Backhoe backhoe alternative?

Rimmer · Mar 21, 2004

"I don't see digging deeper than 3 feet."

Don't forget that digging depth is only part of it. You also have to reach behind you. If you're digging a long trench, the shorter your reach, the more often you have to lift stabilizers, move forward, and drop stabilizers again.

You also have to move material to the side, where it is clear of the excavation so that it doesn't fall back in. The PHD suggestion is a good one, except that the PHD deposits the removed material right at the rim of the hole. That's good for a post hole, since you're going to put it right back in. For an excavation, you will have trouble scooping up the dirt without dumping some of it back in the hole.

(Does this sound like the voice of experience? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

theonlybull · Mar 21, 2004

( I believe the loader limits will protect against over working the axel. All loaders go to bypass before doing any structual damage. The only thing to be carefull about would be moving the tractor around while the attachment is deep in the ground.
If you were to put that type of load on the loader arms, then you may have an issue? Skid steers may be able to take it? )

true, the loader will by-pass, but they are not designed for this kind of use. when you factor in the added length, and that you may be backing up to try and dig, or rip a root out, you can very easily place more stress on the front end then would be possable with the hydrulics alone.

a skid steer had much more solid and simple driveline, that can handle this type of use.

belive me, i've fixed enough front end parts from all brands, 20-90 HP, from abuse inflicted with the FEL.

gray · Mar 21, 2004

theonlybull,

Good points. A skid steer is built for this type of use. In many cases quick tach attachments may not be interchangable to tractors?

As I go threw many postings in TBN, I am finding front axels are one of the week spots on some units.

It may be best for a tractor owner to just get a small back hoe as some have said rather than look for a cheep alternative. Maybe someone will design a 3pt attachment other than a back hoe that will do what is asked for at a low cost.

I do wonder if anyone has used the loader attachment on a tractor for this sort of trenching?

Glenn1 · Mar 22, 2004

I am looking for a small backhoe attachment for basically the same reasons. What is the web site for lackender?

Cliff_Johns · Mar 22, 2004

( I am looking for a small backhoe attachment for basically the same reasons. What is the web site for lackender? )

Web site is
Lackender

grandad · Mar 22, 2004

If you haven't done so, take a cruise by a Kubota, Kioti, Massey or John Deere dealer to check out what they offer. Kubota, which I know better than the others, for example, has a sub-compact unit - BX23 - that has what looks just like the small backhoe attachment you are describing. The other manufacturers have competing equipment in the same category. I don't know if the rest of the tractor fits what you are looking for, or if these are in your price range, but it's a place to start!

david43a · Apr 2, 2004

have you looked up web page
They have a lot of kits. for tractor loader and backhoes.
David

Cliff_Johns · Apr 2, 2004

( have you looked up web page
They have a lot of kits. for tractor loader and backhoes.
David )

I don't know how to weld or cut steel with a torch. Something I'd
like to learn someday, but that kind of project requires a bit of
practice. If I could make it out of wood I could do a nice job,
but I don't think it would stand up to the abuse (and neither
would I /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif ).

Cliff

david43a · Apr 2, 2004

Have you looked into "cat Trac" drawings they can sell you the steel tack weld the steel of sell you the plans if you want to build one of your own. Good Luck I couldn't find the web address. Also if you looked at the power trac site you would see some basic back hoes and also on the Magnatract site
David.

Henro · Apr 3, 2004

I don't know how to weld or cut steel with a torch. Something I'd like to learn someday, but that kind of project requires a bit of practice. If I could make it out of wood I could do a nice job 

Cliff,

It took me about 55 years to take an evening education welding class at the local Vo-tech. Up till then I too could only work with wood, or concrete, dirt, and occasionally pretzel dough...

Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you to learn basic welding earlier, rather than later. It is mostly practice, practice, practice and once you get the basic hang of it, it opens a whole new dimension to what you can do with your own two hands. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

It is a nice skill to have and I kick myself sometime for not learning it sooner. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Not related to the backhoe question, I know... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif