Thanks for the heads-up! I'm new to this and I'm checking out a used John Deere 250 to help with some drainage work on my property. How tricky is it to install a subframe on a 250? And are there certain brands or models that fit better or are easier to work with?I'm stepping into an old convo here and I see you have received some conflicting advice. I hope you haven't made a purchase yet based on the early information.
Putting a backhoe on a skid steer using only the universal quick attach plate is generally not recommended for any serious digging. The prying and swinging forces from a backhoe are completely different than lifting forces and will put extreme stress on your loader arms and quick attach pins, leading to damage. Most proper backhoe units for a machine of your 250's size require a separate subframe that bolts directly to the rear of the skid steer's chassis. You use the quick attach plate to lift and mount the backhoe onto that subframe but the subframe is what bears the actual working load.
Can you tell us the brand and model of the universal backhoe you are looking to purchase?
I'm stepping into an old convo here and I see you have received some conflicting advice. I hope you haven't made a purchase yet based on the early information.
Putting a backhoe on a skid steer using only the universal quick attach plate is generally not recommended for any serious digging. The prying and swinging forces from a backhoe are completely different than lifting forces and will put extreme stress on your loader arms and quick attach pins, leading to damage. Most proper backhoe units for a machine of your 250's size require a separate subframe that bolts directly to the rear of the skid steer's chassis. You use the quick attach plate to lift and mount the backhoe onto that subframe but the subframe is what bears the actual working load.
Can you tell us the brand and model of the universal backhoe you are looking
Installing a subframe is a manageable job if you're mechanically inclined but it's not a quick task. It often requires an engine hoist to support the backhoe while you align everything to the chassis. As for brands, the OEM attachment made for the 250 is the simplest for fitment. Aftermarket brands like Bradco make quality units but you must verify the subframe is an exact match for your machine's frame.Thanks for the heads-up! I'm new to this and I'm checking out a used John Deere 250 to help with some drainage work on my property. How tricky is it to install a subframe on a 250? And are there certain brands or models that fit better or are easier to work with?