BH4690

[Huggett]

Has anyone in the Midwest seen a BH4690recently or heard of one for sale? I’ve been looking for one. I saw a BL4690B didn’t know if that was the same. I have a L3000DT and was looking to do some light digging. Also are there other options for a 3pt backhoe that would work well?

 

[fried1765]

Has anyone in the Midwest seen a BH4690recently or heard of one for sale? I’ve been looking for one. I saw a BL4690B didn’t know if that was the same. I have a L3000DT and was looking to do some light digging. Also are there other options for a 3pt backhoe that would work well?

IMHO, a 3pt. backhoe is a very poor idea for any tractor!
There is much online information to support my opinion!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

IMHO, a 3pt. backhoe is a very poor idea for any tractor!
There is much online information to support my opinion!

This +1

I am sure there are exceptions, but I don't think I would risk turning my one piece tractor into a 2 piece model.

Someone posted a favorable experience using one of these a while back.

Anything beats using a shovel.

https://www.harborfreight.com/9-hp-towable-backhoe-62365.html

 

[Henro]

I used my 3PH BL4690 back hoe A LOT over the last 20 years or so, without any issues. BUT you need to make sure it is installed according to Kubota specifications. Mine was installed by the dealer.

Many people report horror stories about 3PH backhoes, but most of them seem to have no personal experience with a 3PH backhoe.

Given the choice, would I choose a subframe backhoe? Most certainly. But based on my personal experience a 3PH backhoe can be used for a long time, reliably, if installed properly.

"Installed properly" is the operative term...

 

[fried1765]

I used my 3PH BL4690 back hoe A LOT over the last 20 years or so, without any issues. BUT you need to make sure it is installed according to Kubota specifications. Mine was installed by the dealer.

Many people report horror stories about 3PH backhoes, but most of them seem to have no personal experience with a 3PH backhoe.

Given the choice, would I choose a subframe backhoe? Most certainly. But based on my personal experience a 3PH backhoe can be used for a long time, reliably, if installed properly.

"Installed properly" is the operative term...

From one time "abuse", with a 3 pt. hoe, can come a $5K+ repair bill, or.....even a junk tractor.

 

[Henro]

From one time "abuse", with a 3 pt. hoe, can come a $5K+ repair bill, or.....even a junk tractor.

All I can report is I never babied mine and dug a lot of big stumps with it, among other things over the years.

I’m not promoting three-point hitch backhoes by any means. A frame mounted back has to be a much better solution. Just trying to say my personal experience over two decades has not been negative. Seems like most who warn about the dangers of using a 3PH backhoe have never owned one or damaged a tractor with one.

 

[fried1765]

All I can report is I never babied mine and dug a lot of big stumps with it, among other things over the years.

I’m not promoting three-point hitch backhoes by any means. A frame mounted back has to be a much better solution. Just trying to say my personal experience over two decades has not been negative. Seems like most who warn about the dangers of using a 3PH backhoe have never owned one or damaged a tractor with one.

You are correct, in my case.
I have never owned one, but there are more than a few reported horror stories/pictures.
THAT is why I have never owned one!

 

[Henro]

You are correct, in my case.
I have never owned one, but there are more than a few reported horror stories/pictures.
THAT is why I have never owned one!

Naturally I have an interest in the subject, since I have a 3PH backhoe. But honestly, I think I have only seen one or two reports of tractor damage due to a 3PH backhoe over the years. Anyway certainly not ten reports, which is not many considering how many such backhoes have been sold.

And there is always the question if the installation was done properly or not. For example, my tractor requires a heavy duty top link bracket to replace the standard one. Don't use one, and you risk pulling out a piece of the back of the tractor gear case.

I would love to read some if you have links to any. I don't but wish I would have saved those reports...but I didn't so water over the dam...

 

[fried1765]

Naturally I have an interest in the subject, since I have a 3PH backhoe. But honestly, I think I have only seen one or two reports of tractor damage due to a 3PH backhoe over the years. Anyway certainly not ten reports, which is not many considering how many such backhoes have been sold.

And there is always the question if the installation was done properly or not. For example, my tractor requires a heavy duty top link bracket to replace the standard one. Don't use one, and you risk pulling out a piece of the back of the tractor gear case.

I would love to read some if you have links to any. I don't but wish I would have saved those reports...but I didn't so water over the dam...

Those documented instances are out there, but I have never saved any of that information, because it does not pertain to me.