Harbor Freight Back Hoe Trencher?

[johhnyx1]

patrick g - You didn't leave much out or your comments at all.
I bought the HF trencher too and love it for what I need to do.
I broke the welds on the bucket the first day I had it but they made good with a new one free (before they sold them separately) and let me keep the old bucket (which I got welded and had the teeth removed).
I went to CAD Plans and then to Metkit to buy parts for a smaller bucket, 6".
I farmed out the welding which got $$$$.
I bought the Metkit "ripper" - the best darn tool ever and built a thumb to go with it.
To move it quickly about, I put the trencher bucket into my FEL bucket and tow it that way for short distances, no messing with turning it into a trailer.

Hi,
I hate to revive such an old thread, but I bought one of the Harbor Freight Trenchers this summer and have been using it to dig a full basement for a small addition. I have been really super happy with its performance. Speed is not strong, but we knew that. It's capabilities are actually pretty good for small jobs. If you are still on this forum, I wonder if you can elaborate which version of the Metkit parts you adapted to it. Per their website below, they have several versions. I also would like to use the ripper for root removal in some small trenches. Any info you can share or dimensions if you had to fabricate something for it, would be great. Thanks, John
Four models of the Ripper have been developed. Select yours based on the backhoe you have.

608, 610, 628 Use the Model 600R

708, 710, 728 Use the Model 700R

808, 810, 821, 831, 841 use the Model 800R or 800TH*

* the 800TH is the model shown to the right specifically developed for use with the CADThumb.

NOTE: The Model 600R works with or without the Thumb.

 

[patrick_g]

Sorry, I can't be of more help. I still have the HF trencher. I use it once in a while. It is "plain vanilla" in that I have made no customizing nor have I added any accessories. I ave thought about a smaller bucket to concentrate the digging force in a smaller area to dig in hard dirt. Something even smaller like 3-4 inches wide for burying conduit and pipes in hard dirt would be good too. I missed my chance for customizing it myself as I now have a pacemaker and a prohibition on electric welding.

 

[California]

bought one of the Harbor Freight Trenchers this summer and have been using it to dig a full basement for a small addition. I have been really super happy with its performance. Speed is not strong, but we knew that. It's capabilities are actually pretty good for small jobs.

If you could post some photos that would be great. I bought a 3-point hoe that I need to keep a dedicated tractor for, and if this HF hoe could dig out my orchard stumps it would make that other rig unnecessary. (See my sig photo below). Thanks for any pix or comments you can provide!

 

[NewHampJim]

Oh, it definitely can dig out stumps. I've used mine to dig out 30-year-old oak stumps and it did take some time, but it did it. I've also dug up 1200 lb granite rocks with it and move ones weighing 1500lbs or better. Have I broken it? You bet. I do abuse mine. I re-enforced the legs with gussets but it is what it is. I bought mine used for $1400 so I am not complaining.