Backhoes | 385A Backhoe | John Deere US

Features

Backhoe performance

To ensure optimum performance, the tractor's hydraulic flow and increased system pressure are matched with the backhoe's system enhancing the digging force and overall performance.

This backhoe has several features that make it best in class when put on the proper tractors.

Key features include:

Valve spools have machined-metering grooves to allow smooth operation and precise control of several functions
Improved feel and feathering capabilities
Strong subframe to ensure the tractor frame can handle the forces created from digging and transporting
Buckets are state of the art, designed for optimum productivity; Buckets available in 9-, 12-, 16-, 20-, 24-, and 18- heavy-duty
Custom thumb allows movement of large and/or uneven shaped objects
Mid-mount mower compatibility
3-point hitch arms can remain on the tractor when backhoe is installed

Tractor backhoe hookup

485A Backhoe

The backhoe's mainframe fits into rear mounting brackets installed on the tractor. This provides the following important features:

Vertical or side-to-side movement is virtually eliminated, providing more stability. The design of the mainframe also positions the entire backhoe close to the tractor. Operators are also able to benefit from the total weight transfer between the backhoe stabilizers and loader bucket.
The tractor chassis is protected because the mainframe integrates the tractor and backhoe combination together as one.
Once the mounting frame is installed, attaching and detaching is quick and easy.

Installation

Review the operator’s manual for detailed procedure.
Back up the tractor to backhoe. Turn off the tractor and engage parking brake.
Install lift rod to lower draft arms on tractor. Retract drawbar to storage position and remove upper link from tractor three-point.
Release the parking brake.
Back tractor into backhoe, engaging lift rod into slots on mainframe. Raise backhoe to full height using the tractor-hitch control lever.
Turn off the tractor and engage parking brake.
Secure backhoe to the tractor using L-pins and lynchpins on backhoe.
Lower the draft arm control lever to relieve pressure in the circuit.
Connect the hydraulics.
Make sure the draft arm control lever remains in lowered position.

Removal

Review the operator’s manual for detailed procedure. Select a firm, level site to remove the backhoe and engage the parking brake.
Lower boom and install lock pin in park position on backhoe boom.
Position the backhoe’s bucket so the teeth are parallel to ground.
Turn off the tractor.
Disconnect the hydraulics and reconnect the tractor power beyond hydraulics.
Start the tractor then raise backhoe to full height using tractor-hitch control lever.
Remove L-pins and lynchpins securing backhoe to tractor.
Lower backhoe to ground. Make sure lift rod weldment is released from slots in mainframe.
Release the parking brake and slowly drive the tractor forward so lift rod weldment clears backhoe. Turn off tractor and engage the parking brake.
Remove lift rod weldment from lower draft arms on tractor. Extend drawbar to operating position and install upper link to tractor three-point.

Operator comfort features

The controls on the backhoe operator console are arranged for optimal comfort, especially important for workdays.

The controls for the backhoe stabilizers are located on the control tower, which allows easier access to the operator station
A curved power boom gives the operator a better view of the digging area
The backhoe features a seat-locking mechanism to keep the seat out of the way when the backhoe is not in use
Sturdy grab handle on the control tower ensures ease of entering and exiting the tractor
Backhoe step for mounting/dismounting is located on the cylinder and painted green for easier spotting during enter/exit
Streamlined control valve and console—no straddling of hydraulic valve with the knees
Low-mounted valve that allows knee and legroom and keeps heat generated within the valve stack down and away from the operator
Low noise level due to a low-mounted hydraulic valve
Two-lever control to operate boom lift, swing dipperstick, and position bucket
Walk-through operator area for easy enter/exit and maximum comfort
Direct linkage of control levers to valves provides a better 'feel than cables
User-friendly controls
Backhoe seat is adjustable both vertically and horizontally
Closed boom and dipper give added strength to backhoe

Serviceability and angle of departure

Platform is easy to remove for service and to gain access to the valve; the grab handle can be used to lift the entire valve assembly of the backhoe without removing or adjusting control linkages
Efficient hose routing for better serviceability
Removal of seat post to access valve requires removal of only one bolt
Simple design for improved access to hydraulic couplers for attaching and detaching
Externally mounted boom cylinder provides improved serviceability
Generous angles of departure; allowing the tractor-mounted backhoe to be loaded onto a trailer more easily, with less need to worry about whether the backhoe bucket will drag the ground as the tractor is driven onto the trailer

Enclosed boom and dipper give extra strength to backhoe

485A Backhoe

The boom and dipper are designed with the strength to handle the large loads put on these powerful backhoes.

The boom cylinder is run externally on the 385A and 485A Backhoes. This provides better serviceability.

Powerful 170-degree swing

Double-acting cylinder swing system

The 385A and 485A Backhoes feature twin hydraulic cylinders to control the swing.

Direct coupling of two double-acting swing cylinders to the swing frame gives precise control
A very compact swing system
Simple linkage and chains for easy service
The large cylinders provide extra torque for backfilling
The swing system design and subframe mounting allows the backhoe to be close-coupled to the tractor for improved stability

Flip-over stabilizer pads

Flip-over pads allow a quick and easy conversion between field and street usage.

Convenient and easy operation

Adjustable seat pivots up and locks automatically when not in use.
Low-profile console allows an unobstructed view of the working area.
Two user-friendly levers are located on the console to control the boom lift, swing, dipperstick, and bucket.
Updated control linkages require less operator effort and provide a better feel than cables, adding to operator comfort after digging for long hours.
Grab handle located on control tower and large footrests with non-slip surfaces are provided.
Swing and boom lock pins for safe transport.
Backhoe step for mounting and dismounting is painted green for easy spotting during enter/exit.

Optional rubber street pads

Rubber stabilizer pads

Rubber stabilizer pads are available as an attachment. The pads are popular when operating the backhoe on hard surfaces.

Rubber stabilizer pads keep scratching and damage to ground surfaces minimal

Variety of buckets to match digging requirements

Buckets are available in a variety of sizes to fit the job for greater productivity.

Available in 22.9-cm (9-in.), 30.4-cm (12-in.), 40.6-cm (16-in.), 50.8-cm (20-in.), and 61-cm (24-in.) widths.
A 45.7-cm (18-in.) heavy-duty bucket is also available.
All buckets equipped with bolt-on, replaceable, bucket teeth

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Specs & Compare

Select up to 4 models to compare specifications

John Deere

385A

Backhoe

Digging depth

103 in.
2.61 m

SAE dipperstick digging force

2449 lb
10893 N

SAE bucket digging force

3752 lb
16689 N

Swing arc

170 degree (angle)

Boom lift capacity

820 lb
372 kg

Transport height

91 in.
2.31 m

Stabilizers spread width, up

62 in.
1.57 m

Stabilizers spread width, down

95 in.
2.41 m

Bucket widths

9 in. (228 mm)
12 in. (305 mm)
16 in. (406 mm)
18 in heavy-duty (457 mm)
20 in. (508 mm)
24 in. (610 mm)

Total weight

Swing arc

170 degree (angle)

Bucket rotation

180 degree (angle)

Boom lift capacity

820 lb
372 kg

SAE dipperstick digging force

2449 lb
10893 N

SAE bucket digging force

3752 lb
16689 N

Angle of departure

Hydraulic relief setting

Bucket control main relief valve pressure

2250 psi
17580 kPa

Digging depth

103 in.
2.61 m

Loading height (bucket at 60 degrees)

78 in.
1.98 m

Reach from center line of swing pivot

140 in.
3.55 m

Transport height

91 in.
2.31 m

Loading reach (bucket at 60 degrees)

51 in.
1.11 m

Transport overhang

48 in.
1.29 m

Undercut

19 in.
.48 m

Stabilizer type

Stabilizers spread width, up
62 in.
1.57 m
Stabilizers spread width, down
95 in.
2.41 m

Total

With RSA side plate kit and 20-in. bucket

With frame adapter and 24-in. bucket

1390 lb
630 kg

With medium frame adapter and 24-in. bucket

With large frame adapter and 24-in. bucket

With 0.4-m (16-in.) bucket

Offers and Discounts

385ABackhoe