I'm not expert, but since no experts are replying....
> You sound just like me! Are you sure we weren't separated at birth or something?
Clones!
> First thing I did was buy an eBay reprint manual, very helpful on capacities, maintenance, tuneup, etc. but zilch on hydraulics.
What'd you pay for the manual? I've considered doing the same, but the prices seemed stupid.
> Saw a hydraulic pump on eBay [supposedly came off a 44] but when I emailed the seller he knew little about it. Have nearly bought a couple used Prince PTO pumps there but glad I lost 'em as they were probably too large for my intended use.
I saw that one...I wouldn't do it. According to a bunch of people I know who do mechanics for a living, a PTO pump will work, or you can drive one off a belt, or the Rockwell pulley, or even off the crank start.
> I THINK [but do not
know] that a PTO-mounted pump like a Chief or Prince will work OK.
I'm pretty sure this is what I will end up doing. One of the guys I talked to said you can run a FEL off something as small as a vehicle power steering pump (if I could figure a way to mount and run it).
> 2. How difficult and expensive will it be to build a FEL that will be safe, sturdy and functional [not necessarily pretty]? Don't think I need or want one that will hold more than about 1/3 of a yard, this thing is hard enough to steer with my snow blade, can't imagine having another half-ton or more of dirt hanging off the front end!
I think I would attempt to find one and hack it to your tractor than build one outright.
> 3. How difficult and expensive will it be to add a 3-point hitch since I presently have only a drawbar on the rear? Have not yet seen a picture on any 44 with a complete 3-point hitch and no one appears to sell one prebuilt.
It's been done...I can show you the mostly complete one on mine that someone built. This is kind of hard to see, but the tractor is up to its axles in snow right now, so it's the best I can do.
Massey Harris 44 with Farmall grill - Imgur
> 4. How difficult/expensive to add a backhoe attachment? I don't want to dig canals, just waterlines, footings for retaining walls and the occasional rock out of the yard. I see 'em new on eBay for $1,500-2,000 but have no clue how to attach one to the 44.
Get the 3pt working first, and you can buy ones that attach properly.
> 5. How difficult/expensive will it be to add power steering on some kind? [See #2...]
Hmm...I wouldn't bother. Once you are moving, steering is easier. I can say this after doing many summers haying on old tractors.
> I've looked at the CADPlans site and have read mixed reviews of some of their offerings, emailed them with detailed questions about 10 days ago with ZERO response. Makes me wonder if there would be
any customer support after purchase if they can't bother to reply to a potential new buyer...
I never knew about that...some interesting stuff there.