Backhoe Installing a Bradco backhoe

rbargeron · Jan 21, 2002

I've been looking at it too - I'm pretty sure the parts are in the right positions in all of John's pics - what makes it hard to see is only the left backhoe bracket is there in pic 7 (notice the left arm, sway link and the trailer hitch ball. Also the right sway link hanging down beyond. The left wheel is off too - as the latest interference shot shows, looking to the left with the empty flange beyond.

Hey John, could you post a picture from straight behind the tractor, far enough back to get the whole width?

Jeff396 · Jan 21, 2002

I did not recognize the trailer ball until you pointed it out. I sure thought we were looking at the right side. Still, I can't see how it attaches on the top to tell if possibly they are switched in both pictures. Sure seems to me that if you could get the part of the hoe bracket that the hitch arm is hitting on to be on the other side you could pick up another few inches of height with the hoe bracket attached. Just grasping at this point.

Jeff

JohnInCA · Jan 21, 2002

radman -
The extendable lift arms are standard on the "D" models. Unfortunately, it won't swing in or out enough to make a difference.

rbargeron -
Interesting ideas. After thinking about it for a while, I don't think the "necked down" pin could be installed. There would be no way to insert it from the larger bore (differential case end of the pin). However, the single diameter pin could be inserted from the tire end after the subframe is bolted to the differential case.

Shifty -
I'm sorry for you, but I don't feel so bad now that it's kind of rough. I always hate finding what I "think" is a great deal on the east coast!

BudW -
Your comment made me check the manual again. They are hooked up correctly in picture #7, and I believe in picture #1.

rbargeron again -
Your assumption about the picture showing the left side of the tractor is correct. Unfortunately, I can't take anymore pictures, because I took the subframe kit back off the tractor.

Jeff396 -
When I saw BudW's comments, I thought he was onto something. Unless the manual is wrong, picture #7 shows it hooked correctly.

rbargeron · Jan 21, 2002

The handiest reference I thought of was in the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=buykubota&Number=71456&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=>L48 or L4610</A> thread where a picture of a Bradco on a NH shows similar construction at the lower connection.

rbargeron · Jan 21, 2002

Well, what if the long pin were made in 2 pieces, where the inner larger one was tapped and the smaller one was just a bolt threaded into it ? (not stainless if threaded)

JohnInCA · Jan 21, 2002

Ok, now that I have addressed the latest postings, I need to update everyone on what has happened. First, I would like to thank everyone for their comments, advice, and suggestions. I'm amazed at how much time all of you spend studying the photos, and thinking up possible solutions.

I talked to a Bradco rep on the phone today. In fact, I pointed him to this site so he could see all the pictures and postings. He said he would be calling the engineering boys to see if they could explain what is happening. Most importantly, he was very gracious, and I will have no problem returning the kit and backhoe. Personally, I wonder if it could be something like the kit was tested with a "standard" TC, and my "delux" TC linkage is different.

Anyhow, I've been waiting to have a backhoe for 7 weeks now, and still no success. I'm thinking maybe I'll try the NH 758C...

rbargeron · Jan 22, 2002

Let's hope the NH mounting details are better developed !

radman · Jan 22, 2002

Keep us informed of the next exciting chapter of the "Wayward Bradco Backhoe". Like to know of the final outcome.

billfires · Feb 24, 2002

John, what was the outcome of your Bradco BH? Was Bradco able to get it to fit? Just curious.

Bill C

JohnInCA · Feb 26, 2002

Oops, sorry Bill C and everyone else. I thought I had posted the final outcome.
No, they were not able to resolve the issues. One of the technical people did say that it was normal to have only 6 to 7 inches of ground clearance (way too little in my opinion). He went on to say that it was possible that a 408 had never been checked for fit on a "D" model. He also confirmed that the lower 3pt arms cannot be removed once the subframe is mounted.

At this point, I returned the 408, and ordered a 758C for my TC29D. Unfortunately, when it finally arrived, the sub-frame was for a TC35/40/45D, and not my TC29D/w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif. Can you believe my luck? Third backhoe delivered, and it still can't be installed!/w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif Not only that, it was the second time I received a sub-frame for a TC35/40/45D. Well, to make a long story short, I decided it would probably be easier and quicker to just buy a tractor to match the backhoe/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif. So, now I have a TC40D with a 758C (Ok, i'll be honest, I was considering the tractor upgrade for a few months now). And with a TC29D to spare, the wife and I don't have to fight over the tractor anymore, nor change implements as often/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif...