Backhoe 48,448,485 Dolly build. Anyone done it?

[OrangeJbird]

Just got a 485 backhoe and would like to build a dolly for it. I've seen the smaller hoes dollys on here but haven't seen one for the bigger series. Any pictures, links, help, direction, advice appreciated.

Thanks for looking!

 

[DennisFolsom]

Just got a 485 backhoe and would like to build a dolly for it. I've seen the smaller hoes dollys on here but haven't seen one for the bigger series. Any pictures, links, help, direction, advice appreciated.

Thanks for looking!

Count me as another who is interested in this.:thumbsup: I have thought about getting one of the 1000 lb mover's dollies and adapting it. I also thought about making a platform to span a pair of car dollies. I might put a smaller dolly under the bucket.

I plan to store the hoe in the garage while using my counterweight for snowplowing. It sure would be handy to have that hoe on a dolly.

 

[DennisFolsom]

I have now built a pair of dollies for my JD 48 backhoe, and have the hoe sitting on them!

Here are some pics to prove it happened. I was concerned about the height of the dolly to go under the frame. I needed to maintain enough room to drop the hoe out of the attachment hooks. Consequently, I chose 3/4 inch maple boards, to give me strength without so much thickness. That dolly is 28 inches by 16 inches. I used 3.5 inch casters on that one, rated at 230 lbs each.

The second dolly (for under the bucket) was 18 inches square, made out of 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 lumber. I used 3 inch casters on that one.

It takes a bit of push, but I can roll it by myself around the garage floor. I have some stuff stored under the platform behind the hoe that I want to be able to get at.

Note that I chained the dipstick to the transport pin in the boom, so it won't leak down and spread. I also have the stabilizers tied up, so they should stay put.

I mounted an 850 Lb counterweight on the 3 PT hitch, which, along with my weighted rear tires, ought to be enough ballast for snow removal duty. The rig is a good deal shorter now, with the counterweight in place of the hoe.

 

[beenthere]

Dolly's under things is a great way to go. :thumbsup:

 

[OrangeJbird]

You did a nice job Dennis! Stay tuned . . . I'm thinking about my build . . . and you've inspired me :thumbsup:

 

[DennisFolsom]

You did a nice job Dennis! Stay tuned . . . I'm thinking about my build . . . and you've inspired me :thumbsup:

In my case, I could have used at least one size larger casters and still have had clearance enough to drop the hoe onto the dolly. Your tractor looks like it is not as tall as mine, so you might not want to go bigger. Generally, bigger casters will roll better.

I had a friend suggest something in case my dolly came out too tall. He suggested I back the tractor's rear wheels onto some planks to gain a little height, if need be. I didn't have to use that suggestion, but thought I would pass it on to you, in case you need it.

I also found out the hard way that I need to place the backhoe frame near the center of my dolly (in the front to back dimension). On the first try, the frame was too far back and the dolly started to tip up when I rolled it on the floor. Since the hoe was already disconnected, I turned the tractor around and used the loader (and a chain to my bucket hooks) to pick the hoe up so I could place the dolly better. Live and learn!

Good luck with your dolly build!