OT: Back Hoe

I have been told that some of the older models with a fair amount of life left in them can be purchased in the $3k-$5k range.

Is this $ amount realistic?
What features should I look for.
What manufacturer is a good one to go with.

Thanks.

Sal

What model tractor(s) do you have? You might be better off to get a three point hitch mounted backhoe. I have a Woods 750 that I use with my Ford 3000. When I don't need the hoe I take it off and use the 3000 for other chores. You need to match the size of your tractor with the hoe size. There are several TPH hoe makes, so you have a selection that should give you a match.

Regards,
Larry

When I heard 3-5k for something decent I thought I would look into it...and that's where I am.

Thanks.

-Sal

I went to the woods site and saw their three point hitch mounted backhoes with their own reservoir and PTO attached pump - very nice.

However I saw that the weight was in excess of 1100 pounds. I thought that the N could lift about 800 pounds on the hitch - do you have to chain your backhoe in the up position?

Yea, that 750 looks big, however the woods 6500 is, per woods website, for a cat 1 three point hitch, 540 rpm pto, 15-35 horsepower tractor. Now, when that large pile of money falls from the sky, I know what I will get.

Also, do you need any extra weight on the front of the tractor during transport with the backhoe? If memory serves, the 9/2/8N weighs about 2600#. Accordingly, the 1000# on the back, close to the rear axle, should improve drive traction, and lighten up the steering.

But how light? I drove a case 850 one weekend with a loader and backhoe on it, and if I went forward too quickly, I could make the front wheels come off the ground and stay up for while.

On my 3000 I have 100# on the bumper right now, but have used the hoe before I put it on. With the weight on the front, I have NO problem with the front being too light.

I bought my 750 new. $$ouch!! But like almost every other tool I have bought and used, it would have been cheep at half again as much as I paid ($5000+) for all the things I have/can do with it. I had to put in almost 400' of well line, and repair the line from the septic tank to the distribution box. 'Cause I had the hoe I got to do these tasks on my own schedule, not a contractors!

Have you looked at some of the other hoe manufactures? Think there are some a bit smaller than the Woods that could be a better fit to the 8N.

• Previous post.

There are also kit/plans for building your own. A Google search on backhoe found www.ubuilditplans.com which has plans for a self powered unit that I think could be adapted for a TPH and I am pretty sure Cadplans has a hoe.

To add to what raytasch said, the 750 can easily pull my 3000 around. It is a strange feeling when you try to pull up something that won't come, and the rear of the tractor "squats" down from the load. He is probably right about the need for a sub frame. A TPH hoe hangs ALL its' weight PLUS the digging load off the top link rocker! That is why the Woods replacement for the rocker is REALLY heavy duty! In the earlier thread, allen, who has a 750 on an 8N, turns out to have made up a reenforcing "bracket" (for lack of a better description) to take the load off the rocker. Also, as I remember the real differences between the 650 and 750 (and their newer versions) is JUST the reach/depth/height maximums since the boom/dipper stick are shorter - thus the hoe is lighter. But the digging forces are essentially the same since they both use the same size cylinders and hydraulic pressure.

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I went back to the woods website and saw the 6500 (78" depth) weighs 950 lbs.

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