Build it yourself towable backhoe opinions

[ferrari99]

I would "like" to build a towable backhoe. It needs to be able to dig clay/shale. I like the greenmachines one (see link) just more like the ground hawg (see link) in size. I think hydraulic rotation would be better though. Has anyone seen or have a clamshell bucket on a backhoe, I was thinking if you could rig it like a thumb but the opposite in terms of wich side moves. Any ideas, photos of yours, or anything would be appreciated.
Thanks ferrari99
the greens machines-towable backhoe-home
Backhoe, Build a backhoe, these plans show you how.
http://attachmentsintl.com/wp-content/gallery/tractorloaderbackhoe/clamshell-bucket-open.jpg

 

[jaotguy]

I doubt any of the small backhoes will dig shale successfully ... clam shells end up being heavy unless very small.... clay usually requires a self cleaning bucket with a finger ...

 

[ishiboo]

I would "like" to build a towable backhoe. It needs to be able to dig clay/shale. I like the greenmachines one (see link) just more like the ground hawg (see link) in size. I think hydraulic rotation would be better though. Has anyone seen or have a clamshell bucket on a backhoe, I was thinking if you could rig it like a thumb but the opposite in terms of wich side moves. Any ideas, photos of yours, or anything would be appreciated.
Thanks ferrari99
the greens machines-towable backhoe-home
Backhoe, Build a backhoe, these plans show you how.
http://attachmentsintl.com/wp-content/gallery/tractorloaderbackhoe/clamshell-bucket-open.jpg

I rented a 8000 lb machine and it was tough digging clay, I don't think you'll be very successful with a towable for what you want to do unless you use a tiny bucket

 

[ferrari99]

I doubt any of the small backhoes will dig shale successfully ... clam shells end up being heavy unless very small.... clay usually requires a self cleaning bucket with a finger ...

We don't have a lot of shale and we are not on pure clay so it is not that sticky. I don't want a clam shell that can dig i want one that can load loose material and turn compost.

 

[ferrari99]

I rented a 8000 lb machine and it was tough digging clay, I don't think you'll be very successful with a towable for what you want to do unless you use a tiny bucket

One of the main purposes is turning compost which involves lift a mesh frame of the pile putting it next to the pile and turning it(that is why I want a clam shell).

 

[RBA50]

You might check out Cadplans.com also. They have a number of different sizes of both towable and 3 pt mounted palns. There are quite a few customer photos, some with mods to the buckets, and other attachments. I think I remember a grapple or clam type deal on one. Might find something that will work for you.

I built a model 728 (the original design) from the Metkits kit. (UPS driver loved me the day he delivered 700# of oily, rough cut, un-deburred steel and a couple 5 gallon pails full of small parts, plus a couple large boxes. Had to make me the first stop of the day because he couldn't get to anything else in the truck!) Basically just weld and bolt together, paint and go. Probably didn't save much money doing it that way, but saved a lot of time tracking down material, cutting and drilling etc. I was more interested in getting to the digging part than having a project.

A lot of how well these machines work depends on technique. They are light, so trying to drive the bucket down into the ground doesn't work well. You learn to dig by scraping along the surface and work your way down. For loose material that won't be a problem.

 

[ferrari99]

You might check out Cadplans.com also. They have a number of different sizes of both towable and 3 pt mounted palns. There are quite a few customer photos, some with mods to the buckets, and other attachments. I think I remember a grapple or clam type deal on one. Might find something that will work for you.

I built a model 728 (the original design) from the Metkits kit. (UPS driver loved me the day he delivered 700# of oily, rough cut, un-deburred steel and a couple 5 gallon pails full of small parts, plus a couple large boxes. Had to make me the first stop of the day because he couldn't get to anything else in the truck!) Basically just weld and bolt together, paint and go. Probably didn't save much money doing it that way, but saved a lot of time tracking down material, cutting and drilling etc. I was more interested in getting to the digging part than having a project.

A lot of how well these machines work depends on technique. They are light, so trying to drive the bucket down into the ground doesn't work well. You learn to dig by scraping along the surface and work your way down. For loose material that won't be a problem.

Do you have any photos of it (728) or photos of projects you have done with it?

 

[RBA50]

I did have some pictures, from the time I got the kit through paint, and a couple of the first drainage ditch I re-dug/cleaned up. I'll have to see if I can find them, I moved across the country since then, not sure where they are at this point. I know they weren't digital, so if I find them I'll have to scan them to post. Give me a day or two.

 

[ferrari99]

Thanks

 

[stuckmotor]

I doubt any of the small backhoes will dig shale successfully ... clam shells end up being heavy unless very small.... clay usually requires a self cleaning bucket with a finger ...

I know what a thumb is and I know what a claw is, but not a finger. Does it help to clean the bucket?