Backhoe B26 backhoe attachment

[Smokeydog]

Working slowly on making an attachment that will allow the backhoe to share attachments with the M59 with KX- miniX attachments. Most will probably be too big but hoping the ripper could help with some delicate maintenance. Also there is wide assortment of tools and cheap ears for other tools.

First made a coupler to fit the KX- attachments.

Not a machinist or professional welder. To give the pucks greater strength, inset into holes in the side plates and that doubled the weld area while giving mechanical strength. Rear DOM tube for attachment pin. Great design but does require all six circles to line up properly. If making more than one, a jig to position and weld would be time well spent.

Now to locate, trim and mount the B26 ears. Probably clamp or tack to check operation with machine.

 

[mikester]

Good work!

I find it frustrating the there isn't an equivalent SSQA standard for backhoe and mini-ex buckets.

The Canadian M59 BH QA ears are even different from the US model. WTF.

 

[Smokeydog]

Agree.
Frustration with availability of attachments with the M59 lead to KX-miniX conversion.

While the B26 qa with its flared ears is so easy I would vote for the KX-miniX to be standard. Cover 2-18K machines.

 

[M59]

Working slowly on making an attachment that will allow the backhoe to share attachments with the M59 with KX- miniX attachments. Most will probably be too big but hoping the ripper could help with some delicate maintenance. Also there is wide assortment of tools and cheap ears for other tools.

View attachment 797458
Now to locate, trim and mount the B26 ears. Probably clamp or tack to check operation with machine.

Smokeydog,

Looks like you have been busy. Been away from TBN for last couple weeks, clearing son's property and installing fence with tools insufficient for the job.

Do you have any concern with USA's implement weight for the BX hoe?

 

[rScotty]

Nice work. Those fits you got on the pucks are impressive. What was the hardest part of the design? Seems more than strong enough for curling the bucket. I can't quite see what takes the force when extending with the bucket.
Why aren't BH attachments were more universal? Seems like a nice design opportunity for someone.

 

[Smokeydog]

B26 is the smallest TLB in the series now. BXs are are separate group/series of smaller tractors.

Building a dedicated ripper for the B26 VS this adapter not much added material. KX- ripper not too heavy but maybe too long? Leverage and possible boom strikes a concern.
The 3 OEM buckets I have for the B26 vary only by width. 12” KX- is taller compared to B26 12”. How useful shared attachments other than the ripper?? TBD. Innovative tooling has already improved our abilities to maintain the farm. Just like some SSQA attachments are too big for the B.

Making the KX- coupler portion was much harder than welding the ears. Challenged my limited skills. Heavy weldments with precision alignment with holes and pucks. I would try some fabrication steps differently if a next one. The ears on three different attachments from the same manufacturer vary slightly but all hook up easily.

Mr M59, having an extra mounting pin from the ripper purchase has been most beneficial.

For Kubota to incorporate the KX-miniX QA sharing with the entire TLB line would seem like a good marketing strategy. A proven, popular design with good aftermarket support.

Do like the sexy curved lips Kubota puts on the backhoe and SSQA B-series attachments. Just a little extra metal helps with easy alignment.

Trimmed the ears yesterday. Optimistically sitting them back closer to KX- ear’s attachment points. Tack and evaluate thumb function. Hope the attachment geometry works out.

 

[Smokeydog]

Sunday funday!

Tacked the ears on for fitment test. Waiting on wife to finish mowing to mount backhoe.

While waiting tried out a new grinding wheel recommended by another poster to sharpen the leading edge of the ripper.

Pferd 61201 5" CC-Grind-Solid 7/8" A.H. - SG for Steel https://a.co/d/fFEgIEN

Cuts quickly and requires little pressure. Reduced 1” AR400 edge to 1/4” in about 20 minutes. Old bones appreciated less strain

 

[Smokeydog]

Kubota 12” excavator bucket compared to 12” B26 bucket.

Tried test fit, no go. OEM ears interference with thumb. Need to trim front of ears to similar profile as bucket. Typical prototype progress.

 

[Smokeydog]

Got it on. Thumb has limited range from interference. It is a large ripper for this size of machine. Chewing on how better to move the ears for better geometry?

 

[Smokeydog]

Third time measuring, guessing, cutting and tack welding got a good fit. Full articulation of the thumb. Easier coupling and better fit overall. Craved a couple pounds off the steel plates.

Better thoughts that this might work. The ripper can hit boom if crowded all in. Working carefully shouldn’t be much of a problem. Sharpened the shank leading edge some more.

Next lay in a couple of good welds and test dig.