MT125 Extra Weight From Backhoe

[traderfjp]

Does the backhoe rob power from the tractor. Does it go faster and dig better with the bucket with the backhoe off. I'm sure there are positives and negatives for keeping the backhoe on and taking it off. Love to hear what others have to say. Also, would the extra weight give better traction in soft soil or is the other way around?

Thanks

 

[3Ts]

I guess I don't understand your question. I don't run my tractor in the mud at all, with or without the backhoe. It tears up the soil to much and leaves ruts that have to be repaired when it dries out. It will also damage the soil structure if you plan to grow crops there. When I have moved the tractor in the mud it was near the barn knowing I was going to make ruts so only do that when I have to. I try to wait until the soil is at the proper moisture content before I put the tractor (or any other equipment) on it.

 

[traderfjp]

I guess I wanted to know if the extra mass from the backhoe helps of hurts when in soft soil? Also, I was wondering if owners prefer to keep the backhoe attachment on or take it off if they are not using it. Thanks

 

[Diggin It]

More weight from anything will lead to deeper ruts ... BH, tiller, box blade, weight box, ......

General wisdom is to have weight in back when doing loader work, but it doesn't have to be the BH. My biggest issues with it are length when turning or backing up and height. It's just much easier to drive around obstacles without it, so I leave it off unless I need it.

Since much of the weight is above the rear axle, stability is decreased. I don't like to have it on when running slopes unless I can go straight up and down.

 

[3Ts]

I guess I wanted to know if the extra mass from the backhoe helps of hurts when in soft soil? Also, I was wondering if owners prefer to keep the backhoe attachment on or take it off if they are not using it. Thanks

More weight is good to a point, if you're making really deep ruts, then you're not accomplishing anything. It's a trade-off between weight, soil condition and tires.

I guess I wanted to know if the extra mass from the backhoe helps of hurts when in soft soil? Also, I was wondering if owners prefer to keep the backhoe attachment on or take it off if they are not using it. Thanks

It's not normally on. Sometimes it will sit on the tractor unused for a while because I'm not ready to change to another implement. I usually change implements the day before I plan to use it. I don't usually take one off as soon as I finish the job.

 

[mikester]

My M59 digs, pushes and drives like a champ with the BH on. The extra weight makes it less bouncy, especially when carrying a fully loaded bucket, and the tires get excellent traction. If I’m doing a lot of heavy loader work I prefer to keep the BH on. I rarely need 4WD with the BH on.

Too much power without the BH and too tippy, 4WD is an absolute must use without the BH.

 

[Peter 315]

My M59 digs, pushes and drives like a champ with the BH on. The extra weight makes it less bouncy, especially when carrying a fully loaded bucket, and the tires get excellent traction. If I知 doing a lot of heavy loader work I prefer to keep the BH on. I rarely need 4WD with the BH on.

Too much power without the BH and too tippy, 4WD is an absolute must use without the BH.

Same here with my L47 I leave the backhoe on.....

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

When I had my 125, I definitely noticed I could dig into a pile much better when the BH was on. Whenever I was planning on a lot of loader work, I basically looked at the job and decided how much traction was needed. If it was light stuff like mulch, the box blade would suffice. Digging into a large dirt or stone pile, the BH would go on. Pushing snow was much easier (better traction) with the BH.

I did not notice any “ power difference “ between having the BH on or off of the MT125, again only traction. I really notice a big difference in traction on my XG3025 when the BH is on. Without it, I can easily spin the tires.

Like Digginit said, it makes it more difficult maneuvering it in tight spaces.

 

[mslisaj]

I leave the backhoe on Spring through Fall for the counter weight properties for the loader. However, during the Winter and snow the backhoe is too much weight and the front end will skid when I'm pushing snow. I change over to a 400 pound counter weight on the three point and seems to be the sweet spot to maintain steering on slick surfaces.
Just my thoughts.
Lisa

 

[Diggin It]

^^^ Dang!, Where've you been? You ought to hang around here more.