Off tractor storage backhoe

[TomIre]

I'll have a frame mounted backhoe on a 35 HP tractor - so a good bit of weight, 1500 lbs? I expect it to be off the tractor most of the time as I use a bush hog.
I only have a grass pasture to offload it on/store it. Should I throw down some pressure treated 4x4's under the frame and call it good? Do I need to do some digging/grading first to make it flat and level? Should I put down son gravel and 4x4's on top? Or, do I need to go all out and pour a concrete pad for it?

 

[Doofy]

I'll have a frame mounted backhoe on a 35 HP tractor - so a good bit of weight, 1500 lbs? I expect it to be off the tractor most of the time as I use a bush hog.
I only have a grass pasture to offload it on/store it. Should I throw down some pressure treated 4x4's under the frame and call it good? Do I need to do some digging/grading first to make it flat and level? Should I put down son gravel and 4x4's on top? Or, do I need to go all out and pour a concrete pad for it?

Inquiring minds want to know. I haven't taken mine off yet either and am curious too.

 

[flingwing1969]

I'll have a frame mounted backhoe on a 35 HP tractor - so a good bit of weight, 1500 lbs? I expect it to be off the tractor most of the time as I use a bush hog.
I only have a grass pasture to offload it on/store it. Should I throw down some pressure treated 4x4's under the frame and call it good? Do I need to do some digging/grading first to make it flat and level? Should I put down son gravel and 4x4's on top? Or, do I need to go all out and pour a concrete pad for it?

Mine is on the tractor a good part of the time but when I take it off it just sits on the ground. It does sit under an overhang on my barn so the hoses and seat are protected from the evil or UV.

 

[Aquamoose]

At minimum, I’d keep it separated from the ground at all costs. Do as much as you can afford to protect it as you mentioned. Moisture & critters will be your enemy, followed by dry rot on the hoses.

 

[groundcover]

The boys are slowing down, now is usually when someone chimes in that it is obviously time for a second tractor!!

 

[bdhsfz6]

In my experience, it makes it easier to re mount the BH if it is fairly level. Yes, you can level it out with the stabilizers once the hyd hoses are connected but it is easier to align when backing up to the BH if it is level.

If it were me, I'd put down a few inches of gravel for drainage, level it and set the hoe on 4X4's.

 

[fried1765]

Inquiring minds want to know. I haven't taken mine off yet either and am curious too.

Best solution to removing a backhoe is ......don't!
Buy another tractor (doesn't have to be new) for your other uses.
I have had my 10' quick attach BH off (15-20 minutes) once in 32 years, and that was to clean it up and paint.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Best solution to removing a backhoe is ......don't!
Buy another tractor (doesn't have to be new) for your other uses.
I have had my 10' quick attach BH off (15-20 minutes) once in 32 years, and that was to clean it up and paint.

I completely agree. After wrestling the BH on & off my tractors for 30+ years, I finally had enough. I bought a second tractor last year and dedicate my older one to BH use. With the BH on the rear, it still leaves the SSQA FEL free for other implements.

 

[mrmikey]

At minimum, I’d keep it separated from the ground at all costs. Do as much as you can afford to protect it as you mentioned. Moisture & critters will be your enemy, followed by dry rot on the hoses.

What he said. I wouldn't use PT lumber, very corrosive especially if it's sitting on it for long times. Maybe use pressure treated to stop rot but put some shingles where the machine sits to keep it away from the chemicals....Mike

 

[ch1ch2]

i got mine sitting on old tires.

 

[swnoel]

I take mine off all the time... I leave it under a car port on the ground. Putting it on something like this would work nicely https://www.homedepot.com/p/12-in-x-12-in-x-1-5-in-Pewter-Square-Concrete-Step-Stone-71200/100333077. It takes probably 30 minutes or so to put it back on. Biggest thing to remember is to shut down your tractor and release the pressure on everything including the FEL, whether you're putting it on or taking it off! I learnt my lesson the hard way!

 

[tomplum]

I put mine on blocks under a lean to with a gravel bottom. Bagged the connectors and anything that I thought may need more protection got sprayed with fluid film.

 

[Navvet]

I tend to put mine on shingles under a shed on the rare occasions it's off. I also like to run a 2" ratchet strap between the stabilizers to keep them from settling over time.

 

[TomIre]

Best solution to removing a backhoe is ......don't!
Buy another tractor (doesn't have to be new) for your other uses.

Thought this was an attachment forum? Not an enabling, how to justify another tractor and get divorced all at the same time forum!

 

[TomIre]

I tend to put mine on shingles under a shed on the rare occasions it's off. I also like to run a 2" ratchet strap between the stabilizers to keep them from settling over time.

Like the ratchet strap!

 

[Coyote machine]

I use cedar 4 x 4 posts, short lengths, and block it under the main area and the sub-frame so it's about the right height to put back on. I too suggest NOT using PT, it's extremely corrosive, even when the pieces may have paint on them. Ratchet strap the stabilizers, black bag the seat so it doesn't get destroyed, etc. Sunshine kills stuff.

 

[Doofy]

Thought this was an attachment forum? Not an enabling, how to justify another tractor and get divorced all at the same time forum!����

If the wife doesn't support your Tractor needs, I'd get a new wife. Marriage is about supporting each other.

 

[TomIre]

For the record, she's very supportive. Actually trying to talk me into a larger tractor with cab!

 

[Oldoak]

Thought this was an attachment forum? Not an enabling, how to justify another tractor and get divorced all at the same time forum!����

:thumbsup:

Besides that, it makes no sense to buy a second tractor strictly to leave the backhoe attached. If someone has the luxury of do that, you might better purchase a used industrial loader/backhoe for a second machine.

 

[Doofy]

For the record, she's very supportive. Actually trying to talk me into a larger tractor with cab!

That is great. My wife did the same. She stated that I worked hard all my life and deserved a new tractor with all the bells and whistles. She knew that I'd had regrets about selling my old JD40 Crawler and my Case 580 Loader/ Backhoe years ago. Thank the Lord for Good Women!