footers with a loader?

[BrettW]

Hi,
I'm going to build a 24x36' barn and hate the idea of digging footers by hand when I have a nice little B7800 tractor sitting there. It has a loader, also a boxblade. Any way I can use either to dig a footer, without breaking the bank? I don't want a back hoe attachment.
thanks, bret w

 

[johnday]

Brett; I suppose you could dig a footer with the loader, but, it sure would be an undertaking. You don't want to disturb the soil in the bottom of the trench for one thing. Plus the trench would most likely wind up being rather wide. How about renting a trencher with the proper width buckets? Or you could get a bunch of your jarhead buddies over to hand dig! /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gifI know how you guys like playing in the dirt, and afterwards you could all cleanup the perimeter! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Semper Fi, and thankyou. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[JJT]

Buy yourself a rear scoop, under $200.

 

[Banjo]

Maybe part way to a backhoe with one of those backhoe arms that go on a loader (or skid steer). I've seen some with a bucket cylinder and some without. Don't know how they'd work, but I'm sure faster than a shovel (and likely a *lot* more fun too) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

I didn't find the one I was thinking of, but this one from Skidworks shows the general idea. I've never used one, and just found the skidworks site (they have some other nifty attachments too ... their trencher might work too). I've also seen plans available it it's something you'd want to build.

FWIW. A.

 

[JerryG]

There was someone that bolted a backhoe bucket on to the bottom of his loader bucket so that he could dig ditches up to about 18" or so. He called it a halfback bucket. Some one may remember who it was and where the pictures are. I don't even know if it was on this site or not.

 

[notamustang]

I dont know how deep they have to be but what about fabing a narrow bucket for the loader?. Otherwise I would say its off to rent a mini excavater or a BH for a weekend. Are you sure you dont want a BH for your tractor /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Maine_Polack]

Anyone have one of these BHs, and attest to their usefulness?

I can't justify spending for a BH, however much I want one. For a couple thou. for this one I would consider it.

So...just to check my surmising....this digs only what the cylinder distance is?...and only in line with the tractor - no side swing?