I am considering making a backhoe rake.

Gofast · Apr 12, 2019

I don't have a need for a full pledged Grapple. I do have branches/brush when I trim trees and clean the fence line. I just take these and load the either in a dump golf cart or a 16' trailer.
I can use my new 16" bucket or my pallet forks. To do this job.
The other option I am considering is making a backhoe rake or mini grapple. I would make maybe 24"-30" (I have BxPanded thumb)
I have a QC on my backhoe so switching out is no issue.
And maybe similar to one of these.
old cheddar made this.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/build-yourself/371409-backhoe-rake-fiinished.html
I would buy surplus steel and fab and weld this myself. I have the steel for the brackets already left over for my other projects.
The cost would be low.
Does anyone have something like this? Do you think this attachment would be more useful than just a bucket?

MF RED in MT · Apr 14, 2019

Hey Gofast,

It seems like that will work by pinching the brush against the dipper tube steel.

I build a set of 5, brush forks out of 1"x3"x1/8" tube steel that sits inside the front bucket and bolts to the sides of the bucket. I think all 5 forks extends pass the bucket about 30". It's welded up as one piece, easy to install/uninstall. This works for me and I also cover the top of the brush forks with 3/4" plywood and use the platform to haul firewood.

I also built another set, but they only extend out the front of the bucket about 4" and I use them for bucket teeth.

Whatever you end up making, I think will work fine for you.

KC

Gofast · Apr 14, 2019

Thanks for the reply.

I got thinking about it and changed my mind.
I ended up making something similar to what you described. I think they will be more useful.

I have Titan pallet forks they are skid steer quick attach. The forks pin on it.
I made debris forks that attach to my pallet fork frame.

They are pretty beefy.
The bottom angle is 6" x 4" 5/8" angle. The two outside forks are 3/4" x 2" the inside ones are 3/4" square stakes 36" long.
There are three of them. Two welded side by side the one welded on top of the other two.

I ran out of paint but still tried it out and it worked well so far.

I bought all this steel from a scrap yard this whole thing cost me about $20 to make.

MF RED in MT · Apr 14, 2019

That looks very useful. For me looking forward is the best since I have a hard time turning my neck to look back.

The plywood I covered the brush forks with hinge up at the bucket and I had to make a wooden riser that connects just behind the hinges so I can flip up the plywood and bungee around the riser to use the brush forks while the plywood is still installed.

I just drilled and tapped 1/4-20 in the top of the brush forks and also in the top flange of the bucket to fasten the plywood and riser with eyebolts. Before when I did not have the riser part, I would end up with tree branches spilling on the hood of the tractor.

Your looks stronger then mine, I've had to use the weed burner a few times to straighten some of the brush forks.

Sorry I do not have any pics, KC

CADplans · Apr 14, 2019

That is a cool looking rake,, and it is possible it will work,,, BUT,,,
I just have not seen one before,, being used, or for sale.

If it was a great tool,, wouldn't there be a dozen of them for sale on Amazon,, and eBay?
(There may be a bunch for sale,, I did not look,,,)

The rake may be a buggy whip,,