Garden tractor loader hydraulics

[SmilinSam]

Question:In general are the pumps on these garden tractor loaders capable of running a backhoe on the given tractor if it were plumbed into the system?Would have to increase the size of the hydraulic reservoir, but I am playing with the idea of construction a backhoe for my little loader tractor without the hassle of adding a second pump somewhere.If this is feasible, I assume you would run the supply from the pump to the backhoe valves and through the power beyond and then into the loader valve or vise versa... correct?Looking at these plans:http://www.backhoeplans.com/

Been mulling over either this or a new Kubota BX25 with backhoe, but don't really want several years of payments..

[BLT]

Sam, it all depends on the size of the pump cartridge, the middle section, and according to the FAQ's all you need is 4-6 gpm for it to work reasonable. I would think as long as you have the proper relief settings you should be OK

[timflury]

I agree with Bob.

You are usually operating one, or two functions/cylinders at a time.

You will need to retract all your cylinders and check the tank level, then extend them all to see the difference in oil consumption.

As far as pressure v flow goes, the hoe should operate just fine with the onboard pump.

[rokon2813]

quote:Originally posted by timflury

I agree with Bob.You are usually operating one, or two functions/cylinders at a time.You will need to retract all your cylinders and check the tank level, then extend them all to see the difference in oil consumption.As far as pressure v flow goes, the hoe should operate just fine with the onboard pump.

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id="quote">

id="quote">I am by no means a pro, but the few times I have played with a hoe taking out blacktop drive ways and loading it on trucks, I recall using 4 functions at once a lot.Main boom, secondary boom, bucket curl and swing all at once. To be smooth and not jerky, not all of the valves are fully open at once but all 4 operate together.The couple garden tractor loaders I have used, do both lift and curl together, but I'm not sure those pumps would handle 4 functions.If you just want something to play with (slowly) I'm sure it would work, but if you are any good with a real back hoe, I don't think you would be happy.

[SmilinSam]

Dan, I have never run a backhoe, real or otherwise. Couldn't be worse than running a shovel or spade:D

If the current pump would be too small, I could just get a bigger gpm pump couldn't I?

If I do this, I would rather not have 2 independent hydraulic systems on the tractor.

[BLT]

Sam, before you jump off the cliff, you should see if you can get a performance curve of the pump you have. Or you can E-mail me the pump numbers and name. A lot of hydraulic pumps have a flow rating tied in with 3PH electric motors (1800RPM), That doesn't mean they can't go faster, say 4000 RPM and give you a higher flow.

[rokon2813]

With no experience, you have no idea what to expect, I would build it.

You can always change out the pump later if you are not happy with the performance.

I'm guessing, just like the loaders, it won't be a very powerful machine anyway, these tractors are just too small.

With a total weight under 1500 pounds, it probably won't do a lot of work, not a lot of breakout power, without the weight to counter the hydraulic force.

For "around the house" playing around it should serve the purpose.

I'm sure, though slowly, it would dig holes, drainage ditches, etc. I don't think I would try digging a basement or anything like that.

And, ANYTHING with a seat and levers beats manual labor :D:D

[GregB]

Pretty sure Powermax Paul built his own backhoe.

http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=110813&SearchTerms=backhoe

http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=68322&SearchTerms=backhoe

Searched on backhoe, included the archives, and on powermax_paul as author.

Here's a link to a plans site

http://www.p.f.engineering.50megs.com/