Backhoe update. I'm making progress (Video included)

[Short Game]

This thread is telling me more info that I will need. My Kubota backhoe was designed for a tractor without a fuel tank behind the seat. It can't get it back close enough to either of my tractors to work on the 3PH. I was considering making some kind of frame mount. That was before I saw the towable here.

I have been thinking of a fairly long tongue (great for sideways forces). I see now that I will want it really strong. I can do that. What I'm also seeing makes me want to add an adjustable top link to go up to the top 3PH and get some downforce on the stabilizers, thereby bringing some of the tractor's weight into play. So, a clevis to the draw bar and pin a top link in too.

Am I thinking clearly about this?

 

[peavey]

I had the same problem. My gravely tractor has a fuel tank directly behind the seat. No way to mount the BH to the 3 pt. hitch with out extending it out far enougHooked directly to the tractorh to put a operators seat for the hoe. I did make an adapter for the 3pt which extended the BH out a few feet. Then I wanted to make the hoe towable to keep the weight off the rear axle of the tractor when moving, so I went ahead and made the frame for the hoe. Now I can use it in a few different configurations. Hooked directly to the 3pt on the tractor, or tow it with the tractor or my pick up truck.

 

[Short Game]

I will start learning about backhoes and their operation when I get this unit ready to tow on an axle. I've never had one. That top link will not be for when I'm moving it. I'm thinking of a link like the kind of swing limiters on the lower links with the drill holes and a pin to set it (but built heavier, of course). Pull the pin to move or tow, put it in to dig when set. The top link would be set to only be in compression, never tension.

 

[peavey]

That may work, let us know how it is going. I can tell you from my limited experience that operating the back hoe controls will take some getting use to. First time I tried mine out I was all over the place with it. Dang 4 position levers. But I will get the hang of it like anything else, just repitition and muscle memory.

 

[evo803]

That may work, let us know how it is going. I can tell you from my limited experience that operating the back hoe controls will take some getting use to. First time I tried mine out I was all over the place with it. Dang 4 position levers. But I will get the hang of it like anything else, just repitition and muscle memory.

Just convert the 4 levers to 2 joysticks . It is pretty easy to do with 6 heim joints and some plate stock.

 

[peavey]

I have the joy stick levers, thats the problem. Can't seem to get my mind to realize one lever works 4 different functions.

 

[Bdavis]

I have the joy stick levers, thats the problem. Can't seem to get my mind to realize one lever works 4 different functions.

Great job, love the thread !

"It is not the achievement of a goal but the process which one goes through to achieve a goal that is truely priceless."

Thanks for the inspiration !

 

[peavey]

Ok folks, I just gave the Back hoe a work out today. I dug about 160 to 200 feet of ditch for a neighbor about 3 to 4 feet deep. It worked great. I kept it hooked to my tractor the whole time because I realized the other day I need to re-configure the tongue with a piece of metal so it does'nt dig into the ground when I'm using it with out the tractor. Otherwise this thing rocks. I learned quickley the whole trick to digging with a towable is to use the bucket as the digger, not the boom of the back hoe. I was able to pick up some pretty good size rocks, and cut about 8 inches of hard clay with out much of a problem. My neighbor was very pleased that it saved him big money, which he did'nt have but he was able to kept the fuel tanks filled and plenty of cold water for me.

 

[tcreeley]

RE towable back hoe- Backhoes mounted directly to tractors are based on a sub frame and a couple of stabilizers close to where the 3 pt lift arms are. The stabilizers take the digging torque and the rest is passed along through the sub frame.

A towable backhoe uses it's 2 stabilizers near the bucket which is good. However, even with a long tongue, a lot of torque still gets transferred to the tractor via the hitch. A 3 pt hitch is not as rugged as a sub frame. I think a towable backhoe benefits from two more stabilizers- like the ones here:
DIRT MASTER | KW Manufacturing - Portable, Towable backhoe

Good luck.

 

[peavey]

Your exactely right. The frame tongue must be strong enough to handle the stress from the digging force which could be in excess of 4000lbs, depending on the hydraulics, and you must have a way to prevent the frame from digging into the earth.