Adding a backhoe.

[Missouribound]

I"ll try not to get too long winded with this question.
I have a B2320 that I am very happy with. But I would like to add a backhoe to the machine without breaking the bank. I know the factory backhoe was the BH65 and that a few companies make them as well.
So here are my questions.
There are a few 3 point backhoes that would fit my Cat 1 machine......are these something I should look at? I would prefer something I could attach, use and detach without too big of a hassle and one of these with a PTO powered pump seems to fit that bill. I have also read a lot of negatives about these types putting undo strain on the 3 point upper mount.......but read of instances where people have used them for decades with absolutely no issues. (My Kubota dealer actually said that Kubota offered 3 point backhoes for a period of time)
I have also seen what is referred to as "4 point" backhoes that also use the PTO pumps. The ones I have seen apparently use the tractors receiver to help support the machine, taking some of the strain off of the top link. Is this a better direction to look in?
And then there is the backhoe that would take a frame mounting kit, not unlike the factory installation. I do not know if those use a PTO pump or not, but if so that would allow me to install the backhoe without altering my existing hydraulic system. Is that a good option?
So any advice, any experiences you want to share with me would be appreciated.
Keep in mind that this is for a small residence and the work would be fairly light duty and limited to chores rather than construction. I actually considered a towable machine but I think that may be more of a pain to move and operate than an attached rig.
Oh well........

 

[mikester]

If saving money is a priority I'd recommend renting a machine when you need a hoe. If you regularly need a lot of work done as part of a business I'd get a mini-ex. A cheap 3PH BH means expensive tractor repairs in my books.

 

[torch]

I have a Kubota 3ph backhoe (BL4572). Kubota stipulates 2 caveats: There must be a complete FEL both for stability and also for the reinforcement provided by the subframe; and the top link bracket must be replaced with a HD version. The HD top link brackets are model-specific.

Unlike other 3ph implements, my Kubota 3ph backhoe does not use a traditional tubular top link. Instead, the machine attaches with a rigid 1" x 4" solid steel bar (Kubota calls it the "mast ear") at the top. It attaches to the HD TL bracket with 2 hardened pins, so there is no rotation possible at either end of the mast ear -- it cannot be raised or lowered.

The lower end does attach to the lift arms, but they are trapped by another piece of heavy steel that catches them underneath the mid-point. (Picture a long board carried over your forearm and under your armpit.) Once the outriggers are deployed, this "3ph limiter" bar takes up any slop in the upper pin mounting.

The whole thing is very closely coupled to the rear of the tractor; the lift arms connect under the stabilizer pivots, nestling the operators station, pump and reservoir between them and minimizing leverage. So close that the seats are an interference fit -- one or the other must be flipped up, they cannot both be down simultaneously.

The design of the backhoe swing pivot is also a bit different than most. Rotational force is applied by a pair of chains that wrap around the pivot, rather than direct connection of the swing cylinders. This keeps the pivot point very close to the tractor as well.

In short, the thing is very well engineered to distribute the forces applied to the tractor. It's really kind of a hybrid -- while it uses most of the elements of the 3ph, it is not a "pure" 3ph mount compared to other implements. I have not come across any reports of a Kubota 3ph backhoe causing damage to a tractor. I would consider it to be the "gold standard" one should apply when considering any other 3ph mounted design.

 

[Missouribound]

Thank you for that information Torch.

 

[D2Cat]

Depending on how much you would actually use the BH, how much money you're thinking of spending for the project, etc. I point you in the direction of a separate piece of equipment. Look for a Ditch Witch 2300. It's a nimble machine with BH on the front with a 4 way backfill blade, and digging boom on the back. That handles all digging chores without using the tractor.

You could also just buy a Ditch Witch BH. Their BH's attach with 4 bolts. Bigger the hoe, the bigger the bolts!! Hook up the hyd. lines and go digging. Of course you'd have to adapt it to your tractor, but the units are all inclusive....seat and outriggers if required.

I did a quick ebay search and found this as an example. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ditch-Witc...469996?hash=item46b7545cac:g:rxoAAOSw5d9fhFd9