Fitting Lewis 220 backactor to 17hp compact tractor

[Nibley]

So I'm looking at the (discontinued) Lewis 220 backactor. There doesn't seem to be a manual or any definitive information about it online. It seems to sit between their 1xx and 3xx range, but it'd not exactly clear where.

I've variously seen it advertised as suitable for 15hp+ 20hp+ 25hp+

I don't think the weight will be a problem, but what happens if it is indeed rated for 20 or even 25hp and I put it on my little 17hp?

Does it stress the engine? Or is it just a bit 'weak' compared to how it should be?

Here's the current range: https://990e6c57-00bb-4b42-8429-77a...d/5ad572_c59d1c123c6b4312a331fc0583a49876.pdf

 

[Nibley]

Maybe it would help if I restated it;

What happens if you use PTO attachments rated higher than your tractor? Slowness or bad things?

 

[Dave W]

It's simple. If you don't have enough hp to power the machine it will either not operate correctly or in this case stall the tractor.
On a digger the Max hp required will be to blow the relief valve. In other words of there's not enough hp it will stall the tractor every time you dead end a ram
My other concern would be overall weight

 

[startinghandle]

I have never used digger of any description..... but I would say a loader at front is needed to stabilise machine , both for transport and working

 

[Nibley]

Thanks that's helpful, I guess I'll contact Lewis directly and try and get a definitive answer as to the rating of the 220.

 

[Dave W]

Don't think Lewis exist.
have you actually got the tractor and digger?

 

[Nibley]

Found the manual: https://manualzz.com/doc/40044945/mpmo-nn---lewis-equipment no spec in it though

 

[Dave W]

If the digger has the proper subframe then you should stand a chance.
If it's just linkage mounted with stabilisers too top link then I think you'll struggle

 

[Nibley]

Don't think Lewis exist.
have you actually got the tractor and digger?

I have the tractor, was going to pick up the backhoe today, now not so sure..

 

[Nibley]

If the digger has the proper subframe then you should stand a chance.
If it's just linkage mounted with stabilisers too top link then I think you'll struggle

It has a subframe, just worried about stressing the (tiny!) 17hp engine/ tranny.

 

[Dave W]

It has a subframe, just worried about stressing the (tiny!) 17hp engine/ tranny.

Only one way to find out

 

[nick...]

You will be better and safer hiring a mini digger when you want one.designed for purpose and far safer.those back actors like you mention will get you out of a muddle but never really caught on in my opinion
nick…

 

[Grouse]

We had one of those back actors on a small Kubota B7100 HST - 17 HP or thereabouts- absolutely useless !

 

[Wisconsonian]

I wouldn't be so concerned about the HP, if this is a PTO pump then the pump is probably still within the power of the tractor, if it's not, then lower the relief valve adjustment until the engine has no excessive lugging. not likely to need that though.

The bigger issue is the light weight of the tractor, it will get thrown around by the movement and won't have much force to do much with it. Especially if you have to lower the relief to get it to run. But if it fits the jobs you have in mind, it should work fine.

 

[essexpete]

Without a loader set up it will as likely be useless with being so unbalanced. We found removing a front bucket on the larger TLBs could make them totally unbalanced.