Question for 2520/Backhoe Owners

[Runner]

I have a 2520 with power beyond, and am thinking of buying a John Deere backhoe for it (thanks Chris2520 now see what you did?).

For those who bought their backhoes after the initial purchase, did you have the dealer install it the first time or do it yourself?

I知 trying to decide if I can just order one, pick it up on the pallet and set it up myself, or if it痴 more complicated than that. I壇 rather not have to take the tractor in to the dealer unless absolutely necessary.

Advice would be appreciated.

 

[jdbower]

My dealer did it for free, the BH didn't come in with the tractor so I made several trips initially to get various bits I ordered installed. The mounting hardware doesn't seem difficult to install, but I'm glad the dealer did it because moving around the BH to assemble may have been tough for just me to do on my own.

 

[JDCAN]

For what it is worth, I would have the dealer install the backhoe. I have the same unit 2520 with backhoe and I had 3 seals blow and leak within 10 hours of operation.

Not saying if you install the backhoe it will void the warranty, but to be safe I would advise you get the dealer to install to avoid any possible trouble if anything fails.

I don't know if the woods backhoe is the same thing but check into that unit, it might be the same for less.

Good luck and enjoy the backhoe.

 

[CinderSchnauzer]

I have the same unit 2520 with backhoe and I had 3 seals blow and leak within 10 hours of operation.

Out of curiosity - what sort of reception did you get from the dealer re: fixing that under warranty?

 

[jdbower]

I don't know if the woods backhoe is the same thing but check into that unit, it might be the same for less.

Certainly worth a look, but I was having a hard time finding a 3rd party backhoe with a subframe for tractors as small as the 2520 - plenty of "4-point" hoes for the larger frames and Woods is a certainly a good brand, but I was a bit leery about just a 3PH backhoe without a subframe and even the ones with a subframe for the larger models weren't nearly as beefy-looking as the JD subframe for the 2520.

 

[Chris2520]

I have a 2520 with power beyond, and am thinking of buying a John Deere backhoe for it (thanks Chris2520 now see what you did?).

For those who bought their backhoes after the initial purchase, did you have the dealer install it the first time or do it yourself?

I知 trying to decide if I can just order one, pick it up on the pallet and set it up myself, or if it痴 more complicated than that. I壇 rather not have to take the tractor in to the dealer unless absolutely necessary.

Advice would be appreciated.

Runner , I am pleased you decided to get on the stick
and get a hoe..... I am glad i finaly got you steered
in the right direction. I think John deere owes me some
royalties... As for install , i cant say. i got mine when i bought
the tractor and of course thay installed it. I would most likely let
them do it for warrenty resons. with the price of a hoe. i bet you could get them to
though the install in for free or very cheep....
be sure to post pics of the new hoe once you get it.

Chris...

 

[JDCAN]

Out of curiosity - what sort of reception did you get from the dealer re: fixing that under warranty?

The dealer was great, (even tho I did not buy the unit from them) They had no issues and the problem fixed within 48 hours. It was fixed under warranty with no extra charges.

The work order noted about 700 bucks worth of repairs. Hopefully this is not normal for the backhoe, becuase after warranty I will be mighty pissed if this happens ever 10 to 20 hours of work.

 

[jimgerken]

Chris, you are quite the pimp (selling hoes like you do).

 

[gunmaker]

he...he...he!!!!!!

 

[Chris2520]

Chris, you are quite the pimp (selling hoes like you do).

Ant it the truth......

Chris....

 

[Runner]

Guys, thanks for the input so far.

I do have another question. Does the backhoe subframe interfere with the three-point hitch when the backhoe is off the tractor?

In other words, can you leave the subframe on and still use all the regular stuff on the three-point hitch without interference, like a rear mower, box blade, etc.?

I use a RFM, so I don't have to worry about the subframe interference with the MMM issue.

Thanks.

 

[ttkeeler]

Guys, thanks for the input so far.

I do have another question. Does the backhoe subframe interfere with the three-point hitch when the backhoe is off the tractor?

In other words, can you leave the subframe on and still use all the regular stuff on the three-point hitch without interference, like a rear mower, box blade, etc.?

I use a RFM, so I don't have to worry about the subframe interference with the MMM issue.

Thanks.

I just got my 8B installed and haven't taken it off yet but from looking at the installation and from what I was told the subframe comes off with the backhoe so it souldn't interfer with 3 point attachments. There would be some brackets that remain on the tractor however that the subframe attaches to but they shouldn't interfer.

 

[Chris2520]

Guys, thanks for the input so far.

I do have another question. Does the backhoe subframe interfere with the three-point hitch when the backhoe is off the tractor?

In other words, can you leave the subframe on and still use all the regular stuff on the three-point hitch without interference, like a rear mower, box blade, etc.?

I use a RFM, so I don't have to worry about the subframe interference with the MMM issue.

Thanks.

The subframe comes off with the hoe. and you put the 3 point arms back on , takes all of 5 min...

Chris...

 

[Runner]

Cool. Thanks.

 

[Runner]

If I may beat my own thread to death a little more:

I'm reading that the 46 backhoe can have tire clearance problems on the
2520. When you "build it yourself" on the JD website, there is a warning that the front tires can rub the front subframe mounts under certain conditions.

Also, there has been some mention from those on the board that the footplates on the backhoe are very close to the rear tires.

Can those who have the 46 backhoe on the 2520 please advise whether they have actually experienced any tire clearance problems?

Chris2520, I read that you "clearanced" your foot plates. Was that because they were actually rubbing the tires, or just because you wanted more space?

Before I cough up the cash for this thing, I'd really like to know if I'm going to be up against any kind of fit issues.

Thanks.

 

[gunmaker]

I have the R-4 Industrial tires front and rear on my 2520, and have no clearance problems. The front tires clear both the subframe and fel mounts. The 46bh footplates have approx a 1/2" plus clearance from the tires. I have not noticed that the closeness of the footplate has added to any additional dirt or material pickup.
I believe that the R-3 Turfs do have a more significant clearance issue, and some have found them to rub.
I love the performance of the 46 backhoe. Craig

 

[Runner]

Thanks Craig.

Sounds like this is more of a hit and miss problem, and was probably more associated with the 4--- series of tractors. It just made me a little nervous since JD was actually warning about it.

 

[bkennedy]

What if you do order the R3's? Is it definitely going to rub or is it just getting close?

Also is it possible to fit the 447 on to a 2520? or is deere likely to release a 446 with a curved boom design? Anyone know how old the 46 design is?

Any votes for bucket size for the 46?

thanks

 

[Team_Green]

Do any of you guys have pics of ow these units mount on your tractors. Why i ask is i have a 2210 with a 260 hoe on it but i need to step up to a bigger frame unit to handle my work load a bit better. Thing is i dont need anything bigger for a hoe. this unit works fine for all i need so i would like to swap it over. i know i will need to make "mounting plates" but that shouldnt be that hard.

 

[gunmaker]

What if you do order the R3's? Is it definitely going to rub or is it just getting close?

Also is it possible to fit the 447 on to a 2520? or is deere likely to release a 446 with a curved boom design? Anyone know how old the 46 design is?

Any votes for bucket size for the 46?

thanks

I do believe that many have found that the R-3's rub, but hopefully others will share.
I don't believe any other backhoe, other than a 3pt mount would work, I think that the frame of the 46bh is the only one that will fit the 2520. Other manufacturers (Woods) have 3pt options that could be used. I think Woods even has a curved boom design that has a 3pt mount.
I think the 46 came out with the 2520, but do not have personal knowledge that this is so.
Bucket size depends on your soil/use, I have heavy soil with clay and alot of rock and stone, I have found that the 13" bucket works well for me. I sometimes wish I had the 16" bucket, but I think 13" is the best all-around size for my application.