Best DIY towable backhoe plans?

[REPO]

I have been reading tons of posts around the net trying to figure out what is the best plans available to build my own towable backhoe? I am leaning towards the CADplans version. I do want to have the angled main boom. (30 degrees?) as from what I have read, you can dig a little deeper.

I have NO experience with building these, so I was hoping that someone who has actually built one, or knows of different variations could give their opinion. I want the best possible design, for digging, comfort of operation, strength, etc.

If you have saved links, pictures, etc, they would be great!

Thanks in advance!

 

[rbutterfield]

I do want to have the angled main boom. (30 degrees?) as from what I have read, you can dig a little deeper.

I do not have any experience with the towable ones however I did recently complete one for my tractor. I too used the curved boom design.
I am not certain however whether it contributes to digging depth, I was more of the impression it allowed you to dig closer the the tractor or in your case the transport frame.

 

[REPO]

I have been reading your post, you did an amazing job. What plans did you buy?

 

[rbutterfield]

P.F. Engineering.
I made a few minor modifications as is usually the case when building something. Like you I like the idea of a towable design. I guess you could say mine is towable as well. I bought a trailer that I can load the tractor and BH on. I wanted to build the trailer as well, especially since I work for a trailer manufacturer however, building two major projects at the same time would be more than I could handle, or the wife would allow!

 

[Craig Clayton]

Dear REPO
I am also a new member and I am in the middle of installing a John Deere 46 backhoe subframe under a Kubota. the hydraulics will be powered by the kubotas mid PTO when on the tractor and the backhoe will be unbolted from the subframe and rebolted to the towable. A 10 Hp diesel will power the backhoe as I have installed a filter and pressure relief and gauge under the grating of the hoe. It has two 8 foot quick connect wet lines. It should work because I have already did some playing using the kubotas remote valve.
No pictures yet.
Craig Clayton

 

[rbutterfield]

Dear REPO
I am also a new member and I am in the middle of installing a John Deere 46 backhoe subframe under a Kubota. the hydraulics will be powered by the kubotas mid PTO when on the tractor and the backhoe will be unbolted from the subframe and rebolted to the towable. A 10 Hp diesel will power the backhoe as I have installed a filter and pressure relief and gauge under the grating of the hoe. It has two 8 foot quick connect wet lines. It should work because I have already did some playing using the kubotas remote valve.
No pictures yet.
Craig Clayton

Sounds very interesting.
Look forward to the photos.

 

[wawajake]

I don't have a suggestion for plans.....but here is a Canadian manufacturer of them that has lots of pictures of various sizes and configurations that might help.

Mini excavators by CanDig Mini Excavators Inc.

jake

 

[J_J]

REPO.

I have been building one of these for awhile .

CDP backhoe > manufacturer of backhoes & thumb kits

http://www.my-mini-excavator.com/

http://www.mini-skid-steer.com/

 

[REPO]

J J, the CDP plan is the one I have been looking at the most. The PRO800 with the Extend-A-Hoe option is the one I like. I am just waiting for more info from him on this system, as there are no good pictures or info on the website to make an educated decision.

 

[J_J]

Here is my CDP-500/600? Needs a little more work. It has the grapple on it right now.

 

[REPO]

I finally recieved a response from CDP. Apparently he has no pictures or any other info on the PRO800 or the Extend-A-Hoe. Seems a bit odd. If you are selling an item, you should be able to describe it right?

How many people have bought the CDP plans? Is this guy legit?

 

[J_J]

REPO, I have purchased from him awhile back, and he had photos of all his products. The kits I purchased were all laser cut, with bushings, and all the small metal. parts. I only had to purchase the 3 x 3, 4 x 4 stock. I also purchased the grapple that fits on the boom. I agree with you about the PRO-800 kit, he should have photos of it, or go out and take some. I purchased the 3 pt kit, and adapted it to my Power-Trac, which you can see in the pictures.

 

[mrcaptainbob]

Here are some pics Dirt Digger info--- - a set on Flickr
of a tow behind I built using CadPlans. It's my version of their 628. It has served me very well for over ten years now. The only 'complaint' being ~ shoud've built the next one up for more power!~....

 

[wsurfer49]

I built my backhoe from ubuildit plans and have gotten lots of use out of it. Built it 7 years ago. The learning curve was kind of steep for me as I had not done a lot of welding. Turned out ok and have only had to redo a few welds. Used a harbor freight welder and could have used a little more amps.

I found the cad plans after I started on my backhoe and I would probably go for one of their plans. They offer more options. That said the ubuild is a great little machine!:confused2:

 

[Groo]

Were I to do a tow-able, I'd definitely want it to be able to move some on its own power. When I use our 3 point backhoe, I am always digging a bit, then moving it a few feet then digging some more. A bigger unit will be able to reach more, but something is always going to be just out of reach. I imagine the tow-ables can move themselves a foot or two at a time, but that would get old quick on a larger project.

 

[JT42]

I built my backhoe from ubuildit plans and have gotten lots of use out of it. Built it 7 years ago. The learning curve was kind of steep for me as I had not done a lot of welding. Turned out ok and have only had to redo a few welds...That said the ubuild is a great little machine!:confused2:

I'm currently working on the ubuiltitplans backhoe. Overall it's been going together well, although now I'm down to the last major sub-assembly and the dipper arm plates are giving me a lot of trouble. With any luck I'll have the machine completely done -- painted and assembled -- by the end of May. If I have to completely re-do the plates... well... it will be longer.

 

[nyen0004]

P.F. Engineering.
I made a few minor modifications as is usually the case when building something. Like you I like the idea of a towable design. I guess you could say mine is towable as well. I bought a trailer that I can load the tractor and BH on. I wanted to build the trailer as well, especially since I work for a trailer manufacturer however, building two major projects at the same time would be more than I could handle, or the wife would allow!

rbuterfield, I too would like to build a backhoe for my 2320. How is it attached to the tractor and are the Hydraulics powered by the rear pto? Exactly what mods did you make. I was thinking of purchasing the P.F. Engineering plans.

 

[SailormanEd]

I have the original Kelley 70 backhoe 3 pt hitch frame with oil tank I would like to sell. Would save a lot of work and welding. Just need to build & mount the hoe and stabilizers. Mine was converted to a fixed frame that mounts right to the tractor. PM me if interested.