Backhoe blade

[Volp]

I have been working with the instalation of my new pool and used my backhoe level the ground. I find it difficult to get a good finish with the bucket ( about 30" wide).
Have any of you build a blade to fit a backhoe instead of the bucket?
If the construction is not too complicated I might build it myself. I have made a rippel tooth of simple design which works quite well.

 

[EdKing]

Anders, I would just use your back blade to smooth up the area after you finish digging with the backhoe.

 

[JimMc]

We built a couple of them for a local landscaping company. The hoe bucket goes into the back socket, then pins on.

 

[rlw]

I've seen a backfill blade that bolts onto the bucket. Basically you just remove the two outer teeth on the bucket, and the blade bolts on.
I can't find the link/picture - it may have been discussed on TBN somewhere.

 

[Volp]

Thanks Jim!
Your picture looks like the conception I was thinking about.
Thanks also to rlw and EdKing.
Maybe it is easier to bolt something to the bucket than making a new outfit to replace it.

 

[dummy]

One of the guys showed me a neat trick for that. He has a JD 455 with all toothed buckets. He welded up two pieces of flat stock into a V shape that slips on over the teeth. One end is welded closed the other has a small locking pin, on and off in a snap.He then has a smooth, flat surface to scrape and grade with.

 

[rocky2]

An old excavator I knew had a simple setup on his case 580. A 1/2" flat plate bottom(a bit bigger than the bucket), a plate welded on either side with a couple of holes drilled/bolted thru the bucket, slipped on similar to a tooth bar on the FEL. Made for quick removal/installation without removing the bucket. It worked on all sorts of slopes/angles. Now this guy on his old Case had the touch of a surgeon and could smooth out an area that I couldn't match with a rake by hand.
Pose this question to WroughtnHarv and with his welding abilities, the guy will have one fabricated, installed, tested and photo's posted before you're even finished typing up the question.

 

[rlw]

Here is the link.
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.hallsdirtblade.com>http://www.hallsdirtblade.com</A>

 

[Kodiak]

I have a 38" one that we made from a garden tractor back blade. It has a 16" peice of 3"x5", 1/4" wall square tube, vertical support. That is slotted to fit over the center tooth and 5" up the bottom of the bucket. And is held on with a the T handle and screw, cut from an old (large) C clamp.

Mounted on the Woods 7500 BH, it works quite well. strong yet light weight.

 

[Boondox]

Kodiak -- Any chance of getting a picture of that?

Pete