Auction find, and a question

[parvodog]

Hello everyone.

I've got a small fabrication shop in East Texas, and I've been thinking for a while about building a backhoe/loader along the same lines as a CadTrac. So I've been collecting parts, pieces, and ideas.

Recently I went to an auction and ended up being the sole bidder on a Perkins 700 Series diesel with a huge Eaton hydraulic pump attached.

So, my question is, would I be better off selling this monstrosity and going with something a little smaller, or use this and beef up everything for the weight and excess forces?

Thanks for your input! And thanks to those who post all of the great ideas and help in the build threads!
Tim

 

[forestcreature1]

It isn't common for anyone to wish for less power - but not knowing what you are wanting to do with it, I can't say if this is more or less useful.
Generally more mass/weight is preferred in backhoe/loader work.

If I was in your position - I would compare how many parts/pieces that have already been collected to the value of the Perkins and go from there.
[I also know that I would forever be annoyed at myself for chucking the larger motor later on...]

(You could always build TWO..... and then sell the one that isn't the right fit)

 

[David Devuono]

There is a lot of steel in a 20,000lb excavator. Hope you have collected a bunch. When I retire I am going to start hitting the auctions.

 

[PILOON]

That setup you purchased is probably capable of powering a CASE 580 backhoe or even a modest excavator.
The smaller units like non traction diggers generally get by with as little as a 5-10 hp gas engine.
I strongly suggest you'd be better off cashing in and purchasing new what you need, particularly if you can identify the installation and with a bit of luck you could make out real good.
Just with a quick look I envision something like the Case 580 or a Deere medium sized excavator . The number of pumps at the end of the motor do suggest to me an excavator installation.
Good luck!

PS, I had a towable excavator that used a 5 hp Honda and it could pluck yard sized rocks.
It was called a Cricket ToeHoe. Really stable machine and very powerful. Simply amazed me every time I used it.
Paid $1000, earned more or less $5000. and sold it for $1000. and had lots of fun while earning.

 

[parvodog]

I forgot to mention in the original post that it was pulled out of a boring machine. So, yeah, I could see it powering something huge.
And after looking both of them up to see some realistic prices, I think I might be better off selling it and buying a smaller engine and pump, with enough left over to help on hydraulics.

Tim