Backhoe Mount L7 Bulldog Backhoe on TS 254 Kama

grsr3 · Aug 11, 2006

Getting ready to purchase an L7 Bulldog backhoe (made by Guilin?). The seller tells me the subframe is meant to easily attach to a Kama TS 354 and may need modifications to mount to my 254. Wondering how much modification would be needed, if any. I cannot do it my self. Would need to hire a traveling welder person to come to my place and do the job (make brackets, etc.). Do you think it would require more cost than would make the whole thing worth doing. I'm guessng somewhere between $200.00 and $400.00. Does this sound reasonable????

Thanks,
George

crazymike · Aug 11, 2006

Is there no way the selling dealer can do the install for you?

3RRL · Aug 11, 2006

If there is a subframe for that Bulldog backhoe that fits the 354, you are way ahead. I built one from scratch and it's no easy project. IMO though, the downside is the attachment to the tractor is way harder to figure out than the attachment to the backhoe. You'll need to get pictures (or go to the Kama dealer) to visually "see" the difference where the subrame attaches to the tractor. That would give you a better idea what's involved. But in any case, get the subframe and make the modifications.

grsr3 · Aug 11, 2006

Hi guys-
Thanks for the replies. The seller doesn't do any installs. And yes the sub-frame comes with it and does fit--or, is supposed to fit the 354. But we are not sure if it will fit my 254---probably not is our best guess. If I remember correctly the pictures of Robs home-made sub-frame attachment looked like it was permenently attached to the tractor and then the hoe was moved on and off of the sub-frame as needed. This dealer tells me that it doesn't work that way. The whole sub-frame and hoe move off and on the tractor as a complete unit when needed. I guess you can have it both ways. He says it's best to have the frame come off when you're not using the hoe. He says you wouldn't want to carry that extra weight and the frame would get in the way------of what I'm not sure. So how does this sub-frame attach----------permanently, or on and off with the rest of the hoe??????

grsr3 · Aug 11, 2006

Me again. Not sure how to get back to where I saw Robs pictures of his sub-frame project. Would be good if some one can direct me there again--or better yet let me know how to find things on this site.

bluechip · Aug 11, 2006

If there has been a backhoe subframe developed for TS series tractors, that is good news. I am not aware of it, but I have not checked about it in a while. Most subframes are deisgined for a specific loader. If you have the factory loader, then you have a good chance the subframe will work. the chassis of the the TS354C and TS254C are identical, from the bellhousing back. We have been using a modified 3 point mount with no problems so far, but a GOOD subframe would be preferable. The Guilin factory has been acquired by Yuchai, not sure if they got the backhoe line, there are several firms in China making basically the same LW backhoe now. I will say that the LW7 is a LOT of backhoe for this tractor, weight wise, but since lift box, pump etc is same as TS354C, you should be OK.

3RRL · Aug 14, 2006

grsr3,
This is the link to the subfame I built. Kama Backhoe Subframe
If you view the photos, you will notice I built it as a 2 piece subframe. This was to avoid having to take the entire subrame off the tractor and also not having a whole subframe left on the tractor if I only took the backhoe off. Half of it remains on the backhoe and only a small portion remains on the tractor. The tractor portion is attached (welded) to the loader mounts.
I got a little of both in my design allowing easy removal and still use of the drag links (lower lift arms).

In most cases for store bought subframes, most common way is to leave the subframe attached to the backhoe removed from the tractor.

3RRL · Aug 21, 2006

grsr3,
This is what I was talking about. My subframe is 2 pieces. These pictures show the small amount which remains on the tractor when I take the backhoe off. This one shows the piece welded to the loader frame from the rear. You can see the stabilizer arm for the the drag links in this picture.

This is a view from under the tractor and shows how it is weled to the loader frame mount. That's all that remains on the tractor when the backhoe is off.

This pictures shows the other part of the subframe on backhoe and how it attaches to the part on the tractor. So when the backhoe is off, most of the subframe goes with it. Thought you might want to see the 2 piece frame concept?