Loading and hauling a BH77 Backhoe (without the tractor)

[Virtual Guy]

I'm selling my BH77 and the buyer needs to put it on a trailer and haul it a couple hours down the road. Is it reasonable to just back the tractor onto the trailer and disconnect it then strap it down? My only other option is to lift it with my loader but that seems far more trouble.

Thanks.

 

[Mlarv]

What type and size trailer? If the trailer is big enough to support your tractor then sure why not. If it is not then another option is make a furniture dolly and drop BH on it. Strap it on then roll it up. Or lift it with the loader and place it on the trailer. A lot depends on the trailer they are using.

 

[Virtual Guy]

What type and size trailer? If the trailer is big enough to support your tractor then sure why not. If it is not then another option is make a furniture dolly and drop BH on it. Strap it on then roll it up. Or lift it with the loader and place it on the trailer. A lot depends on the trailer they are using.

The buyer was going to bring a 16 ft by77" utility trailers. I told him I wasn't sure how to make that work so he said he could bring his friend's 20' car trailer. I feel like that makes it a lot more reasonable.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I'd disconnect from tractor then use loader to lift the loader and place onto trailer.
When guys come he to pickup stuff, I just raise and hold the load, THEY backup. Saves me the pain and aggrevation ( let alone oopsy !) of lifting up and over the sidewalls of their $$$$ rides !
If he brings the car hauler, it'll be EASY for you to load from the side.

 

[old and tired]

When I moved my old backhoe, back it on the trailer (either trailer would work, both big enough) drop it on wood blocks (or flat on the trailer works if you can drop it that low). use tons of straps...

 

[Virtual Guy]

His utility trailer would certainly haul the backhoe but wouldn't be big enough to back the tractor up and remove the backhoe on the trailer. I think that'd be easy on the car hauler.

Speaking of, I don't understand why lifting it with the loader is easier than backing up onto the car hauler and disconnect it. Maybe I'm paranoid but I see a lot more risk in lifting it.

 

[ayak]

His utility trailer would certainly haul the backhoe but wouldn't be big enough to back the tractor up and remove the backhoe on the trailer. I think that'd be easy on the car hauler.

Speaking of, I don't understand why lifting it with the loader is easier than backing up onto the car hauler and disconnect it. Maybe I'm paranoid but I see a lot more risk in lifting it.

Lifting it with the 2501 and getting it onto the trailer would likely be a struggle for the 525 FEL—the BH77 itself is gonna be closing in on 900#, plus the weight of whatever you’re using attached to the FEL—(ie. forks). At the very least, you’d be on full-rectal pucker the entire time.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

In the end, it'll be a 'what are you comfortable and SAFE' in moving the BH. The FEL should lift it,but if you've unhooked the BH several times, maybe it's safer to drive up and unload it ?
Which ever option you choose ,just go slow and be careful.

 

[Virtual Guy]

Thanks everyone. My abundance of caution is why I'm here seeking input. Im not trying to make a YouTube video out of this.

I think I'll plan to drive up and unload it but also have all the straps and such handy in case that becomes sketchy.

Shouldn't this be the buyer's problem or is it just me?

 

[D2Cat]

If you back your tractor on his trailer be sure to have some support under the rear lip of the trailer where the ramps attach to make sure his truck remains stable with the weight of everything.

 

[DustyRusty]

It is the buyer's problem unless you told him that you would help load it. If anything should go wrong after it is loaded, then he might come back on you. I would set it on the ground, and let him call a wrecker to load it, and keep yourself out of the loading and tieing it down. I have seen all too often that when something goes wrong, they blame the seller.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Every year I'd 'help load' , 1200+# giant pumpkins. I learned REAL fast to ONLY lift them, get the guy to backup his trailer under it just right, then lower it. Always used 2 hands to SLOWLY lower it too ! Never had an accident. ANY miscalculation on rigging or tractor driving can be painful and costly.

 

[ACDII]

Putting it on the trailer is no issue, let the driver secure it. Never help secure someone elses load. Ultimately, the responsibility IS on the driver, regardless of who ties the load down. All you have to do is find out where HE wants it put on the trailer, then place it there and back away. If something happens, you are in the clear.

 

[Virtual Guy]

Putting it on the trailer is no issue, let the driver secure it. Never help secure someone elses load. Ultimately, the responsibility IS on the driver, regardless of who ties the load down. All you have to do is find out where HE wants it put on the trailer, then place it there and back away. If something happens, you are in the clear.

Thanks everyone. I told him very clearly before he came here that I would put it on the trailer but he was responsible for making sure it was safe to tow. The good news is that he came and got it and made it home just fine. I have my money back for the backhoe and he has a new toy

 

[TX Chris]

Thanks everyone. I told him very clearly before he came here that I would put it on the trailer but he was responsible for making sure it was safe to tow. The good news is that he came and got it and made it home just fine. I have my money back for the backhoe and he has a new toy

So how did you end up loading it on the trailer? Can't just leave us hanging.

 

[Virtual Guy]

So how did you end up loading it on the trailer? Can't just leave us hanging.

Sorry about that! I turned off notifications for this thread and didn't realize there was another question.

I backed the tractor as far as I could onto the trailer and disconnected the backhoe. I left the tractor on the trailer to remove the subframe just for convenience of having it off the ground. Other than trouble breaking some bolts loose on the subframe (no room for my impact) it was a pretty flawless operation.

So far there's only been one occasion where I wished I still had the backhoe. No doubt there will be more to come