Backhoe Project Photo

mrcaptainbob · Jul 30, 2004

Sorry for not posting sooner. THe bearings I used were the bronze/graphite 'permanent' lube. Big mistake. Should have gone with what you're doing. I'd rather be responsible about having to always shoot those zirk fittings rather than depend on something that's rated 'permanent'! The problem I'm having now (because of this) is the the swing pin seized in the bearing. So the upper and lower steel plates have oblonged holes where the poin goes through. Haven't had the time to address this. I also have three sized buckets. Had need of changing sizes a couple weeks ago and couldn't loosen those pins! One of the winter projects wil be to replace all the pins with new, and add zerks!! Otherwise, I'm relativley pleased with the machine. I wish I did the next size up, though. It seems I often have a need of something a bit more powerfull. But then, I'd probalby still say that if I owned one of those military/government/highway/heavy-construction beasts! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Glenn1 · Jul 30, 2004

Have you had any problems with bending of brackets, broken welds or twisting? Did you use the hydraulics fron the tractor or PTO pump? If so, where did you mount the external tank?

I should finish welding this weekend, except for one missing bracket which is /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif shipping today. I also ordered the 6" bucket. Seems everyone that knows I am building this machine can find something they need. I hate turning people down but I do not want the liability.

arkydog · Jul 30, 2004

Glenn1

I dug a 250' long and 3' deep trench around my barn to divert the water and it worked great. Nothing broke and all welds held up perfect. Did knock some of the paint off though. I ran my hydraulic thru my tractor and have no regrets so far. I got the power beyond valve and john was really helpful. Once you see how it is done, you kind of wonder what all the mystery of hydraulics is about. Hope you have a front loader, possibly could make thing a lot easier. My Kubota is only a 16hp and has plenty of power for the BH.

The thread I started is called: Just finished building backhoe. Ran it about nine months ago. good luck

Tractors4u · Jul 31, 2004

Here is the Backhoe Thread .

mrcaptainbob · Jul 31, 2004

Never had a weld let go. No twisting, either. On the whole, I'd have to say that it's a pretty well designed piece. Here's a pic of the engine compartment.
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/mrcaptainbob/detail?.dir=/84b0&.dnm=1445.jpg
The pump of coarse is run off the engine and is located directly in back of the electric 'panel' box. And that's directly under the hydraulic reservoir.

Kaliburz · Aug 1, 2004

I purchased some back hoe plans from Cadplans long time ago. At the time, it was the 'only' backhoe they had.... long time. Any how, I deamed that model too small.... plus, after looking at the Metkit prices and the time to assemble, I'd have the same amount as a 3pt backhoe (like Bushhog) purchased new (okay, maybe 1K less, but still).

I ended up getting a used backhoe for under 1K..... auction, needs work, but I don't plan to use it day in and day out. (And right now, steel prices are high...)

Glenn1 · Aug 9, 2004

Sorry for the late response, I have been on travel for work. I am glade to here about your experience. I was concerned about wasting money trying to save money. The size of this unit sold me. I was looking for a small unit to dig stumps, small ditches etc. and did not want to spent 6-8K. I was also concerned about stress on the tractor.

What do you use on the power beyond valve, hydraulic outriggers? Where did you connect your hydraulics to the tractor?

Thank you for your response, it is great getting info from someone who has been through the building process.

Glenn1 · Aug 10, 2004

Great looking unit.

arkydog · Aug 15, 2004

I hooked the hydraulic from the outlet of the front loader to the inlet of the BH and the outlet of the BH to the inlet of the 3pt hitch. Really just hooked into the front end loader and the return hose into to line going into the tractor tank. Simple as mud. Used Quick connect hoses so that I could take the BH off and return tractor back to normal use.

Glenn1 · Aug 16, 2004

Thanks for the info. I took my tractor to the dealer for the 50 hour service and asked them to install the connections. I have everything bolted together on the backhoe, all hose connected except for one cylinder. I could not get the shipping plug out of one end. John exchanged cylinders with no questions, should be in today. I did notice the swing cylinder hoses were too short when the valve manifold is install vertical. Did you have any problems getting the air out of the lines, cylinders etc?