Backhoe Build A Backhoe For PT425... It Could Happen

[Barryh]

Moss,

this thread was just starting to get real interesting, we're still waiting...? /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Me, too. Lots of family functions eating up my tractor time /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif. Springtime is a busy time. School plays, First Communion parties, May Queen Crowing, Confirmations... also fish fries, spaghetti suppers and bingo! (just kidding about the bingo). Hopefully I will get back on it evenings after work.

I'm having trouble finding a local source for the 1"ID, 1.5"OD round tubing that I need. I need to make a few calls, but work is busy and those companies are only open the same hours I work. I took some short lunches last week and didn't have time to call.

My goal was to have all the pieces before I started welding. So far I have:

Main frame.
Cross frame piece.
Outriggers(no hinges yet).
Main boom.
Dipper stick.
Boom brackets for cylinder and joints.
Boom supports.

Still need to cut out:

Three pieces for boom support.
Tube for boom support pin.
Two boom support brackets(to sandwich the boom support pivot assembly and pin it).
Six tangs for the cylinders to attach to on the boom.
Outrigger hinges and pads.
Bucket linkage and bucket. (Taylortractornut is still awaiting my contact).
The diamond plate for the floor.
The mounts for the controls.
And a few other items that I can't think of yet.

 

[Barryh]

Well those Family functions do come first. That's what it's all about. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif I can't wait to see your backhoe in action. With you doing the building, I know it will be well documented for anyone that wants to build one of there own. Unfortunately the extent of my welding knowledge goes way back to high school where I did some arc and flame welding. Like Beechwood I'll just have someone do the welding when the time comes.

I'll be interested to see how well you’re Harbor Freight metal saw serves you over time. I may buy there 14'' bandsaw. I should know better by now. I bought one of there wood lathes last fall. A knock off of the Jet 1236 swivel head. I had it shipped, after a few weeks it finally got here. I was all excited put it together in about an hour, ready to spin some wood.

I turned it on cranked up the variable speed to test it out and noticed the head stock spindle wobbled like a duck. What a let down. Since I didn't feel like packing it back up and shipping it back. I decided to call Harbor Freight and order a new spindle. They put it on back order it took 3 months to get here. I took the head apart and put in the new spindle it has been working like a charm ever since. You can bet my next wood lathe will be from Jet.

 

[Barryh]

Something I have been thinking about for a while now. I'm playing with the idea of, key word here (Playing)
trying one of these industrial strength Linear Actuators. (Here) for a light duty mini hoe.

I know they come in any stroke indoor or outdoor weather proof applications. And pushing/pulling forces up and beyond 3,000 pounds. Pulling anywhere from 3 to 5 amps. They can move up to 2 inche's a second or better. I'm not so sure how well they might hold up to the twisting / digging force of a fronthoe though.

Would save me the trouble of spool valves and rerouting hydraulic hoses and such. Two wires and a rocker switch. Just a thought. If it didn't work out I am sure I could put it to use for other attachment applications. Any thoughts on this. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

 

[J_J]

David,

This company called Metkit has just about anything you might need for metal and hydraulics, valves, etc. for your backhoe. They supply the parts for the Cad units. They will also custom cut stuff for you. I ordered their backhoe bucket kit, and put it together. Picture below. A backhoe needs 6 valves, and I am still debating about joystick or ganged valves. I have 2 sets of 4 ganged valves, but they are large and heavy. I would like to find another joystick valve to match the one I have. I also have some electric valves that I had considered. Maybe a combination would work.

http://www.metkit.com/

 

[J_J]

I have two of those actuators on the front and back of my Struck Mini-dozer. They raise and lower the implements, but I don't think they would take much abuse. I would think that the back force applied, if used as a mini-hoe, would bend the shafts.

 

[Barryh]

Thanks, J.J.

My thoughts also. I know they have many variations and grades if you scroll down on the link I provided, they even have one on a large hoe like grapple.

I'm sure they can get very pricey for the extra heavy duty units. Also it may put unneeded load on the circuits of the little 180.

As you say, may be better to just go hydraulic. With you and Moss mapping everything out here, hopefully when the time comes, I should be able to figure it out without to much trouble. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks, J_J. I know about Metkit, but wnated to find something local to avoid shipping. They will be my safety net if local doesn't pan out.

 

[Barryh]

J.J.

I've been eyeballing the Cat Digger Model 408 by Metkit, the complete kit for some time now. How easy would this be to adapt to the 180? I know the base plate is for a skid steer. Are there any other parts I might need to buy ect. Is there a better kit on the market in the form of a small Mini Hoe for my 180? Other than the one by PT. The price seems right. Thanks

 

[J_J]

The 408 kit would probably work for you, and if you talk to Metkit, and do away with some of the parts such as the mounting plate, and use the PT mounting plate, it would save you even more. You could do better on the hydraulic cylinder also through Hydraulic Surplus, or Northern Tools or Ebay. If you weld it yourself, you should come out OK. You just might enjoy putting this kit together. Don't forget about the shipping.

What is the thickness of your mounting plate?

All things have to be relevent, so if you over build, the weakest part will break, bend, or just come apart.