Please help - B7800 with Hitch type Backhoe

Franko · Feb 27, 2006

Please help this newbie on his first tractor purchase. I found a used B7800 which seems like a good match for current and future projects on my new 10 acre plot of ground (bush hog mowing, light excavation, gravel drive maintenace and snow removal). It has the dual-attach (4690 style?) backhoe unit, and I need to find out if this is going to be a problem. I am comparing it to a backhoe of the BH75 type, and trying to understand any drawbacks. (see attached picture for the unit I am considering).

Is this the '3 point hitch' type of Backhoe where I see various 'warnings to avoid'?
Is it going to be a pain to take off and put back on when I want to do some work with the box scraper or bush hog, compared to the other style of BH?
Does it need adjustments to get it attached and to keep it running properly?
Will it have durability concerns, or create any other restrictions on the use other implements?
What do I need to know that I don't even know enough to ask?

This is my first posting - please be kind and thanks for any help you can give!!

Frank

ronjhall · Feb 27, 2006

Kubota has been using the 4690 BH for many years on many B & L model tractors. I and several TBN members have this BH on our tractors with no problems.
It can be a pain to install. I have made a dolly for mine that has made the install less than 1/2 hour. Removal is less time.
The one warning on these BH's is that tractor must have a Heavy Duty top link bracket.
I would not consider this BH for commercial use. But is great for a estate owner.
I keep hearing these warnings about the durability of a 3PH BH, CUT combination but have seen no documented failures.
If I was purchasing a new Kuobta tractor today. I would get a BH75. The 4690 is being phased out.

kubotaman68 · Feb 28, 2006

woods also makes a 4 pnt quick dettach 7500 for that tractor too which is comaprable to the bh 75 but the bh 75 hook up is nicer imo

Henro · Feb 28, 2006

Like Ron, I have a the BL4690 backhoe on my B2910, the same tractor as the B7800...just a few more bells and whistles...

I don't find putting the backhoe on to be much of a pain though. BUT the B2910 has extendable lower link arms, which the B7800 does not.

I don't think you need to worry about using a Kubota designed system, if like Ron said, it is installed as designed, with the heavy duty top link bracket and loader related sub-frame.

I can tell you though that I have thought to myself MANY times..."Boy, this hoe installation would be a pain without these extendable lower link arms!"

Franko · Feb 28, 2006

Thanks guys. I feel that I can trust a Kubota-engineered product to work! I guess I am wondering how convenient it is to hook up the backhoe (any tools needed?) and whether it needs any adjustment during hookup or afterwards during use? I am going to see if the dealer can give me a 'demo' of how it works.

Henro · Feb 28, 2006

You don't really need any tools.

What I do is back up and hook the "mast arm" or whever the term is, to the top link pin. Be sure the backhoe has the special hardend pins than came with it originally, by the way.

Once the backhoe is hooked to the top link point, you can move it around using the stabilizers and/or boom(with the bucket on the ground) to get the bottom lined up to hook up the lower arms.

NEVER put fingers in to see if holes are aligned!

Like I mentioned above, having the ability to extend the lower links makes a BIG difference in getting things in position. Seems to me the only other otption would be to keep moving the tractor a bit at a time... this may not make any sense until you have experience doing it.

You don't need any tools to hook up the backhoe, and after it is on no adjustment is necessary. You do have to hook the pump to the rear PTO shaft, as the backhoe system is independent from the tractor hydraulics, which was a positive in my mind when I bought mine.

A demo would be a great idea...

Franko · Feb 28, 2006

Henro,
Thanks so much. This is exactly what I needed. I will get the demo, and now I know what to look for.

Frank

Franko · Mar 2, 2006

The Kubota website only lists two backhoes for the B7800: the B4672A and the BL4690A. Where does the BH75 come in? Can anyone help with this model number confusion? Is it a newer model that is not on the web yet? Will it fit and operate with no complications or disadvantages?

And what does this warning mean? It does not mention the B7800 specifically. Is this just a 'balance' issue and warning or something mechanical?

Important Note:
A Kubota Front Loader is required at all times when utilizing B4672A on B-Series Tractors or BL4690A Backhoe on B2710 or B2910 Tractors.

ronjhall · Mar 2, 2006

If you check under the L2800/L3400, B2630/B3030 tractors you will find specification for the BH75. Kubota is updating mounting for other model tractors. From post here on TBN it appears that the B7800 is one of the first tractors to get the upgrade.