Thinking of making my backhoe attachment towable and usable OFF the tractor!

[4570Man]

Thanks for the pics that’s really helpful! This is awesome. So u go pretty confidently in that stuff? Maybe i will rent a mini x and see how it fares

Yes and I’d already worn that area out brush cutting it last week on my CTL. If I was only making one trip across I probably could have done it without making any detectable ruts. I was also digging stumps which caused it to sink more than doing lighter work would have.

 

[bdw9862]

bdw9862,

Very impressed with your work. Don't often see someone who has the skills, tools, and time to design and build their own machine. Impressive.

Have you found any weak links in your build and what were they?

You are probably the most capable person to help boostmg determine whether he should pursue building his tow behind backhoe.
I am sure he would like a rough cost to put together the components, the time to select, acquire, and build what he is interested in doing.
Boostmg has not said what he is going to tow his finished project but has indicated the existing tractor can not operate in the desired terrain. I am curious what boostmg would use to tow the finished project and is it capable of towing the weight the finished project probably will weigh. Do you know what your rig weighs?

Thanks>

Mine was very heavy (but big), I towed with my truck. It would tow at 60 mph. I overengineered everything and still had to strengthen the boom with 1/2 inch plate (on top of 3/8 square 3" tubing). I ran a 15 horse H/F engine and a 15 gallon tank. I never broke a weld but did try. I built a thumb and a ripper (out of a box blade) for it as well. It was pretty capable. I sold it to a guy who is using it to plant trees on his ranch up north. It was a beast. The only thing I would change would have been to put on a smaller pump. Mine was too big and made the boom move too fast.

I think you can mount a tractor 3 point to a frame with wheels, you simply need a pretty strong frame and lots of counterweight. I used Lowes buckets full of concrete.

 

[Jac65]

If the issue is soft ground what about getting a set of flotation tires for your tractor? It would let you use the tractor anywhere you have water or soft ground.

 

[boostmg]

If the issue is soft ground what about getting a set of flotation tires for your tractor? It would let you use the tractor anywhere you have water or soft ground.

Not familiar at all with them. Just did some quick searching. Where would i even find them? And how much are they would i need new rims too?

 

[Jac65]

Not familiar at all with them. Just did some quick searching. Where would i even find them? And how much are they would i need new rims too?

From what I've seen cost runs from several hundred per tire into the thousands, depending on how big a tire you need. You will need new rims, most likely. I would start by calling some local tractor dealers and talk to them about the pros and cons of float tires. you can also go on the tire manufacturer websites and look for local dealers.

 

[Vigo327]

As long as you're willing to make an even bigger mess, it's almost impossible to get a mini-x truly stuck. If that's the main concern making you avoid one I would probably rent one and see. I'm pretty confident i'd be happy with a tiny chinese mini-x, just can't actually justify it. Compared to buying a brand new towable in the $5k price range, they aren't THAT much more expensive. To me, a towable HAS to be in the ~$3500 new or less (used) range to stay out of a direct comparo to a slightly more expensive imported tiny chinese mini-X, which it will lose (in my opinion). That's why my brain goes to building something out of used cheap components for my skid steer, or chinese mini-X, but never really the 'pay full 5k for towable' in between.

 

[4570Man]

As long as you're willing to make an even bigger mess, it's almost impossible to get a mini-x truly stuck. If that's the main concern making you avoid one I would probably rent one and see. I'm pretty confident i'd be happy with a tiny chinese mini-x, just can't actually justify it. Compared to buying a brand new towable in the $5k price range, they aren't THAT much more expensive. To me, a towable HAS to be in the ~$3500 new or less (used) range to stay out of a direct comparo to a slightly more expensive imported tiny chinese mini-X, which it will lose (in my opinion). That's why my brain goes to building something out of used cheap components for my skid steer, or chinese mini-X, but never really the 'pay full 5k for towable' in between.

I didn’t get this one stuck my brother in law did but I drove this one out on it’s own power.

 

[bdw9862]

Dang....perhaps a boat with a backhoe.

 

[boostmg]

As long as you're willing to make an even bigger mess, it's almost impossible to get a mini-x truly stuck. If that's the main concern making you avoid one I would probably rent one and see. I'm pretty confident i'd be happy with a tiny chinese mini-x, just can't actually justify it. Compared to buying a brand new towable in the $5k price range, they aren't THAT much more expensive. To me, a towable HAS to be in the ~$3500 new or less (used) range to stay out of a direct comparo to a slightly more expensive imported tiny chinese mini-X, which it will lose (in my opinion). That's why my brain goes to building something out of used cheap components for my skid steer, or chinese mini-X, but never really the 'pay full 5k for towable' in between.

Yep I’m with u. $5k makes me apprehensive especially bc i know it’s inflated and expect something to go wrong with it.

Chinese mini exs are for sale near me for like $10k. Not sure i trust them either but yea i agree could be better.

Maybe I’ll try renting a mini ex.

I didn’t get this one stuck my brother in law did but I drove this one out on it’s own power. View attachment 753077

that is awesome.