think I'd worry about it.

As far as the bigger vs. smaller hoe, I strongly recommend that you get the largest hoe that is recommended for your tractor. Not necessarily for the extra digging force, but for the extra reach. It seems that regardless of how big the hoe is, you always want to reach about another foot. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

You have to draw a line somewhere, I guess, but I'm glad I put the 7 1/2' foot hoe on mine instead of the 6 1/2'. Size matters. (Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Good Luck,

~Rick

 

[Hoeman00]

<font color="red"> The subframe eliminates this stress on your tractor and eases hookup and removal.
</font>
The Woods subframes still use the toplink point as an additional brace so u still have forces against it.
I think Kubota has a HD top mount GET IT.

When mounting and dismounting hoe do u use the hoe to help or just manhandle it?
W/ Kubota subframes I used the hoe to do ALL the work and all I had to do is drop in pins. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Rick Jay]

I agree about the heavy duty top-link bracket. I put one on my B2910.

I use the hydraulics to position the backhoe to aid in installation and removal. It's just that some days it seems like everything is in the right position and other days it takes some gentle caressing-hydraulically speaking.

No real heavy work necessary. I do drop my 'hoe on a dolly that I made and keep it in the garage on a concrete floor, so that does make life easier. Also, I only install/remove it 3-5 times a year, so it seems like I'm always relearning my "tricks".

~Rick

 

[Dozernut]

Hoeman
Poor choice of words,I should have said eases stress /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. I don't believe you could manhandle my hoe to hook up or remove it, it is simply too heavy. I am not new to tractors or heavy equipment, but these little 3pt. hoes will test you. It is the nature of the beast and I hope to some day have a dedicated hoe to alleviate this chore. That Kubota frame setup sounds sweet, and I probably should have went that route. Hindsight is 20- 20! Thanks for your input!

 

[OkieG]

<font color="blue">some days it seems like everything is in the right position and other days it takes some gentle caressing...</font>

My crowbar does a great job at gentle caressing. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

OkieG

 

[Anonymous Poster]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I wanted a subframe for my setup with a quick attach. )</font>

I've said this on previous posts that Kubota is missing the boat when it comes to backhoes. They should offer as an option a quick attach/detach backhoe feature similar to the BX22, B21, L35, and the L48. Four point attachment, quick connection of hydraulic lines, etc. Make it simple and strong. No brainer as far as I'm concerned.

 

[emery]

I have subframe style 'bota BH. Need to use hydraulics to take on and off which takes 15 to 30 minutes. I use the stabalizing bars along with bucket down force to get the correct tilt on the subframe so I can back over it and then raise it up to the right height. Because it only goes on or off a couple of times per year, I also find myself 'relearning' the technique at times.

 

[grandad]

Dozernut, RickJay and Hoeman... thanks for all the comments! Dealer has already noted the need for the reinforced toplink bracket on the 3 pt model.

The small Kub hoe digs to 7 1/2 ft vs. 9 ft for the big one. I understand the big deal to that is the longer reach means you don't have to move the rig as often, but it's just my own personal use, so a bit more seat time is a good thing.

Based on your comments, I am going to do some more checking about ease of attaching/detaching these two units before making any decisions. There are so many chores that changing implements happens a lot around my place... the one that's the least hassle to change may get the nod.

Of course a dedicated L48 would take care of that problem! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I expect to hit my Super Lotto jackpot just about any day now. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Thanks again!

 

[Rick Jay]

grandad,

It's true that the bigger hoe would require less repositioning for trenching. However, the extra length has other advantages as well.

I've used my hoe a couple of times to transplant some shrubs. The larger hoe minimized "squashing" the shrub as much because the boom and dipper-stick are longer and don't squeeze the shrub as much. I've done it with the 7 1/2' hoe, but a larger one would have been even gentler on the shrub.

Also, there are times when you are limited to the set-up position of the tractor. Having the extra reach of the backhoe comes in handy when you just can't get the tractor closer.

Of course, one of the down sides of the larger hoe is that it has a higher transport height, which might be a concern if traveling through garage or barn doors. And, of course, they cost a little bit more.

Anything you get is better than a shovel, but if at all possible, I'd try to swing the largest one that can be safely put on the tractor.

Have fun trying to decide. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

~Rick

 

[RayBee]

Rick: ......<font color="blue">"I agree about the heavy duty top-link bracket. I put one on my B2910." </font>
Your comment about the bracket has me wondering if my dealer replaced the toplink bracket when my BH was setup initially. Did you request it at the time of purchase or is this something you persued after the fact? What does it look like? /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Regards ..Raybee

 

[Rick Jay]

RayBee,

I bought mine after I had purchased the tractor. It, and the extra bolts to hold it on were under $80 from my dealer, if I remember correctly. Try the following link:

B27/2910 HD Top link bracket

That's what tipped me off.

~Rick

 

[RayBee]

Rick: ...Thanks for the heads up. That link confirmed that I don't have
the HD bracket that's required, I'm ordering one now. ... Many Thanks!
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ..RayBee