Backhoe Attachment Project

[sandman2234]

No you can't buy a used Backhoe attachment, at least in Iowa or surrounding, I looked for 3 months.
using any kind of hydraulic powered equipment is dangerous, just think before you pull that lever!!

Actually I KNOW YOU CAN BUY A BACKHOE ATTACHMENT IN IOWA, because I recently loaded up a 657 New holland with subframe onto a truck headed for a guy in Iowa. His cost, $1400 and the requirement to take a heavy table with him when he came after the hoe. I netted 3 more tables out of the deal by getting the one shipped to Iowa, which is why I sold the hoe as cheaply as I did. Plus it was too small for my JD2555 that I was going to modify it to fit.

Great statement about thinking before pulling the lever
David from jax

 

[Iplayfarmer]

...Fortunately, everything is pretty much fabricated, just need to cut out a couple support plates, weld on a cylinder bracket and run the hyd lines.

That setup looks very professionally done. Great job!

 

[rbutterfield]

Here's a couple more photos with the boom and bucket being fitted up.
I am not pleased with the crowd arm cylinder, it could use another couple inches of throw to tuck the bucket in tighter. The bucket itself has plenty of rotation, after curling it up I would have liked to bring it in closer to the boom upright. I could move my attachment point but would lose some of the full extention.
Having never operated a BH before I may be concerning myself about something that isn't that important.

 

[MJPetersen]

Thanks for the loads of pics!! It looks very nice and well executed. You have spent alot of time to bring your great project to near finished. To hook up the hyd with NO leaks that is nothing short of tremendous. Good Job!!

One thing that I noted is that the pins are only retained with the snap-over pins. These very likely will catch on something, open and fall out (especially on the bottom, ie swing cyl). Also, at this time you do not have any way to keep the pin form rotating in the pin bosses. This will cause undue wear in the bushings and pins. Pins should be kept stationary in some manner. You could lengthen the pin boss with a hole drilled for the retaining clip, put an "ear" on the pin and bolt it to the structure, or put in a pin with an eye and bolt that to the structure. If you have movement in the bosses there is no lubrication there and that will cause wear where you do not want it.

Mike

 

[mjncad]

Excellent work rbutterfield! Thanks for documenting your project with pictures.

 

[rbutterfield]

One thing that I noted is that the pins are only retained with the snap-over pins. These very likely will catch on something, open and fall out (especially on the bottom, ie swing cyl). Also, at this time you do not have any way to keep the pin form rotating in the pin bosses. This will cause undue wear in the bushings and pins.

Thanks for your helpful suggestions regarding the pins. Actually, I had been trying to come up with a different retention method but finally settled on the linch pin idea. I can now understand why I hadn't seen them on other BH's.
Thanks for saving me some future problems.
Rick

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Here's a retaining pin detail on my stabilizer mod. I used the torch, hammer, drill method to make the retaining pins.

 

[rbutterfield]

After quite a few weekends, a bit of head scratching, some welding and a lot of grinding followed by noticing my white hair has taken on a "Green" hue (do not paint in the garage with the doors closed without ventilation) and except for the decals, the BH and subframe are basically complete.
Now, on to the extensive "Honey do" list.
Thanks for everyones advise and comments, I appreciate it.

Rick

 

[MikesTractor]

Nice job! Now we need some action shots...

 

[JoelD]

Really nice job!!

Another way to retain the pins is to use some flat stock, drill a hole in the middle of the flat stock, weld the flat stock to the end of the pin. Have the flat stock stick out about 2 inches, drill hole, tap hoe frame and bolt the flat stock tab to the hoe frame. Very similar to what you did, but no play at all.

Another way is to weld collars onto the hoe frame and pin through the collar and pin to secure in place.

GREAT JOB, how long did it take from start to finish.

I'm jelous.

Joel.