Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe

   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe #1  

Brad_Blazer

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 19, 2004
Messages
1,934
Location
Caldwell Co. NC
Tractor
2006 Kama554; 92 Belarus 250AS
I bought this backhoe used about 14 months ago and finally finished the subframe for it. Here is a video from right after I bought it trying out the hydraulics with it hooked up to the 3-point. It's pretty easy to see why I want a subframe mount.



Before making the subframe I replaced 1 bad valve section and added hydraulic stabilizers.
 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
  • Thread Starter
#2  
I wanted a quick-attach feature that would not interfere with the 3-point. This is what I came up with. The idea is for the rail part on the left to be permanently attached to the tractor (one on each side) with the adapter on the right attached to the backhoe. Back the tractor up, raise the backhoe to engage the hooks and the pin holes self-align. The pins are 1" OD cat2 top link pins.



Here is the photo sequence of making the quick attach ends:


 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
  • Thread Starter
#3  
Fitting to the tractor. I carved some brackets out of 8x6x1/2" angle iron to attach the rails to the rear axle.


I measured the diameter of the loader tube (5.555" on the "band mic") and cut the front end off the other rail to make the weld-on bracket. I also cut an 8" piece of 3x5x1/2" angle iron for the mating piece on the rail.
 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
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#4  
I used the portable band saw and grinder to notch the 2x4 tube to the match the loader tower tube and clamped them in place to get the position figured out. I used a transfer punch to mark the holes. I think two 180,000psi 1/2" shcs should be plenty.




The plan wass to get everything where I wanted it and tack all of the brackets, then take it apart and make the welds in the shop. I even took off the loader tower.
 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
  • Thread Starter
#5  
After welding, I painted the left rail and got it bolted on. Yahoo it fit!


 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Think, Saw, Drill, Grind, Weld, Paint Yada-yada-yada...
Here is the adapter. It was too rainy to use real paint so I used the rattle-can black fast-drying Wal-Mart paint.

That strange pocket in the top link support bar is where I cut off the 2x8" tubing you can see. (used steel, what can I say?)




Here it is ready to mount to the backhoe. The lower tabs drew out due to the three-pass welds I made. I used a length of all-thread to pull them together enough to slip them into the capture slots on the BH. All 3 connections are double pinned. Thank goodness this isn't where I am connecting every time.



The Guide Tabs were interfering with the lower link nuts so I had to trim them.
 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
  • Thread Starter
#7  
Then I backed up to the hoe. The lower links stuck through under the top link support of the adapter frame so I raised the 3ph and it pulled the connections together and I was able to PUT IN THE PINS!!!



The hydraulic connection is simple - only 7 hoses :) 4 for the rear remotes to power the stabilizers and 3 to the BH stack (in, power beyond, and return)
 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
  • Thread Starter
#8  
Some assembled pictures:



The rear wheels are just off the ground. The non-pivoting feet dug in and prevented lifting any higher.


As a test I did extend the boom and let it jerk a little with the stabilizers up and the connection seems rock solid. No noise out of the connection. The tractor just bounces a little on it's tires.
 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
  • Thread Starter
#9  
As an added safety, I added a drawbar support. I used a holesaw to make the pin hole in a piece of 1x3 solid bar. The little holes were already there. They did give the shavings a place to go while sawing.


I cut a little off so it could be inserted with the hoe in place and welded on a hook . The angle of the hook is to help retain the chain.

It inserts easily through a pocket I welded to the bottom of the adapter and into the drawbar receiver. It should provide some extra support to the backhoe adapter.
 
   / Subframe for ARPS 730 backhoe
  • Thread Starter
#10  
It got dark on me but I played around with it a little last night. I had a bunch of old plastic mulch that had been dumped in the ditch that I wanted to get rid of so I dug a big hole and buried it. Being wet and dirty it would have been a huge chore if I took it to the "convenience site." It's not in the pics but I was able to easily push the trash and backfill into the hole with the loader with the weight of the hoe as ballast. So far the work flow using the rear remotes on the stabilizers is fine. I can back up to where I want to dig, put the outriggers down, put the loader down, then climb onto the backhoe.
 
 
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