The home made backhoe was built in Fall of '99, using plans and tech support of CADPlans, (a friendly business). Most of the Caddigger design No.#841 was used but main frame was modified, also: rear end/ wheel and front stabilizers (which double as blade arms- blade is on ground). Therefore i have dubbed it "The 842". Great little machine with 18 HP engine. The Caddigger plans provide an easy way to build things without the study of hydraulics, especially if one already has independent metal working ideas and methods. Metco offers parts with moderate prices on the many pre-cut and pre-hole-punched (steel plate) parts. For the big pieces of steel check your local suppliers, since some pieces have no holes in them and shipping costs can be saved. For most flame cut holes, you could as well cut your own, since Metco flame cut holes were not that accurate. The majority of medium to small cut parts were well worth buying from Metco, (one exception being the hydraulic motor mounts which were flame cut). For some hydraulic accessories, see Surplus Center's printed free catalog, call- 800 488 3407 (USA-- 1-402-474-4055).

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CLick here to see many pictures, describing above project.

Updated Reports After Second Year Of Use-- More updates to follow as time permits. I'm glad to say that i got some interesting use out of the machine during the first summer and without major problems. A quick list of things which i found critical for my use (but were not included in the 1999 building plans).

1] The hydraulic motors supplied by Metco seem reasonably powerful, even for light blade work. Their main flaw is moving down hill. Gravity then tries to propel the motor faster than the engine speed. This results in a pulsating noise. I was warned by informed people that this might prematurely wear down the motors. I'm sad to report, that after some use, one motor actually began to fail... Thin bits of metal were forced through the hydraulic seal, causing leakage. I was sadly disappointed with CAD Plans and Metco for not knowing about this inherent engineering failure. It is easy to destructively propel the drive motors while maneuvering the machine on nearly level ground. Since a backhoe often needs to move over mounds of dirt, it is critical to protect the motors from gravity propulsion, which is part of everyday work. The replacement motor cost me a few hundred dollars. A special 3 port valve is said to be available from other suppliers i have consulted with. Installation sounds easy and power loss sounds manageable.

2] Hydraulic hose support braces are badly needed. I punctured one hose and have worn away rubber on several others. Once i got involved with other jobs i delayed getting around to welding on some simple holders for the hoses. It took a while to get around to adding these.

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Click here to see second project.

The content on this website, http://harmoniouspalette.com, is placed in the public domain only as a free exchange of ideas and as a "hard studied wish to serve life". The author assumes no responsibility for the improper use of the concepts in these web pages, as all relevant laws of life and local codes should be verified and observed before any building or experimentation proceeds. discussion is welcome, please write.  Bo Atkinson