JD 4400 and 48 BH Attachments

[gewpe]

I'm a long time lurker and new poster and could use some advice.

I have decided I want a backhoe for my 4400 and have found a JD 48 BH with "the mounting kit for a 4400" included. I have researched this site and the JD parts catalog to the best of my abilities and I am confused as to what the mounting kit would be.

Is the attachment what is sometimes referred to as a sub frame, or is it plates bolted to the rear axle housing? Does the attachment significantly reduce ground clearance or interfere with the operation of the tractor? If it is a sub frame does it come off with the backhoe or does it stay with the tractor?

Is a folding ROPS required to provide clearance for the BH seat?

Any pictures of a 48 BH mounted to a 4400 or the mounting kit would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Jim_Fisher]

I'm a long time lurker and new poster and could use some advice.

I have decided I want a backhoe for my 4400 and have found a JD 48 BH with "the mounting kit for a 4400" included. I have researched this site and the JD parts catalog to the best of my abilities and I am confused as to what the mounting kit would be.

Is the attachment what is sometimes referred to as a sub frame, or is it plates bolted to the rear axle housing? Does the attachment significantly reduce ground clearance or interfere with the operation of the tractor? If it is a sub frame does it come off with the backhoe or does it stay with the tractor?

Is a folding ROPS required to provide clearance for the BH seat?

Any pictures of a 48 BH mounted to a 4400 or the mounting kit would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

The backhoe attaches to two mounting plates that bolt to the axle housing. The mounting plates stay on the tractor and have minimal effect on the ground clearance.

The folding rops is taller than the fixed rops, which provides additional clearance for your head when operating the backhoe. Deere requires it for backhoe usage.

You'll need the power beyond kit to supply the backhoe hydraulics.

The mounting plates require longer axle housing bolts which are supplied with the kit. I installed mine in a couple of hours. If memory serves, I had to remove the fenders to get sufficient room to work. Use a good, accurate torque wrench to tighten the axle bolts to spec and re-torque the bolts after a few hours of use.

Once everything is installed and adjusted, the backhoe is installed or removed in a matter of minutes. The manual, available on-line http://manuals.deere.com/omview/OMM135891_19/ , provides a pretty good set of instructions.

 

[gewpe]

Thanks Jim!!

A very helpful response. The manual is particularly useful to visualize what is going on.

So it looks like the two brackets bolted to the axle housings and the rockshaft brackets stay with the tractor and are not very bulky. Mounting the BH requires mainly just removal of the 3 ph links, attachment of the hydraulic hoses and lifting the BH with the rockshaft. Looks to be as efficient as you could expect.

The unit I found does not have the folding ROPS. I guess i can try it with the standard unit and see if there is enough headroom. I'm 6' 3" so I expect not.

ps: Is your backhoe on the tractor most of the time or do you mount it when you have a project?

 

[Jim_Fisher]

Thanks Jim!!

A very helpful response. The manual is particularly useful to visualize what is going on.

So it looks like the two brackets bolted to the axle housings and the rockshaft brackets stay with the tractor and are not very bulky. Mounting the BH requires mainly just removal of the 3 ph links, attachment of the hydraulic hoses and lifting the BH with the rockshaft. Looks to be as efficient as you could expect.

The unit I found does not have the folding ROPS. I guess i can try it with the standard unit and see if there is enough headroom. I'm 6' 3" so I expect not.

ps: Is your backhoe on the tractor most of the time or do you mount it when you have a project?

I usually just mount it when I need it.

Remove the three point hitch arms and top link (seven pins) and drawbar (one pin). Back up to the backhoe and lift it into position. Lock it with two pins and lynch pins. Lower the rockshaft. Shut off the tractor. Unhook the three point from the power beyond . Connect the two hydraulic hoses, one to the power beyond and the other to the return line (not to the three point feed). Start the tractor. Lift the stabilizers and the boom and pin the boom in the transport position.

It is easier if you set it on a couple 6x6 wooden blocks about a foot long when you take it off.

Removal is almost the reverse of the mounting steps. I use the stabilizers and boom to take the weight off of the pins and the lower it onto the wood blocks. Saves disconnecting the hydraulic lines in close quarters.

At 6'3", you might want to wrap some padding around the top of the rops.

 

[gewpe]

I usually just mount it when I need it.

Remove the three point hitch arms and top link (seven pins) and drawbar (one pin). Back up to the backhoe and lift it into position. Lock it with two pins and lynch pins. Lower the rockshaft. Shut off the tractor. Unhook the three point from the power beyond . Connect the two hydraulic hoses, one to the power beyond and the other to the return line (not to the three point feed). Start the tractor. Lift the stabilizers and the boom and pin the boom in the transport position.

It is easier if you set it on a couple 6x6 wooden blocks about a foot long when you take it off.

Removal is almost the reverse of the mounting steps. I use the stabilizers and boom to take the weight off of the pins and the lower it onto the wood blocks. Saves disconnecting the hydraulic lines in close quarters.

At 6'3", you might want to wrap some padding around the top of the rops.

Sounds great. I just hooked up my rotary tiller and looks like the bh might be easier.

Thanks for the insight.