[AT] Three Point Backhoe

[Will Powell]

There are many types of 3pt backhoes. 

I have a Mcconnel Backhoe on my D17. Its heavy. Would not fit on my WD. Purchased a used 3pt hitch a while ago that bolted on and also fit into the snap coupler. The backhoe is only anchored by gravity. Later versions of the Mcconnel had a ram that pushed down on the hitch arms for some down force. It's great for light work but pushes the tractor all over the place on heavy loads. Also, the Traction Boost gets engaged sometimes and the D17 starts to lift the backhoe. Mcconnel got away from backhoes and moved into booms with mower decks. Parts are unavailable. Every so often it bursts a hose and I have to get a new one fabricated. 

Yes, it is tough on the 3 point hitch and occasionally it breaks retaining pins on the arm supports. Also, the design of the return tank and hose is right next to the hitch so I often slash the line spilling more fluid. 

I think if I had to do it all over again I would go out and find an old backhoe and skip the 3 point hitch setup. 

Mcconnel Backhoe 
http://williampowell.net/images/implements/mconlbk.jpg 

3pt hitch 
http://williampowell.net/fullhtm/D17page/D17Ser13pt2.htm 

Picture of my father standing next to the D17 with backhoe attached. 
http://williampowell.net/Frames/MainACFrame.htm 

Regards, 

Will Powell 
AC D17, WD, WC, C, CA, G 





----- Original Message -----
From: "Herb Metz" <metz-h.b at comcast.net> 
To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com> 
Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2012 5:03:55 AM 
Subject: Re: [AT] Three Point Backhoe 


Mike, that Struck Magnatrac unit is a bit unusual looking, but very 
functional looking; especially the rear stabilizers. 
I picked up a 3pt backhoe; hope to mount it sometime on a D14 Allis 
Chalmers. Will use the 3pt linkage, but sure planned some additional 
sturdier supports. Herb 

-----Original Message----- 
From: Mike Sloane 
Sent: Tuesday, July 24, 2012 5:37 PM 
To: Antique tractor email discussion group 
Subject: Re: [AT] Three Point Backhoe 

The size and weight of those things are all over the place, Don. I have 
seen little ones hooked up to compact diesel tractors and big ones 
mounted on Ford 3550 industrial machines. Figure on at least 2000 lbs 
for a large unit, and you will be safe. As far as power, it doesn't take 
a lot of hp to run a backhoe - I had one on a Stuck Magnatrac that did 
fine with only the 20 hp B&S twin running it. 
<http://public.fotki.com/mikesloane/other_machinery/mtrac4k2a.html> 

One point to remember is that a three point mounted backhoe can beat the 
living s**t out of the hitch and tractor, unless it is rigidly mounted 
to the rear end with brackets. The three point hitch isn't really 
designed for that kind of activity. If all you are doing is cleaning a 
ditch, it will probably be fine. But if you are excavating in rocky 
soil, it will be hard on your machine. 

Mike 

On 7/24/2012 4:35 PM, Don Bowen wrote: 
> I am about to borrow one from a friend. Does anyone know about how much 
> they weigh and how much power is needed? 
> 


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