Trying to Rube Goldberg a rear hitch for BX23D w/backhoe attached

Tractor Gal

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BX23D MLB
Oct 30, 2020
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Here's the scenario: I have a BX23D MLB. Taking the backhoe on/off is quite a project for me even if I have the backhoe dolly, so while it's not the most favored set up, I plan to leave the backhoe on the tractor during the summer. During the summer season, I like to use a pull-behind sprayer for the pasture and the lawn and a manure spreader once in a while. I need a way to pull these with the backhoe mounted.

Heavy Hitch claims they have a 2" receiver that will bolt onto the BX and not interfere with the backhoe. (I will confirm this with them before buying.) But...I will need an extension from the hitch extending past the backhoe. That measurement is about 48". There are extensions of that length. As I look at them, there is a collar on one end for added strength, they say, with a drilled hole to attach either a ball or a pin to pull something. The other end...which I gather would go into the receiver does not have a hole for a pin...at least that I can see. I guess the user has to drill a hole to secure that end with a pin.

2" box tubing is sold by the foot. Thickness varies but some say 11 ga other show 1/4" Wouldn't that work just as well for this application? Could the length of the tubing be a problem ? I'd have to calculate the tongue weight for both the sprayer and the spreader. It would not be huge but I don't have specs. There would be a downward angle from the implements to the hitch which would increase the tongue weight. Bending the square tube with the weight? I don't know yet.

Or...which is my usual...give it a try and see how it works! :) I'd rather be more likely to invest in the parts if there's a good chance it will work.

Members on this board are quite creative and have experience with things like this. If anyone has time to speculate with me, I'd love to hear ideas. Thanks for helping.

Tractor Gal
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Try these threads for more answers and options.


 

GreensvilleJay

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here's what I did, it's version 2 point oh. Actually moves my empty 6by10 tandem dump very easily.
takes 30 seconds to install.. hard to see ,but there's 'hooks' that are in bucket to keep units 'solid'.Not fancy or store bought, just scrap laying about.

the problem with a 4' long bar in a 2" receiver is that when you put trailer onto it, it'll probably bend down and touch the ground ! I have one of those official 'bed extenders' and had it dragging when loaded up with few 100#s of steel sheet. same 'math' as pallet forks don't lift much 3' out from loader....
 

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Tractor Gal

Active member

Equipment
BX23D MLB
Oct 30, 2020
524
176
43
NC
Try these threads for more answers and options.


Thanks for the reminder about earlier posts. I did see and read those when it was discussed. One of my problems is that I don't weld. I'm trying to do something simple...maybe there isn't such an animal...rarely is! :)

TG
 

Tractor Gal

Active member

Equipment
BX23D MLB
Oct 30, 2020
524
176
43
NC
here's what I did, it's version 2 point oh. Actually moves my empty 6by10 tandem dump very easily.
takes 30 seconds to install.. hard to see ,but there's 'hooks' that are in bucket to keep units 'solid'.Not fancy or store bought, just scrap laying about.

the problem with a 4' long bar in a 2" receiver is that when you put trailer onto it, it'll probably bend down and touch the ground ! I have one of those official 'bed extenders' and had it dragging when loaded up with few 100#s of steel sheet. same 'math' as pallet forks don't lift much 3' out from loader....
Your device looks wonderful, Greensville,Jay. I don't think I could make one of those.

And, having the 4' bar touch the ground...I was thinking of that after posting. Good catch. Maybe I could use some pipe strapping or some kind of chain set up to go around the bucket and under the 4' extension. Then, I suppose there would be trouble with turns. A woman can dream, can't she? :)

Thanks for replies.

TG
 

Tractor Gal

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BX23D MLB
Oct 30, 2020
524
176
43
NC
Maybe I'm getting somewhere...HF has a step bumper receiver. Specs say 14" wide X 7" deep. I may be able to work with this and keep Rube Goldberg alive without welding! :)


5000 lbs. Step Bumper Receiver




Tractor Gal
 

rc51stierhoff

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Good day.

Is the purpose for the hitch to pull a trailer or cart? Or something else?

If so is pushing a trailer or cart an option (ie front hitch on the bucket)?

Maybe that’s been considered? I’m only mentioning as I understood you might like to leave the BH installed. Just a thought.
 

Tractor Gal

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Equipment
BX23D MLB
Oct 30, 2020
524
176
43
NC
Good day.

Is the purpose for the hitch to pull a trailer or cart? Or something else?

If so is pushing a trailer or cart an option (ie front hitch on the bucket)?

Maybe that’s been considered? I’m only mentioning as I understood you might like to leave the BH installed. Just a thought.
Good day.

Is the purpose for the hitch to pull a trailer or cart? Or something else?

If so is pushing a trailer or cart an option (ie front hitch on the bucket)?

Maybe that’s been considered? I’m only mentioning as I understood you might like to leave the BH installed. Just a thought.
It's kind of you to offer suggestions. Pushing won't work in this case. I would like to pull a 30 gallon boom sprayer that runs off the 12V battery of the tractor and a small estate sized manure spreader. They would not be especially heavy but would have some weight, of course. The pasture is approximately 3 1/2 acres so it takes some time to spray it all. Manure spreader is a small, wooden sprayer, kept under cover...maybe 25 bushels? I think that's how they measure those. I know...too much detail!

Keep thinking! We may come up with something before long. :) Thanks again.

Tractor Gal
 
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rc51stierhoff

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Sep 13, 2021
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It's kind of you to offer suggestions. Pushing won't work in this case. I would like to pull a 30 gallon boom sprayer that runs off the 12V battery of the tractor and a small estate sized manure spreader. They would not be especially heavy but would have some weight, of course. The pasture is approximately 3 1/2 acres so it takes some time to spray it all. Manure spreader is a small, wooden sprayer, kept under cover...maybe 25 bushels? I think that's how they measure those. I know...too much detail!

Keep thinking! We may come up with something before long. :) Thanks again.

Tractor Gal
Gotcha…good luck.
 

GreensvilleJay

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Equipment
BX23-S,57 A-C D-14,58 A-C D-14, 57 A-C D-14,tiller,cults,Millcreek 25G spreader,
Apr 2, 2019
11,859
5,143
113
Greensville,Ontario,Canada
hmm, the receiver and 4' 'extension' will work IF you support it from the bucket. You'll have to keep it from moving 'left-right' though ! maybe use a chain 'crisscrossed' to limit movement to 1" or less?
heck, even 2by4s cut and screwed together, 'as required' will work
 

6869704x4

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Maybe I'm getting somewhere...HF has a step bumper receiver. Specs say 14" wide X 7" deep. I may be able to work with this and keep Rube Goldberg alive without welding! :)


5000 lbs. Step Bumper Receiver




Tractor Gal
Thinking about bolting this to the bottom of the bucket?
 

Tractor Gal

Active member

Equipment
BX23D MLB
Oct 30, 2020
524
176
43
NC
Thinking about bolting this to the bottom of the bucket?
No, I'm going to try to use U bolts to attach vertical 2 X 4's and then figure out a way to attach them to the top of the dipperstick somehow. It's a non-welded Greensvillejay device! Right now I'm just thinking. It's cold and I haven't done any measuring or looking at the actual backhoe yet.

I wouldn't want that on the bottom of the bucket as I believe it would compromise the use of the bucket! I don't think I would want anything attached/welded to the bucket for that same reason.

TG