PTO Trencher fab/retrofit on BX-2200

[plumbcut]

Ive got an old Case TL-100 walk behind trencher that broke a gear inside the transaxle so its basically junk. The engine is very old and tired, but the digging arm and chain/teeth are in good useable condition. SO I have decided to get rid of the engine, transaxle, and adapt it to receive some 3 point arms and a PTO drive so I can run it behind my BX2200.

The old trencher is completely non-hydraulic. Everything is done via belts/pulleys/chains and the digging arm goes up & down via a hand crank.

Ive got to get PTO power to the trencher and turn the power output 90 degrees to interface with the rest of the pulley system. I think I would have to use a gearbox and I have a small brushhog and also a belly mower to scavenge parts (Gearboxes) from if need be.

Any suggestions? I plan on using a combination of the hand crank and the 3 point lift arms to set digging depth. Fabricating hydraulic controls into it may turn it into more of a project than I would like to make out of it, although it is an option and I could tap into the FEL controller to operate it but it would be even better with secondary controls.

I have seen what tractor supply stocks for sprockets/gears/hydraulic cylinders/pto driveshafts and parts/etc and feel like I could get 90% of what I need from there.

What online sources are you guys finding good deals and good selection on?

I would appreciate and consider ANY and all input. I'll post pictures a little bit later.

I would RATHER setup my B6200 to do this but its got a manual transmission and I cant slow the tractor down enough to make it work. The BX with the HST is going to be my only option right now.

 

[CountryBumkin]

We are going to need pictures! Lots of pictures.

Also check out http://www.surpluscenter.com/ for misc parts and supplies. I suppose you will need a right-angle-gear-reduction box to slow the PTO speed to trencher chain speed.

Good luck.

 

[Lil Foot]

I would have suggested Surplus Center also. Keep us informed, sounds like an interesting project.

 

[Ramos]

That does sound interesting. Having a useable gearbox on hand will go a long ways in keeping the cost down. Tisco has some reasonable pricing on complete drivelines.

 

[D2Cat]

Post some pictures of your basic parts, the chain, boom, sprockets, etc. Show us how it was getting power from the engine?

I don't think it would be too difficult to have a hyd. motor run your digging chain, and even use a cyl. to raise and lower the digging boom. You would have your tractor hydrostat as a creeper speed.

 

[plumbcut]

I dont know why Ive never heard of surplus center but Im liking what Im seeing.

Ramos: Id dont mind sinking some money into the project especially seeing as how some of those gearboxes are <$200..

D2Cat: Hydraulic motor to run the chain? NOW you got me thinking. I just assumed I'd use the PTO. Wonder if the stock BX hydraulic system has enough output to do this? Maybe I would have to use a PTO pump? .....

 

[Ramos]

Hydraulic drive would be nice but, you would need to do the math on your available flow. As for PTO drive, a clutch for protection may not be a bad idea, especially if your ground is rocky.

 

[tpmx]

I also recommend ,surplus center
I have purchase alot from them and have been happy with quality,prices and ship time

 

[coachgeo]

... a clutch for protection may not be a bad idea, especially if your ground is rocky.

IMHO be it clutch, breakable pin orrrr?? that and an immediate shut down is recommended no matter what... never know when your going to hit something be it root, rock, of your kids leg

 

[Diydave]

Before you take anything apart, check out how fast the chain operates, on the old trencher, so you can figger out the gearing necessary, to run the trencher, at that speed... This tool comes in handy for that:

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=digital+tachometer