The 260B Backhoe was designed to have best-in-class features priced competitively with the various backhoes in its class in the marketplace. Competitive units were tested and benchmarked to ensure that John Deere provided the right product at the right price.

The following list is a high-level overview of the features that are discussed throughout this content:

• Mid-mower deck compatible to allow for compounding of equipment to save operator's time
• Durable subframe, which gives strength and rigidity to the tractor frame and transmission
• Protective rubber boots on backhoe controls
• Tool-free installation/removal in a matter of minutes (once initially installed)
• 20-cm (8-in.), 31-cm (12-in.), and 41-cm (16-in.) trenching bucket choices with bolt-on, replaceable digging teeth, as well as a ripper option
• Optional kits such as rubber street pads for stabilizer feet
• Optional mechanical and hydraulic backhoe thumb available to lift heavy logs and piles of brush

The 260B Backhoe has been designed with maximum operator comfort in mind. The features listed below will keep the operator comfortable all day long when working on various projects.

• A strong 3-point stance can be maintained when mounting and dismounting the backhoe using the rollover protective structure (ROPS) grab handle, the console grab handle, and the large boarding step mounted to the stabilizer arm.
• High-back seat provides more operator comfort during longer work hours.
• Stabilizers, boom and swing locks are accessible from the operator’s seat and have a built-in storage location when the backhoe is in use.
• Operator platform with non-slip grips are provided.
• All controls are in an ergonomically comfortable position and are easily reachable from within the operator platform when in the backhoe position.

The 260B Backhoe is designed so the backhoe can be removed in under 5 minutes with no tools needed (once initially installed). Instructions are also conveniently placed on the rear of the backhoe to assist with installing and removing the backhoe.  The instructions below are an abbreviated version of what can be found in the operator's manual for installation and removal.

NOTE: The instructions below are for reference only and should not be used for actual installing and removing the backhoe. The operator's manual gives a more complete and proper set of instructions.

Installation

1. Back up tractor to within 20 cm (8 in.) from backhoe
2. Park tractor
3. Connect power beyond system
4. Remove backhoe boom-lock pin
5. Back tractor closer to backhoe and use backhoe control levers to align backhoe frame with backhoe mounts on tractor
   • Use stabilizer controls to raise and lower stabilizers as needed to position notches in backhoe frame above mount hooks
   • Use stabilizers to lower hooks on notches on the back of tractor
   • Use boom control to raise boom into back of tractor and install pins to secure backhoe to tractor
6. Use pins to secure backhoe to tractor
7. Machine is now ready for use

Removal

1. Lower stabilizers to a few inches from the ground
2. Center boom and install swing-locking pin
3. Remove boom-locking pin if installed
4. Extend dipper stick and lower boom
5. Rotate bucket until top edge is parallel with ground
6. Use boom control lever to lower and place slight down pressure on backhoe
7. Remove pins from backhoe mounts
8. Use backhoe controls to lower backhoe toward the ground
9. Use stabilizer controls to lift backhoe off lower mounting notches
10. Lower backhoe to ground
11. Disconnect hydraulic hoses and close connection on the tractor and backhoe side
12. Drive away for tractor use

Change between 3-point hitch and backhoe

Removal of the 3-point hitch components is required for the 260B Backhoe installation. The entire 3-point hitch is easily removed. No special tools or adjustments are needed.

The subframe provides strength to the tractor frame and transmission housing to ensure the integrity of the tractor is not compromised by the forces generated by the backhoe.

The subframe is fully mid-mower deck compatible, regardless of which mower lift system is used. Please see that section of the Sales Manual for more details.

NOTE: Tire chains are not compatible with backhoe subframe installed.

Grab handles

Grab handles provide the operator with extra support when getting on and off the backhoe.

Power beyond hydraulics

Power beyond hydraulics are required on the tractor to run the 260B Backhoe as the kit provides continuous flow to the backhoe.

The power beyond kit for the tractor is not included in the sub-frame attachment and needs to be ordered separately.