3 point backhoe

[thebicman]

Don't want to get into any discussion on how a 3 point backhoe is dangerous or possibly breaking tractor. This post is for anyone who has doubts about getting one. Family neighbor has a backhoe that I used today for a simple sump pump trench. We hooked it up to the b2601, he has a Kioti CK25, so very similar in size. Practiced with the controls and then got to digging. The job could not have gave any smother. The bucket is 12" which makes it perfect for what I was doing and also it limits the amount you can dig. I was worried about all the horror stories of breaking the tractor in half or of the backhoe breaking the top link. I think because this is a smaller back hoe it may take longer but it did the job. If I was using a backhoe more then once every couple years then I might consider getting a backhoe with a subframe but for what I was doing it worked perfectly.

 

[torch]

I know that some models require a heavy-duty top-link bracket. Others require a FEL subframe be installed already. If your neighbour is willing to loan you his BH from time to time, it would be cheap insurance to install whatever bits that Kubota recommends for your particular model.

And throwing the neighbour a box of beer would be really cheap rental!

 

[Henro]

I know that some models require a heavy-duty top-link bracket. Others require a FEL subframe be installed already. If your neighbour is willing to loan you his BH from time to time, it would be cheap insurance to install whatever bits that Kubota recommends for your particular model.

And throwing the neighbour a box of beer would be really cheap rental!

^^^^^ THIS! ^^^^^

My B2910 has a heavy duty top link bracket for a reason ( 3PH backhoe) Perhaps yours should have one too.

Ripping you transmission case apart will likely cost you as much to have repaired as a backhoe attachment and heavy duty bracket would.

Beware...

 

[RCW]

20+ years ago a buddy busted the rear case of his new JD 4xxx tractor by using the backhoe he bought with it.

I wish I remember if 3PH or sub-frame mount. Long before I had any knowledge of the difference.....

But thinking back, the cracks I saw were in the area of the top link mount and quite severe.

As you said, you knew the potential. So maybe you operated accordingly.....and that's a good thing.

Maybe worth looking into a HD bracket for future uses/projects...you have a great neighbor!

The best part was you got the job done!

 

[SidecarFlip]

Failure comes when you start horsing things around, like moving the tractor with the backhoe or lifting the rear wheels completely off the ground with the BH stabilizer legs or dragging the tractor backwards with the BH.

So long as you use a BH attachment with some common sense, even a 3PH mount BH will work. It's when people get stupid that the transmission case breaks. I also know someone that happened to. Cost him over 7 grand and that was 15 years ago.

Tractor mounted BH's are LIGHT DUTY units. So long as you keep that in mind, there won't be any issues.

 

[old and tired]

Friend just put in 2x, 24" culverts with a 3ph backhoe and has done this other times with smaller ones. No heavy duty top link and no problems. He's retired so he has time to do it slow and not over work the backhoe.

Now, several years ago, we stripped out all the bolts out of a 3ph using an oversized backhoe (and being young and stupid). This was off a Nortrac bulldozer from Northern sTool. China's finest....

 

[torch]

Friend just put in 2x, 24" culverts with a 3ph backhoe and has done this other times with smaller ones. No heavy duty top link and no problems. He's retired so he has time to do it slow and not over work the backhoe.

I would compare it to putting a penny in the fusebox. Lots of people have done it, and lots of people got away with it -- for a while, anyway. But it's hard to predict exactly which house is going to burn down, and when.

Anyway, I have a 3ph backhoe. I find it remarkably capable. I installed a HD top link bracket on the tractor and can verify that there is a world of difference between the stock bracket and the HD bracket -- for MY model tractor. It is entirely possible that other brands and models are designed differently and do not require any modification. But having witnessed the forces that can be applied on that connection, I do strongly suggest installing such a bracket if recommended by the manufacturer.

I also wonder if the bad rap that 3ph backhoes have is due in part to ignoring such advice?

Anyway: your machine, your choice. I only ask that you do not blame the 3ph backhoe if the tractor was not suitably prepared per the manufacturer's recommendations.

 

[RCW]

Torch - - you made your bracket, correct?

 

[torch]

Yup. After careful study of Kubota's version.