Backhoe Backhoes and subframes for LS

[pmbutter]

I bought a used LS R4047 a couple years back. I wanted a backhoe but couldn't spring for the $$$ LS wanted for their factory model with subframe. So I bought Titan's BK215 and mounted it on the 3-point (I know. I know. That sucks!). Then I happened by the local LS dealer where I saw the subframe-mounted LS "factory" backhoe. As far as I could tell, it was the same backhoe I bought... Titan's BK 215. I assume LS contracted with the same Chinese manufacturer. So I figure, cool, all I need to have for the factory-equivalent setup is to get LS to sell me just the subframe. And, surprise, surprise, I inquired through my dealer and LS said "yes" with a price much lower than I could build one.

So good news... kinda. They sent me not the R4047 subframe but, instead, the subframe that fits the MT3 45E (and probably some other newer LS models). But their error helped me learn something that might be useful to others here. The Titan BK215 bolted right on to that subframe, too. Hole, for hole, a perfect match. And while, with just a bit of cutting and welding, I could have made the wrong subframe fit my R4047, LS is sending the "last one" of their subframes to me so I'll have the right one for my now out-of-production model.

Bottom line, for others who might fancy an inexpensive subframe mounted backhoe for their LS, the Titan BK215 and an LS subframe will get you a factory equivalent setup for a lot less.

Here's a pic of the setup on mine... still the "wrong" subframe (the "ladder" is a bit too long for mine), so not well attached to the tractor, but you can see the backhoe bolts beautifully (3 big grade-8 bolts per side) to the subframe.



Oh, and here is a pic of just the subframe, in case you are wondering.


Happy digging!
:thumbsup:

 

[Avenger]

Taking a good look at this. I just read your review over at Titan. Thinking it might be better for my current situation. I have hundreds of stumps to remove. Was looking at a stump grinder for about $5k. Only because the backhoes were so expensive for my tractor. This could be a game changer. Thank you.

 

[hutchman]

I bought a used LS R4047 a couple years back. I wanted a backhoe but couldn't spring for the $$$ LS wanted for their factory model with subframe. So I bought Titan's BK215 and mounted it on the 3-point (I know. I know. That sucks!). Then I happened by the local LS dealer where I saw the subframe-mounted LS "factory" backhoe. As far as I could tell, it was the same backhoe I bought... Titan's BK 215. I assume LS contracted with the same Chinese manufacturer. So I figure, cool, all I need to have for the factory-equivalent setup is to get LS to sell me just the subframe. And, surprise, surprise, I inquired through my dealer and LS said "yes" with a price much lower than I could build one.

So good news... kinda. They sent me not the R4047 subframe but, instead, the subframe that fits the MT3 45E (and probably some other newer LS models). But their error helped me learn something that might be useful to others here. The Titan BK215 bolted right on to that subframe, too. Hole, for hole, a perfect match. And while, with just a bit of cutting and welding, I could have made the wrong subframe fit my R4047, LS is sending the "last one" of their subframes to me so I'll have the right one for my now out-of-production model.

Bottom line, for others who might fancy an inexpensive subframe mounted backhoe for their LS, the Titan BK215 and an LS subframe will get you a factory equivalent setup for a lot less.

Here's a pic of the setup on mine... still the "wrong" subframe (the "ladder" is a bit too long for mine), so not well attached to the tractor, but you can see the backhoe bolts beautifully (3 big grade-8 bolts per side) to the subframe.

View attachment 595731

Oh, and here is a pic of just the subframe, in case you are wondering.
View attachment 595732

Happy digging!
:thumbsup:

Glad it worked out for you. When I tried to get a LS subframe there weren’t many available at dealers and cost was high and was told I'd have to special order from factory (because they didn't have anymore) and that cost was way high and lead time was crazy ... so with all the research I did I ended up building my own:

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ions-please-post-post3959803.html#post3959803

... been using it several years now and it's worked well and is easy/quick to put on and take off which was an important consideration.

Nice pics. Looks like you have a nice setup!

 

[Avenger]

I actually just found a good used Woods BH90-X with thumb. It seems to be more beefy that the titan, and has a mechanical thumb. But I do not have a mount. If you dont mind me asking, what I can expect to pay the local LS dealer for an LS subframe mount?

This used one has a mount on it already, but not sure what tractor it comes off of. I might be able to make it work, but would rather not need to do that.

Thanks!

 

[hutchman]

If you dont mind me asking, what I can expect to pay the local LS dealer for an LS subframe mount?

It's been several years ago and I'm sure I probably mentioned it in the thread I posted a link to ... but if memory serves me right I was going to have to special order mine from the factory and it was going to be around $2,500. I decided I didn't want to pay that and wait 6 months and determined I didn't like the "ladder" syle frame so made my own 4 point cradle style.

 

[Avenger]

I got the used Woods BH90-X, they asked $5k, I got it done for $4K. Pretty great deal on what appears to be gently used. It also came with a sub-frame mount connected to it. Its a Woods 1001199 for a Kubota.

I went and spoke with my LS dealer, he looked up a mount from Woods (He is also a Woods Dealer), but they dont make one for the LS line of tractors. Though they do make one for a NH Boomer 45, but since they use different loader brackets, he didnt know if it would be the same, he was going to call them and get back to me this week. But, he did look up what an LS mount would be for my tractor (that we dont know if it would bolt up to the backhoe or not) and quoted me $2k for it! A bit expensive.

So here are my options. I modify, somehow, the Kubota mount to make it work on my tractor. OR, I get the LS mount and torch pieces off the Kubota mount and weld them to the LS mount to make it work. OR, get the LS mount and drill holes or weld or something to make it work, not touching the Kubota mount in hopes of selling it and recouping some of that money. OR make my own from scratch as stated above.

I guess I will wait and see what my dealer comes up with.

Here is a photo I took really quick from inside my house.

 

[pmbutter]

I paid a little over $500 plus a little over $100 for shipping, all in ~$650. Though I may have gotten a deal as my tractor is out of production and my subframe for it was "the last one".

 

[pmbutter]

Happy I could help. The first thing I did with my 'hoe was stumps, but when using it on the 3-point hitch, I didn't feel comfortable really reefing on the roots. But that first experience made me think a backhoe ripper would be a good thing to have if a fella had a lot of stumps to remove. Roots suck.

Let the forum know if LS will sell you the latest subframe at a reasonable price or if I got a "closeout" deal.

 

[hutchman]

I got the used Woods BH90-X, they asked $5k, I got it done for $4K. Pretty great deal on what appears to be gently used. It also came with a sub-frame mount connected to it. Its a Woods 1001199 for a Kubota.

I went and spoke with my LS dealer, he looked up a mount from Woods (He is also a Woods Dealer), but they dont make one for the LS line of tractors. Though they do make one for a NH Boomer 45, but since they use different loader brackets, he didnt know if it would be the same, he was going to call them and get back to me this week. But, he did look up what an LS mount would be for my tractor (that we dont know if it would bolt up to the backhoe or not) and quoted me $2k for it! A bit expensive.

So here are my options. I modify, somehow, the Kubota mount to make it work on my tractor. OR, I get the LS mount and torch pieces off the Kubota mount and weld them to the LS mount to make it work. OR, get the LS mount and drill holes or weld or something to make it work, not touching the Kubota mount in hopes of selling it and recouping some of that money. OR make my own from scratch as stated above.

I guess I will wait and see what my dealer comes up with.

Here is a photo I took really quick from inside my house.
View attachment 596432

I'd have to imagine the one for Boomer would be good place to start. The FEL is different as you mentioned but would think it would be easy to modify ... all that happening up front it to help distribute the forces up toward the front of the tractor. The more complicated area is the mounting in the rear and if it's made for Boomer is "should" be the same back there.

When I made mine, I studied drawings of a Woods NH mount and a Bradco mount and took the things I like from each and came up with my own creation.

I'd be willing to bet you have a Ansung backhoe painted orange for Kubota. A lot of their Backhoes are named BH- something.

 

[RayfromTX]

Taking a good look at this. I just read your review over at Titan. Thinking it might be better for my current situation. I have hundreds of stumps to remove. Was looking at a stump grinder for about $5k. Only because the backhoes were so expensive for my tractor. This could be a game changer. Thank you.

I would never dream of removing hundreds of stumps with my LB3100 backhoe on my XR4140. Half a dozen maybe. Your stumps may vary.