Backhoe Bradco 511 backhoe attachment process

Tim_in_IA · Jun 14, 2005

So I've had my new tractor for a couple months now, and just got around to taking the backhoe off last night. When the dealer installed the hoe they removed the 3 point arms. They claimed it was necessary to install the hoe. I had read on this forum previously that the stabilizer or sway bars just had to be undone. Now I can officially say that taking those 3 point arms on and off each time is going to be a real pain in the a**. Can someone who has a 511 and a 00 series tractor tell me what they do to take on and off. Can I get by with just disconnecting the stabilizers and letting the bottom links ride below the hoe?

This wouldn't be a big deal but to attach the bottom links I need to remove 2 bolts on each side to free the pin, and of course it is a tight spot so the knuckles get some wear and tear. Took me an hour to remove the hoe and reinstall the arms.

LarryRB · Jun 14, 2005

didn't have to remove them on the 4110 w/511 either, however, I did every time because the 3 pts are so low, I could have easily ruined the ball sockets, especially where we live and very rocky. For the 6 or 8 minutes of extra work, it was well worth it...

Tim_in_IA · Jun 14, 2005

Also forgot to mention that there is a PTO extension that is attached with a bolt. Should I remove this when I am using other PTO enabled devices? Or should it be a permanent fixture on the tractor?

It takes me a lot longer than 8 minutes to remove the arms. They are heavy, akward, and I have to remove the 2 bolts on each side. Would be a lot easier if there was just a pin to remove but the design doesn't allow for it.

It also looks like when the 3pt arms are installed they come pretty close to the top 4 point brackets when the height adjustment knuckles are in the highest position on the 3 point arms. Is there a danger of damaging the 3point arms or the 4 point backhoe system? Right now I just have the 3 point arms adjusted lower just in case. I guess after I use the 3 point setup some more this may become more obvious. I had it on for about half an hour last night, then attached to my box blade and by the time I was up and down the drive once the sky opened up. Spent about 20 minutes in the basement waiting for the tornados to go by.

Clyde · Jun 14, 2005

Tim - I have a 4500 4wd with a Wood's 9000 sub frame mount. I had to take off my 3pt arms off too. For the reason Larry stated is a very good reason (one I didn't think of) and I also worried about someone hitting the hydraulic control to move the arms up and really tear something up. You are right in that it is a big pain and I find that I really have to think ahead about any job I might do before installing or removing the backhoe. I wouldn't give up the backhoe for anything but it definitely isn't a 5 minute job either to hook/unhook it up either. I don't see any way around it with my setup, and another tractor dedicated to the BH is out of the question. Good luck - Clyde

LarryRB · Jun 14, 2005

obviously the 4110 3pt and yours is much different. On the 4110 it is two lynch pins and the lower arms are off. Same with the two vertical arms, couple of lynch pins and they're off. In either case, long time or not,, someone hits the 3pt by mistake and up then come and that of my 4110 the ball sockets were two inches from the ground.,.

Tim_in_IA · Jun 14, 2005

Thanks Clyde and Larry. Guess I'll suck it up and take the arms on and off.

Larry, Yeah, I'll have to post a picture of the bottom link connection sometime. It is a pin with a flat plate on one side with 2 holes in it, and you slide the pin in and bolt it in place.

BobG_in_VA · Jun 14, 2005

Tim, Maybe I can help you now....When I put the BH on the 6000 the first time I took the 3pt arms off completely from underneath and up to the knuckle at the top where the rockshafts come out of the hydraulic system. You only have to take the upper part loose at the BOTTOM of the the "screw" up/down parts (ie, theres a bolt that can be taken out so the 3 pt arms come off but one guy can do it from under the tractor without another at the top. Hope this makes sense. Yesssss they are heavy, but as you know are rated to 2 tons liftting capacity. BobG in VA

Slippy · Jun 16, 2005

I have a 6000 with a 511 bradco (Mahindra paint & label) backhoe. I do not have a pto pump. Here is what I do most of the time.

First, I loosen the sway bar where it attaches to the lift arm. Just a half turn.
Next, I disconnect the sway bar from the tractor frame. It is connected with a pin. Simply take the hitch pin off the pin, and pull it out. Now the end of the sway bars are laying on the floor, but still attached to the 3pt arms. Now I lift the say bar up so it is vertical and lays along side the arms that connect the 3pt arms to the top of the tractor. Not sure what you call these arms, but on one side there is a crank so you can adjust the length of the arm for angling of blade, etc. Now I take a rubber strap and rap it around the two arms. I do this on both sides. This holds the sway bars out of the way. I will then snug up the bolts so it does not vibrate loose.
Next, I take another strap and bring the 3pt arms in there most inward position, and connect one end of the strap to one arm and the other one to the other arm. This allows for the arms to stay out of the way of the backhoe while you are attaching it.
Once I have the hoe mounted, I will raise my arms just a little bit so they still clear the bottom of the hoe. Because I am using the tractor hyd., I have to disconnect my 3pt hyd anyway, so no danger of moving the 3pt while back hoe is attached.
Of course there is always the danger that you will hit something with the 3pt hanging down, but is really only the width of the arm lower than the back hoe, so I just try to watch where I am going. Sure it get mud in it at times, but for me thats ok.
I used to take every thing off. Takes alot longer, harder, and more parts that you have to keep track of for reinstall.
Hope this makes sense. I can put my hoe on in about 10 min. if I get my first back up and line up right.

Tim_in_IA · Jun 16, 2005

Thanks Slippy. Based on how you described the tilt arms they must have changed the 3 point a bit since yours was made. I can adjust either side with a turnbuckle (I guess they call these check chains, but they aren't really chains anymore are they?) Since I have the pto pump I guess I am better off taking everything off so I don't accidentally raise the 3 point and bend the arms or the hoe. I just wish they had pins for the bottom 3 point arms instead of the 4 bolts, but you know what they say, wish in one hand and crap in the other. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Now that I have the hoe off I am going to try out my Midwest 8' box blade! Can hardly wait!