Can the Branson 20 series mount a trench like the backhoe in this video?

[boostmg]

I started a trench this weekend and realized straddling the trench is quite tricky when you need to "mount" and "dismount". I mainly learned the hard way when I got stuck trying straddle a trench i already dug. Going back and forth in some malleable clay caught up with me quick!

I'm a person who likes to keep their machines within their limits, whether its the engine, hydraulics, and everything else. I did manage to complete my trench without straddling it BUT if my machine is more than capable of doing whats in this video, I do believe that would be more convenient.

Here's the video, i have a 3620h with loaded rear tires. When i got stuck I did meekly attempt a maneuver like this mainly just skidding across the ground, but didn't want to chance it putting the full weight in the air. I glanced in the backhoe manual and didnt see any "dos" or "donts" when it came to something like this.

 

[ning]

My 3520h's hoe doesn't like to move my tractor sideways much but it will a little bit, even with the bucket edge-down. I can give it a try tomorrow on flat ground with the bucket smooth-side down; my guess is that it'll do it but not quickly.

 

[boostmg]

My 3520h's hoe doesn't like to move my tractor sideways much but it will a little bit, even with the bucket edge-down. I can give it a try tomorrow on flat ground with the bucket smooth-side down; my guess is that it'll do it but not quickly.

I appreciate you considering doing but i'm not asking you to!

I just was checking to see if its within the tractors limitations. I am pretty sure the backhoe can do it .. i am just not sure if its healthy or ok for the tractor/subframe

 

[ning]

This thread: Can i move a rock to the side using my backhoe?
is talking about something similar (moving a rock sideways with the BH).
I think if it feels like it'll do it without a lot of effort, it's ok, but if it's really straining to move the tractor over then you're stressing it too much.

Just curious - how easily do your outriggers pick up the tractor? I've found that mine aren't great at it, like they just barely manage, but it may be the loaded rears. Guessing that the tlb I rented and compare to previously probably didn't have all that extra weight to contend with.

 

[boostmg]

This thread: Can i move a rock to the side using my backhoe?
is talking about something similar (moving a rock sideways with the BH).
I think if it feels like it'll do it without a lot of effort, it's ok, but if it's really straining to move the tractor over then you're stressing it too much.

Just curious - how easily do your outriggers pick up the tractor? I've found that mine aren't great at it, like they just barely manage, but it may be the loaded rears. Guessing that the tlb I rented and compare to previously probably didn't have all that extra weight to contend with.

I didn't try yet. i've only had the tractor for a weekend so far. i thought i read on here the outriggers arent really meant to lift the tractor up .. so thats why i never did it .. i only used them to lift some of the weight of the tractor and stabalize it.

once i feel the back end lighten up a few hundred pounds and that they are firmly in the ground i just keep them there.

 

[Aquamoose]

I have the same tractor. I never thought about seeing if it can straddle but I wouldn’t try it, not because it physically could, for the chance the trench could collapse. If I absolutely must, I’d bridge the trench with heavy lumber so I could drive in position. Proper planning helps so one wouldn’t “paint oneself in a corner”.

 

[DWMCLEOD]

I have a 4520R with the 7 foot backhoe. I also have about 10 years operating backhoes and excavators. Yes, My tractor can do this. Do I do it? I worry about stresses on the subframe when I have used the backhoe to move the tractor. I could do it if I had not other choice, but I really limit it to pushing the tractor forward. I've gotten used to digging with the loader bucket up a few inches so I don't have to stand up to reach the loader control lever from the backhoe seat. We were always leary of 3 point mounted backhoes in my John Deere days, plenty of cracked transmission cases on the 300 and 400 series industrial tractors.