Homemade Backhoe

powermaxpaul · Jun 29, 2002

I built this backhoe for my Simplicity Powermax 4041. If anyone is interested I have CAD generated plans available. The prototype has undergone some changes since this pic, and could be modified for other tractors. Tractor should have a loader for front counter weight. Also, like the Simplicity Powermax series and AC equivalents, the tractor should be a minimum of 1400# dry weight.

njrqs · Jun 29, 2002

I admire your work.

From someone who is flat out making a shelf on a wall, the concept of making a backhoe is mind boggling.

Cheers

rbeitz · Jun 29, 2002

Very nice work. What was the approx cost of the materials to put this togethor? Is it a straight 3 pt mount or is it tied to the frame of the tractor as well?

powermaxpaul · Jun 29, 2002

The total cost of parts for mine was about $1600. While this is less than buying a unit, you need to budget a lot of time. I spent quite a lot of time cutting out pieces in my basement with a Sawzall. I had mine professionally welded by a friend, but could have welded it with my Lincoln 225 buzz box.

I've made up a plan package similar to what you'd get from cadplans, that includes 7 pages of notes, a bill of materials, and 8 pages of detailed drawings. I'm currently asking $75 per set to anyone interested.

Max digging depth is about 5' 6" and has a maximum ripping force at the bucket of 3300# at 1500 psi. Unit weighs about 770 lbs.

This is a pic of the backhoe prototype as modified to date:

Paul

dewink · Jun 30, 2002

I am extremely interested in your design. this looks like a very great and simple backhoe that would suit me well. Is it attached to the frame of the tractor and how easily does it go off and on? also does it run off the pto shaft? any more info you can provide would be great! I would love to see more pics, especially action shots.

derek

Anonymous Poster · Jul 20, 2002

Did you cut the triangular gusset-shaped parts with the Sawsall? That must have been very time consuming. If you have a decent steel supplier locally, and can give them a drawing, or better yet a .dxf (cad) file, they should be able to knock the plates out on a burn table in about 15 minutes. A couple of shops I used to work in have them, it's amazing how quickly and accurately they can cut complex shapes.

Interesting to hear that you were able to build for the material price you were. I think I'll look at this project seriously once I get a tractor. This being poor stuff sucks! Nice workmanship and design on your BH. I can't see enough detail, how did you handle the pivot of the backhoe at the #PH?

BTW, if you want cad files for burning let me know, I can whip up the plate shapes in Solidworks in a few minutes and export dxf's.

Kodiak · Jul 20, 2002

Most good size welding shops use a shear. It makes a much cleaner cut than burning and faster to.

mrcaptainbob · Jul 20, 2002

I have an 'old' 10" table saw. I replaced the blade with a 10" 'chop saw' or cut off wheel blade. Even an 8" will do. It's not a problem to cut 1/2" stock with this. The fence and miter gauge are really a plus as well as being able to tilt the blade for making a bevel cut ready for welding. Saves on grinding time and is much neater, too.

Ozarker · Jul 20, 2002

That's not a bad idea. I have a Delta 10" table saw and never even considered the idea of a metal cutting blade for it.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 21, 2002

Neat idea with the table saw-though I think I'd want to get an old beater one for this!

The burn tables I'm familiar with are computer (CNC) controlled, and give a much smoother cut than a hand-burned one. Unlike a shear, they will do curves and radii just as well as straights, and any kind of internal cutouts. Granted, the shear will give a somewhat better edge.

Ozarker · Jul 21, 2002

<font color=blue>I think I'd want to get an old beater one for this! </font color=blue>

That accurately describes just about everything I own except my truck. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

mrcaptainbob · Jul 21, 2002

You're right about an 'old beater'. If not before you use it for metal, it soon will be after! I had an interesting experience with mine. It suddenly popped the breaker. Checked the unit out and found that after cutting much stock at a 45, the sparks were raining on the plastic shield over the switch on the underside of the machine. It sort of 'remolded' it all! I now have a neat metal shield covering the revised switch area. Buy the way, don't mean to come off as someone talking down to people, but doing it this way really requires face shield, ear protection (from noise and grit) and a dust mask.....

Anonymous Poster · Jul 22, 2002

captainbob, thanks for the tips. I wonder how the internals of the motor hold up with the metal chips and fines. Many of the "contractor style" saws have an open frame motor, where the outside air flows through the internals of the motor for cooling. Jet is the only one in this price range that uses a TEFC (totally enclosed fan-cooled) motor. This motor has a CI housing with ribs, and an external fan that blows along them for cooling-seems like it would work better in both wood dust and metal. I need to get a drill press, I'm looking seriously at the Jet there as well, for the same reason. Too broke to buy anything right now.

Bri

wroughtn_harv · Jul 22, 2002

I assume when ya'll are talking about shearing you're referring to sheet metal. Because it's been my experience that sheared thicker stuff ends aren't near as nice as those cut with anything but a rookie with a torch.

In fact my Lehman punch press has some shearing functions. But when I priced the cost, two hundred and fifty dollars, for replacing the cutting dies I decided it wasn't worth it as I wouldn't be using it much.

Ozarker · Jul 22, 2002

You're absolutely correct. A company I worked for had two shears and could shear stock up to about 1/2" thick. But anything over about 1/8" and you could see the distortion in the edges and it gets more pronounced as you do thicker metal. A good flame cutter will do a much nicer job.

Kodiak · Jul 22, 2002

Your right most most plate shears do distort considerably on anythingh over 1/4". Some of the local boat building companies have really huge plate shears, that have replaceable cutting edges on a the work table as well as the shear. I saw them do some 10' cuts in 3/8" plate with it, for our boat, and it wasn't distorted badly.

dbmsimp · Apr 16, 2014

hi, I am looking to buy a set of the plans to build a backhoe 4 simplicity PowerMax tractor. Are they still available? Please contact me at protech resto@gmail.com or 847 888 3463. Thank you, Darren

bob5363 · Apr 22, 2017

powermaxpaul said:
I built this backhoe for my Simplicity Powermax 4041. If anyone is interested I have CAD generated plans available. The prototype has undergone some changes since this pic, and could be modified for other tractors. Tractor should have a loader for front counter weight. Also, like the Simplicity Powermax series and AC equivalents, the tractor should be a minimum of 1400# dry weight.

i am wonting to by the cad plans if you still have them you can e maill me bob51463@yahoo.com i have tried on the sit but git nothing thank you for your time