Backhoe Ripper

[madtowneast]

Was able to get a little shop time in today, welded up the shank and mount. Had a little trouble getting the welder dialed in for the 1/4" Hardox, sometimes it can become magnatized when cutting and causes some weird issues.

Next I'll be welding the shank to the mount and reaming the bushings to size.View attachment 3774392View attachment 3774393

Nice work. What material did you use to tube in the bottom picture to connect the pin holders? Did you use a bushings in that tube? If so which one?

 

[TMGT]

It was some oddball shaft material I had, 2 7/16, that was drilled out and machined for 1 5/8od x 2" bronze bushing.

 

[TMGT]

The ripper and thumb are mounted, can't wait to try them out!

Of course, as soon as I went to use it, the right stabilizer cylinder started pouring fluid. Went to the local hyd shop today and matched up some seals, bought double as I'm sure the left cylinder won't be far behind.

 

[TMGT]

Got to test it out on an old poplar stump this evening, very happy with the rippers performance.

Was even able to test the thumb with it.

The disturbed area is way less than with a bucket, which is why I wanted the ripper.

The stump was a bit old and starting to rot so I'm curious to see how it does on a live tree. Hopefully I'll get the go ahead soon to start on my new shop, which will give me plenty of testing time!

 

[M59]

Stumping with a root ripper is great fun.

 

[TMGT]

Way better/faster than digging them out with a bucket!
The only thing that would make it better would be a stronger hoe. The 611 is no slouch, but it seems you could always use a little more power when you hit that big root.
Which reminds me, I need to check the pressures on it.