3 pt backhoe

randy1 · Aug 23, 2020

thinking about putting a 3pt pto driven backhoe on my jd 301a since I sold my big hoe. anyone used 1 thoughts biggest job would be burry a horse

Fawteen · Aug 23, 2020

You'll get about as many opinions as posts. Almost as bad as an electrical, oil or trailering post. "8^)

I ran a 3PH backhoe on my JD750 for many many years. Is it ideal? Nope. Is it useful? Absolutely.

You just have to realize that it's not intended to be a construction-grade backhoe. It's not as powerful, not as rugged and certainly not as fast as a dedicated hoe. But if you take smaller bites and don't try to dig stumps up with it, you'll be fine.

Mine was right on the 3PH and it did, after 20 years, cause some issues with stresses on the transmission and rearend due to the way it mounted. Just some stretched bolts and minor leaks, easily fixable, but a sub-frame mounted hoe is the way to go.

Also, there are two major ways to supply the hydraulics. A pto-driven pump and a hoe with it's own hydraulic tank is FAR superior to a hoe driven by power-beyond hydraulics on the tractor. More power, less stress on the tractor's pump and plumbing.

Pete-IN · Aug 23, 2020

I had one and hooking it up to 3 point hitch by myself was terrible job. Nothing like hooking up to a bush hog or grader blade. It was great for digging holes. I would not try to tear down a building with it.

dogwalkin · Aug 23, 2020

Beats a shovel...

showcrop · Aug 23, 2020

I had one for a number of years. I got good use out of it. As Fawteen said get the PTO pump.

RayP(MI) · Aug 23, 2020

I have a Woods. Fairly large, 6' digging depth, 24" bucket. Very well constructed, heavy duty, and a heavy unit. Will really give my MF 180 a battle. PTO pump, and I run tractor barely above idle. Any more, and I may not be able to control it. Give it good marks for everything, but wish it had some mounting brackets. Speaking of mounting, I have learned to hook up lower links and pump, then use hydraulics to move unit around to position (fixed) top link. Be very careful to block unit up when removing, so in proper position to reattach.

JDIH · Aug 23, 2020

Pretty much what everyone else said. Not something you want to dig a pond or run an excavating business with, but they work great for what you're wanting.

Heartless · Aug 23, 2020

not a 3 pt per se.. but a fully self contained, PTO driven unit with the subframe mount.. This is a Sherman F8 model.
Does a pretty good job - has about a 10-12 ft reach

moresmoke · Aug 23, 2020

Spent many hours on a Long 3pt hoe when I was younger. First job I ever did with it, Dad took it out set it up and had me dig a hole for a dead goat. In no time I had a hole big enough for an elephant. As someone else said, it’s not an excavator, but better than a shovel.

Billy NY · Aug 23, 2020

They are good for a multitude of tasks, not as robust as what you probably just sold, but still pretty decent for light work.
Last one I ran was on a Kioti compact tractor and it did the work I needed it to, was a good fit for the job it was rented for. The only thing I did not like was that you had best be careful when swinging extreme left or right, very close to ones knees! The other thing was that to advance further along when digging a trench, you have to get out of the seat of the hoe and go to the tractor seat to move the tractor. I did not try to use the hoe like I do on my 555C ford, whereas I can use the hoe to push the tractor along, can reach the controls, steering wheel etc. Full frame/subframe is a must.

3 pt backhoe

randy1

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Fawteen

Well-known Member

Pete-IN

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dogwalkin

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showcrop

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RayP(MI)

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JDIH

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Heartless

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moresmoke

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Billy NY

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