BH 92 - L4400DT compatability

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So, it seems somewhere between 2007 and 2008 Kubota L4400s changed...the post-change tractors are L4400DT-1. I learned this lesson the hard way by taking my 2007 4400 to the dealer so they could install a backhoe subframe. This summer I found a practically new BH92 backhoe with hydraulic thumb and two buckets for $6K. Everything I read and everyone I talked to (including the dealer) assured me the BH92 would work with my L4400. It seems the subframe that fit my tractor is no longer available. I made a trip to the dealer today to see the differences myself. Looks like fairly significant fabrication would be required to Make the subframe for the -1 tractor to work. So potentially, I have a really nice BH92 without the ability to hang it on the tractor. One possibility is trying to come up with the company who manufacture the backhoe and subframe spec'd for pre-2008 L4400s (the BH90A) to see if a BH92 would fit the frame that will fit my tractor. A question for the group: can an owner of a Kubota BH90A measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions between the 4-point attachment locations? Thanks. Dave

 

[Grandad4]

So, it seems somewhere between 2007 and 2008 Kubota L4400s changed...the post-change tractors are L4400DT-1. I learned this lesson the hard way by taking my 2007 4400 to the dealer so they could install a backhoe subframe. This summer I found a practically new BH92 backhoe with hydraulic thumb and two buckets for $6K. Everything I read and everyone I talked to (including the dealer) assured me the BH92 would work with my L4400. It seems the subframe that fit my tractor is no longer available. I made a trip to the dealer today to see the differences myself. Looks like fairly significant fabrication would be required to Make the subframe for the -1 tractor to work. So potentially, I have a really nice BH92 without the ability to hang it on the tractor. One possibility is trying to come up with the company who manufacture the backhoe and subframe spec'd for pre-2008 L4400s (the BH90A) to see if a BH92 would fit the frame that will fit my tractor. A question for the group: can an owner of a Kubota BH90A measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions between the 4-point attachment locations? Thanks. Dave

It does look like the BH92 design is significantly different from the BH90 and would require a different subframe. If you found a BH90-style subframe to match your tractor, you'd be modifying it so the BH92 hoe could hook up to it; conversely a BH92-type subframe evidently needs modifications to make it fit your older L4400.

Before going much further, I think you're right to see what a BH90-L4400 subframe looks like. It's worth noting that Kubota has been making its own backhoes in-house for a long time, so there's not some out-sourced supplier who might have the same thing painted another color. If a good dealer can't track down something like that, it's probably unlikely you'd find a new one anyplace else. However, that's not an uncommon tractor/backhoe setup, so maybe a helpful dealer knows of one whose measurements you could take or maybe someone here would help. I would suggest posting this in the Kubota Owning/Operating section also. Good luck in your search.

 

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Figured same mounting dimensions might be a hope too far; however, worth a try. Thanks for your insight. My dealer's conversations with Kubota tech reps led him to the conclusion the older hoe/subframe in question was outsourced to a third party. I'll see if he comes up with any further info over the next couple days. Dave

 

[Grandad4]

Figured same mounting dimensions might be a hope too far; however, worth a try. Thanks for your insight. My dealer's conversations with Kubota tech reps led him to the conclusion the older hoe/subframe in question was outsourced to a third party. I'll see if he comes up with any further info over the next couple days. Dave

The Kubota rep should know, but the Bh90 hit the market in the 2003-4 time period. Pretty sure it was made in-house.

A good fabrication shop should be able to build a subframe without busting your bank account.