My first tractor: 3616 TLB!

moparrob · Apr 11, 2015

Hello- after a lot of research and back and forth about renting v. owning, i took delivery of a new 3616 TLB today. I'm pretty excited about it, and wanted to know if anyone has any operating or maintenance advice.

The salesman and delivery guy (both very helpful), mentioned that when using the backhoe, its best to keep the wheels on the ground and use the stabilizers as just supports. Can anyone offer some insight as to why this is? It was also mentioned to me that "its not like a yellow tractor" with the allusion that its not as strong.

I'm not expecting it to be like a cheaper version of a 580 or a 410, but want to make sure I dont ask too much of it and break it.

Thanks for all the great info you all contribute to this site!

George2615 · Apr 11, 2015

Whenever I've run a BH (of any size) I always keep the tires on the ground and use the stabilizers as supports. I do push them down into the ground but not enough to lift the tires off the ground. I see no need to use them to lift the tractor off the ground. Also put the loader bucket on the ground for additional stability.
I would guess they mentioned the yellow tractor thing because its a lighter duty BH. It will do a lot of work but naturally doesn't have the power or depth of a bigger unit.
Enjoy the new tractor and post some pics of it. They say if no pics, it didn't happen.

DK35vince · Apr 11, 2015

I think the only time I lift a tire off the ground with the stabilizers is if I'm digging on uneven ground. I will lift one side off the ground to level up.
Other than that there really is no need to lift the tires completely off the ground.

oldpilgrim · Apr 11, 2015

You are going to luv it.

two hints, rev the engine up over 1800 rpms when using the bh. It will respond much better than at lower rpms And Make sure you are stopped when engaging the diff lock.

Have fun, it's a real workhorse.

moparrob · Apr 11, 2015

Has anyone broken the loader by overuse? Our place is basically composed of grapefruit sized rocks with talcum powder between them. I was hoping to rent a ssqa rock bucket and push it around to scoop rocks up ( i already turned over the garden area about 2' deep with a rented B26TLB). Will this break anything or does it even weigh enough to use one of these?

Sysop · Apr 12, 2015

I would get a small grapple for that sort of stuff that way you can pick things loose and pick them up rather than trying to drive into them. If you try to use it like a skidsteer (sticking the teeth of the bucket in the ground and driving forward letting the teeth gouge the rocks out of the ground) you'll probably bend or break something. Loaders are meant primarily for loose material. You could use a rock bucket and stick the teeth in at a rock and roll the bucket back to pop the rocks loose, but then they can be a challenge to "scoop". You can get rock grapples which are a lot like a rock bucket but have the grapple lid to be able to grab things.

moparrob · Apr 12, 2015

That would be great, once I get around to plumbing in front hydraulics. I'll rent one to try, and if it works out, maybe I'll find a used one for sale. Anybody want a bunch of rocks?