{"id":10649,"date":"2021-10-30T09:45:19","date_gmt":"2021-10-30T09:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=10649"},"modified":"2021-10-30T09:46:43","modified_gmt":"2021-10-30T09:46:43","slug":"how-to-make-a-backhoe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-make-a-backhoe\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Make A Backhoe {DIY Guide}"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Backhoes typically <a href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-use-a-backhoe-on-a-farm\/\">come as a complete package<\/a> with a tractor, digger bucket and loader. But these can be pricey and can take up a lot of space in a small farm.&nbsp;In this post, we\u2019ll give you some ideas on how to make a backhoe without buying a full one. These include turning your tractors, skid steer or even ATV into a backhoe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Assemble a Backhoe From Scratch?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_199297822_L-1.jpg\" alt=\"Can You Assemble a Backhoe From Scratch?\u00a0\" class=\"wp-image-10589\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_199297822_L-1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_199297822_L-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_199297822_L-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Depositphotos_199297822_L-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can certainly make your own DIY backhoe differ from scratch. But that requires lots of engineering skills and specifically an understanding of hydraulics and mechanics.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also need to be comfortable using tools like welders and angle grinders, and spend a lot of time searching for the right components.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have the time, skills, and tools, it\u2019s a nice project to try. For inspiration, see what this homeowner has done.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"container-lazyload preview-lazyload container-youtube js-lazyload--not-loaded\"><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/WOeCbY7bKZw\" class=\"lazy-load-youtube preview-lazyload preview-youtube\" data-video-title=\"DIY Homemade Mini Excavator 360 Slew\" title=\"Play video &quot;DIY Homemade Mini Excavator 360 Slew&quot;\">https:\/\/youtu.be\/WOeCbY7bKZw<\/a><noscript>Video can&#8217;t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/WOeCbY7bKZw\" title=\"DIY Homemade Mini Excavator 360 Slew\">DIY Homemade Mini Excavator 360 Slew (https:\/\/youtu.be\/WOeCbY7bKZw)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Our guide is targeted more towards folks who don&#8217;t want a traditional backhoe, with the tractor and everything, but still want off the shelf components they can work with without any welding or grinding involved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We explain how to combine standalone backhoe attachments with common equipment that you already have to make a usable machine that\u2019s way cheaper than getting a CAT, JD or Case product.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Towable Backhoes&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A towable backhoe is one of the cheapest ways of making a homemade backhoe digger. These backhoes are typically small, very affordable, and can be towed behind a vehicle, ATV or UTV.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you transport the machine to where you want to use it, you disconnect it from the vehicle then engage the stabilizer legs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For repositioning around the job site, most towable backhoes can be moved over short distances using the digger bucket and the wheels.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A towable backhoe consists of just a single arm with a digger bucket, an operator\u2019s seat, hydraulic controls, and a small engine to power the hydraulics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because they tend to be small and not very powerful, towable backhoes are only suitable for small digging jobs. The digging depth is usually no more than 6-7 feet.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A towable machine is perfect for landscaping around your home and can help with various tasks in a small farm such as digging post holes and trenches, digging small ponds, and moving rocks and tree stumps.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the companies that manufactures towable backhoes is Harbor Freight. Their most popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.harborfreight.com\/9-hp-towable-backhoe-62365.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">model<\/a> comes with a 9HP engine, can dig up to 7ft deep, and costs about $3,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.northerntool.com\/shop\/tools\/product_200832947_200832947\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Northern Tool<\/a> also sells a 15HP towable backhoe with a 6.7ft digging depth for about the same price.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attaching a Backhoe to a Tractor&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/house-4637260_1280-1.jpg\" alt=\"Attaching a Backhoe to a Tractor\" class=\"wp-image-6660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/house-4637260_1280-1.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/house-4637260_1280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/house-4637260_1280-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/house-4637260_1280-1-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you already own a tractor, you probably don&#8217;t need to <a href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/what-kind-of-tractor-do-i-need\/\">buy another tractor<\/a> just to get access to a digger.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are backhoe diggers designed specifically to attach to a tractor\u2019s three point hitch system. The digger connects to your tractor\u2019s hydraulic system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These backhoes tend to be bigger, and can handle much more challenging jobs. Most of them have the same digging depth and lift capacity as a full sized tractor backhoe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The limiting factor will be your tractor.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you get a digger and hitch it to your tractor, look up your tractor\u2019s capabilities. This includes how much weight it can tow, whether its frame can withstand the stresses of using a backhoe, and the capacity of the tractor\u2019s hydraulic system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, you\u2019ll need to buy and install a subframe to ensure the tractor can handle increased load and stress from the backhoe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One major advantage of a tractor-mounted backhoe is that it functions much like a traditional backhoe. Once you attach it to the tractor, it\u2019s easy to move it around even on difficult terrain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, if your tractor can accommodate the combined weight, you can also add a loader to your tractor to recreate a proper backhoe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attaching a Backhoe to a Skid Steer&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you <a href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/skid-steer-on-farm\/\">have a skid steer<\/a>, that can also work. You just need to get a backhoe attachment designed to connect to a skid steer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The size and capability of the attachment will depend on what your skid steer can handle. You can get lightweight attachments for under $2,000 and heavy duty ones for up to $10,000 or more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some backhoes come with their own auxiliary hydraulic system to supplement the skid steer\u2019s power.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also find some backhoes that can be operated from within the skid steer\u2019s cab, while others have a dedicated operator station on the backhoe.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pros and Cons of Homemade Backhoes&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Good&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>It\u2019s cheaper than buying a full size backhoe. Even a used machine can easily set you back $20,000 or more. In contrast, you can spend just a couple thousand dollars on an attachment for your tractor or UTV.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You get to use the equipment you already have. This not only saves money, it also saves on space especially for smaller farms.&nbsp;<\/li><li>You don&#8217;t have another big machine to maintain. Maintaining a backhoe attachment is cheaper and easier than servicing a full size machine.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Downsides<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>You often have to give up some power and performance. You are unlikely to find an attachment that can match a full size machine in terms of power, dig depth, reach, and lift capacity.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Frequently switching between different attachments can be tedious.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It all comes down to your particular situation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you mostly use it for small jobs around your home and farm, it makes sense to use a towable or tractor-mounted backhoe. You can then <a href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/where-can-i-rent-a-backhoe\/\">rent a full size backhoe<\/a> for the occasional big projects.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If, on the other hand, you regularly do a lot of excavation, you are probably better off spending more on a full size machine.&nbsp;<br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Backhoes typically come as a complete package with a tractor, digger bucket and loader. But these can be pricey and can take up a lot of space in a small farm.&nbsp;In this post, we\u2019ll give you some ideas on how to make a backhoe without buying a full one. These include turning your tractors, skid &#8230; <a title=\"How To Make A Backhoe {DIY Guide}\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/how-to-make-a-backhoe\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How To Make A Backhoe {DIY Guide}\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":10651,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[70],"tags":[43],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10649"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10649"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10649\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10654,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10649\/revisions\/10654"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10651"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}