Safe top link for 3 pt. backhoe

andy r · Apr 18, 2022

I purchased a 3 pt. backhoe that all ready has the fabricated top link that will not let the backhoe raise up and fold into the back of the tractor. Yes, I do know the short comings of 3 pt. backhoes. Will be used to dig up an occasional broken tile, put in a waterline, and small things like that. Here is my question. If the top link is basically rigid keeping the backhoe from raising that means it keeps the backhoe from dropping. Once the backhoe is hooked up what do you do with the 3 pt. hitch lever in the tractor? Do you push it all the way down in low position. You certainly would not want the 3 pt. hitch to try to raise or even try to continually fight with the top link. A rising 3 pt. hitch with this kind of top link is going to break something whether it is the backhoe, the top link, or maybe the tractor.

centash · Apr 18, 2022

I have one similar. Lower the lift arms til the backhoe sits level, about a foot off the ground. Lock the 3 point in that position. Mine has an adjutable link like a big turnbuckle that is securely fastened to the drawbar of the tractor and to the back end of the hoes top link. Tighten this turnbuckle so it's under compression. This will keep the hoes steady once you lower the stabilizers. Mine is on a 60 hp tractor, designed for 30 to 70 hp tractor. Works great for replacing field tile, digging foundations etc. 18 inch bucket, can dig about 7 feet deep.

Ben

andy r · Apr 18, 2022

So you are saying that the 3 pt. is still holding the backhoe up? When you say lock the 3 pt. in position do you mean like sliding knobs you can tighten to hold the lever in one position? Thanks.

paul · Apr 19, 2022

There is a little slop in the linkages.

With the control all the way down your backhoe will sag down a little behind the tractor.

With the control up of course the hyd will fight and overheat the oil as it bypasses constantly trying to lift the arms.

But you can find a spot in between where the arms are lifting the backhoe a little bit keeping it level, but not fighting to lift it any higher.

Just take the sag out of the backhoe, without trying to lift it more that it should.

Paul

cjunrau · Apr 19, 2022

My 3 point hoe is hooked up like any other 3pt equipment. I drop the 3 point to the ground and put down the outriggers when I want to dig
When I trench I keep the hand brake on on the tractor while digging. Just release when I move back a bit. Have never had trouble with anything and not sure why anybody would want to ad that extra bar
I know some people that have added a chain to the draw bar and lift against it with the outriggers
I dont and have no issues.

BarnyardEngineering · Apr 19, 2022

It's not an "extra" bar. There are still only 3 bars.

The top bar being rigidly mounted to the backhoe frame takes out one source of slop, prevents the backhoe from lifting/jumping, and eliminates the possibility of the backhoe going "over center" on the top link and tipping backwards into the tractor.

Maybe this hasn't happened to you, but it has happened to someone, otherwise it would not be designed that way.

As for where to set the 3pt control, you need to "feel" for where it is supporting the weight of the backhoe without trying to lift against the rigid link.

I have a discbine that hangs from the lower link arms of the 3pt with a chain to the toplink. You "feel" out where the chain is tight but not supporting all the weight. It's not difficult.

Safe top link for 3 pt. backhoe

andy r

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centash

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andy r

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paul

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cjunrau

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BarnyardEngineering

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