Pairing a JCB 185 Skid Steer with a Kuhn Rotary Hoe

[MikePhua]

The JCB 185 and Its Compact Versatility
The JCB 185 skid steer loader was introduced in the early 2000s as part of JCB’s push into the North American compact equipment market. With a rated operating capacity of approximately 1,850 pounds and powered by a 60-horsepower Perkins diesel engine, the 185 was designed for tight job sites, landscaping, and light agricultural work. JCB, founded in 1945 in Staffordshire, England, had already built a reputation for innovation, particularly with its side-entry skid steer design that improved safety and visibility.
By 2005, JCB had sold thousands of 185 units globally, with strong adoption in rural areas where versatility and maneuverability were essential. The machine’s auxiliary hydraulic system allowed it to power a wide range of attachments, including trenchers, augers, and rotary hoes.
Terminology Clarification

• Skid Steer Loader: A compact, rigid-frame machine with lift arms used to attach various tools and implements.
  
• Auxiliary Hydraulics: A secondary hydraulic circuit used to power attachments beyond the loader’s primary functions.
  
• Rotary Hoe: A tillage implement with rotating blades or tines designed to break up soil crust, aerate the ground, and prepare seedbeds.
  
• Flow Rate: The volume of hydraulic fluid delivered per minute, measured in gallons per minute (GPM).
  
• Quick Attach Plate: A standardized mounting system that allows rapid switching between attachments.
  

The Kuhn Rotary Hoe and Its Agricultural Role
Kuhn is a French agricultural equipment manufacturer with roots dating back to 1828. Known for precision tillage tools, Kuhn’s rotary hoes are designed to manage soil compaction, control weeds, and improve seedbed conditions. These implements typically feature multiple gangs of rotating tines mounted on a horizontal shaft, driven either mechanically via PTO or hydraulically through auxiliary circuits.
In dryland farming regions like western Australia and the American Midwest, rotary hoes are used to break crusted soil after rain, allowing seedlings to emerge more easily. They also help reduce evaporation and improve moisture retention.
Compatibility Challenges and Hydraulic Considerations
Pairing a Kuhn rotary hoe with a JCB 185 skid steer requires careful attention to hydraulic specifications. The JCB 185’s auxiliary hydraulic system delivers approximately 16–18 GPM at 3,000 PSI, which is sufficient for many light-duty rotary hoes but may fall short for larger or high-speed models.
Key compatibility factors include:

• Hydraulic Motor Requirements: Ensure the rotary hoe’s motor is rated for the JCB’s flow and pressure. Undersized motors may stall; oversized motors may overheat.
  
• Mounting Adaptation: Kuhn rotary hoes are typically designed for tractors. Custom brackets or quick-attach adapters may be needed for skid steer mounting.
  
• Weight Distribution: The hoe’s weight must not exceed the JCB’s lift capacity. Counterweights may be required for balance.
  
• Electrical Controls: Some rotary hoes include solenoid valves or speed controls. These must be wired to the skid steer’s cab or operated manually.
  

In one case from Saskatchewan, a farmer retrofitted a Kuhn rotary hoe to his JCB 185 using a custom-built frame and hydraulic motor sourced from a snowblower attachment. The setup worked well for light crust-breaking but struggled in heavy clay soils due to limited torque.
Operational Tips and Field Adjustments
To optimize performance:

• Run the hoe at moderate speed to prevent stalling
  
• Monitor hydraulic fluid temperature during extended use
  
• Use flow restrictors or diverter valves to fine-tune motor speed
  
• Grease all rotating components before each use
  
• Avoid operating on rocky or root-filled terrain without reinforced tines
  

In 2010, a vineyard in California used a skid steer-mounted rotary hoe to manage cover crops between rows. The compact setup allowed precise tillage without damaging vines, and the operator could switch between hoe and bucket in under five minutes.
Maintenance and Safety Considerations
Regular maintenance ensures longevity:

• Replace hydraulic filters every 250 hours
  
• Inspect hoses for abrasion and leaks
  
• Check tine wear and replace as needed
  
• Torque mounting bolts to spec
  
• Use protective guards around rotating components
  

Safety protocols include:

• Never operate the hoe without a cab enclosure
  
• Keep bystanders clear of the working area
  
• Shut down hydraulics before making adjustments
  
• Use lockout pins when transporting the attachment
  

Conclusion
Pairing a JCB 185 skid steer with a Kuhn rotary hoe is a creative solution for compact tillage tasks, especially in small farms, vineyards, and landscaping operations. While hydraulic compatibility and mounting adaptation require attention, the combination offers maneuverability and efficiency in tight spaces. With proper setup and maintenance, this hybrid approach can deliver reliable soil management without the need for a full-size tractor.