Backhoe The backhoe dolly is done

nickel plate · Sep 11, 2009

I have been working on this for over a month now and am just about ready to drop my Woods BH90-X backhoe on it. It still needs tiedowns which I will do after a mock drop. Not being a welder, the dolly is built out of 3/4" AC plywood, 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, and 2x10 DF, A gallon of waterproof glue and lots of bolts and screws.
The attempt here is to place the backhoe bucket on the top of the box and lock the unit in the transport mode. One of the photos show the inner construction of the box. There are double 2x4 pony studs on each end of the double bottom plates with two more in between and a 1/2" bolt in the center. Each internal header has 3/4" shear ply on each side.
Friends drop by and have dubbed it a soap box derby racer or a carpenter's space ship-either way, I had to add the steering wheel to keep the dream alive.

Diamondpilot · Sep 11, 2009

Looks stout. I think it will work just fine. Nice job.

Chris

jimmyj · Sep 12, 2009

Great idea. Pleae post a pick with the Bh on it so we can see how it works.

GE222 · Sep 12, 2009

Nice job! Not every project has to be made from steel. How about a slick paint job. I have been using steel wheel casters on my projects. I have always been concerned with how long poly tires will last on rough surfaces.

I would also like to see the backhoe parked on top.

nickel plate · Sep 12, 2009

GE222 said:
Nice job! Not every project has to be made from steel. How about a slick paint job. I have been using steel wheel casters on my projects. I have always been concerned with how long poly tires will last on rough surfaces.

I would also like to see the backhoe parked on top.

My shop has a smooth concrete floor and those 6" TSC polyurethane caster wheels are rated at 800 lbs each so I should be ok.
There are three coats of "glue wash" on the box and deck which created a nice poly coat sheen. The photo showing the wider edge has some wet brushed glue wash which later dried clear.
I'm going to try and get the four point landing hardware (eye bolts, turnbuckles and chain) on today. Thank you for your comment.