Tractor and Backhoe Attachments

Match the attachment to the carrying machine

Implements and drivelines that adapt a machine to a job fill this aisle, and each is only as good as its match to the machine carrying it. Backhoe thumbs are sized to the bucket and the stick; weld-on versions need a competent welder and the right tooth spacing, while hydraulic thumbs also need an auxiliary hydraulic circuit with enough pressure. Hay spears mount to a loader or a three-point hitch and must be sized for the bale weight and the machine's lift capacity, because a load beyond the rating shifts the tractor's balance and puts the operator at risk.

PTO slip clutches: power rating, shaft end and speed

A power take-off (PTO) slip clutch protects the driveline from shock loads by slipping when an implement jams. Choose one whose horsepower range and torque rating match the implement, then check the ends: the bore must match the shaft diameter, such as 1-3/8 inches, and the fitting style. Tractor PTOs run at a standard 540 or 1000 rpm, so the clutch must be rated for that speed. Keep every guard in place, since a spinning shaft is a serious entanglement hazard.

Questions about Tractor and Backhoe Attachments

What is a backhoe thumb used for?

A thumb is a fixed or hinged jaw mounted on the stick opposite the bucket, letting the machine grip logs, rocks, pipe and debris rather than scoop them. Fixed weld-on thumbs are simple and strong, while hydraulic ones open and close on command but need an auxiliary hydraulic circuit.

How do I size a hay spear?

The spear must be long enough to pierce the bale without bending, and its rated capacity should exceed the bale weight with margin. Check that your loader or hitch can lift that weight at the spear's reach, not only at its rating.

What does a PTO slip clutch protect against?

It limits the torque passed to an implement, slipping when the implement jams so that the tractor's driveline and the implement's gearbox are not damaged. Match its torque rating to the implement, and follow the maker's advice on adjusting and servicing the friction plates.