Tractor backhoe - homemade

[Jim Timber]

Hire out some backhoe work to make money to pay the house costs?

I built a stump grinder last summer that works so well I'm going to offer removals for sale once I have a vehicle capable of towing my tractor.

Tools are toys that can earn their keep.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I would hate to see you sell your backhoe with all of your "sweat equity". Sweat as in perspiration.

Can you build a house that is modular, that you can add to it later, when you make a lot of money from backhoe jobs?

I'm afraid it will be hard to sell at a high price unless someone had a similar tractor, and you could help them get it mounted. They might would have to be mechanically engineering inclined so that they could appreciate your Michelangelo. I would hope that you don't have to sell it for a low price.

 

[sixdogs]

Just to show how popular this backhoe is, there have been 438,000 views of it on this thread. Read some of the comments.

 

[PatrickS2222]

Hi BFreaky, Firstly, Congratulations (albeit a few weeks late) on "Tying the Knot" !
I recently joined TBN and have spent a considerable amount of spare time in the last few days just to read this thread from beginning to end.
It's easy to see why almost nobody else tackles anything like this - not many people have such endless patience and incredible capability.
What a colossal project for one man to see from drawing board to fault-free function! I am completely in awe of the whole achievement. I still need to watch the videos yet (on another computer).
I frequently modify/enhance/alter/tinker with various (usually already-built) machinery or vehicles to improve their operation or reliability ... but you, my friend, are about ten levels above anything I've had the braves to attempt. This is truly an epic concept, with such a tremendous result - well done!
Note: Should you ever visit Australia, I would be proud to have you and your ever-understanding wife as our guests.
I've been a motor vehicle mechanic for over 35yrs. The biggest project I've succeeded in was building a hydraulic block splitter. It still works well; I use it to split firewood - it is easier and faster than an axe. I will do a separate thread for it at some stage.
Without wanting to detract from your amazing efforts, my brother has often told me I should have been an engineer of some sort ... says I think like an engineer. I'm sure he'd rethink that when compared to your fantastic achievement! Again, what a truly great result; and well done.
Re Value of the machine: Priceless! One-of-a-kind. Use it for some contracting work for money towards house. :thumbsup:

 

[BFreaky]

Thank you very much for your kind words. That is exactly what I'm thinking...I will use it to help others and maybe generate some income because building a house is like trying to fill a botomless pit...

 

[PatrickS2222]

Yes, it is often a never-ending story .....

 

[sixdogs]

...

that is what I'm thinking...I will use it to help others and maybe generate some income because building a house is like trying to fill a botomless pit...

That worked for me. As I have written before, my equipment is mostly "free" because of the money saved from projects and new home builds as well as amounts charged for projects done for others.

 

[BFreaky]

I hope I will make it....we will see

 

[fried1765]

That's all true. I am keeping it realistic and don't really expect miracles, especially not in my country...but I also like to hear real opinions. That's why I asked this question. To be honest I haven't really decided to sell it (it's hard to give away something that took so much work and effort) but looking at long term situation I will probably have to do it in order to be able to finish my house...

Curiosity: Which country?

 

[BFreaky]

Europe, Croatia

This video could help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgu4XTvZ0AA

 

[duke7595]

I would say between 12,000 to 15,000 U.S. depending upon it's current condition.. You have to ask yourself is it better than a factory hoe, and will it adapt to a
different tractor without major changes.. Personally I think it is better built than factory and a man is entitled to his labor, either by doing jobs for others or the sweat you have in building this fine machine..

 

[BFreaky]

Well that sounds like a great price... it's in great condition, can't be better

 

[PatrickS2222]

Hi Freaky, Haven't heard much for a few days ..... have you been flexing the Rolls-Royce of backhoes lately, or busy on other things?

Hope you haven't sold it! :thumbsdown: Of course I'm joking - it is your choice, but after the marathon effort I would always keep it.

 

[BFreaky]

It's not sold yet. Who knows... I still have alot to dig around the house

 

[BFreaky]

Some heavy work...excavating some concrete foundations. Weight around 1.5 tones

 

[sixdogs]

You know, I wouldn't sell that. To you it may not be perfect but that's only because you know everything about it. To everyone else, it's just fine.

Look at all the work that can do and the ease at which it does it.

 

[BFreaky]

For a good price, I would sell. Everything you said is true...it is a great machine

 

[Jim Timber]

I look at that thing and can't think of a comparable factory offering. No production line guy is going to give the love and attention to detail you put into yours.

Did you ever calculate how much it cost to build?

 

[ArtMech]

Many times more expensive should be the drawings. A prototype is the thing, which you may always improve.

 

[BFreaky]

No not really Jim. I just bought what I had to to make it the best possible way. Never really calculated all together.
Saracenas, there are always new improvements one can add to any design. I also have few things which I'd do a bit better next time...but who knows if there is gonna be a "next time"