I found a light duty hoe that seems sound and mostly complete but needing a general rebuild and hoses but price is right. Problem is, it seems to be from a trencher (not ditchwitch, but similar to what I've seen on them) of some sort. Very light duty, probably a 9" bucket or so, and nothing like a typical 3 point or even sub-frame mount. I'm going to try to take a look in the next days if it doesn't slip away first. Anyone have suggestions on whether this is a pipe-dream, or viable alternative?
Given the folks who build their own hoes and/or FEL, I'm thinking this has got to be a leap ahead of that proposition, but will require a complete sub-frame fabrication. And it has no outriggers, so that's another piece. I'm not stranger to fabrication and have a well equipped shop. Still, no experience and not entirely sure what a proper functional design will look like.
I really need access to the 3 point, so it would have to be a quick connect, and figuring out the ergonomics (seat etc) also looks like a good part of the problem. Controls now are clearly designed to operate standing beside the unit, but that's easily addressed I think. I'm even thinking about something someone suggested here about making it effectively a tow behind using the draw bar and PTO shaft from my auger to power the pump. It's something I need fairly regularly, and not (very often) for stump/boulder type removal type heavy work, so it might work well enough like that.
Just looking for anyone who may have any experience, or perhaps investigated it previously.
Given the folks who build their own hoes and/or FEL, I'm thinking this has got to be a leap ahead of that proposition, but will require a complete sub-frame fabrication. And it has no outriggers, so that's another piece. I'm not stranger to fabrication and have a well equipped shop. Still, no experience and not entirely sure what a proper functional design will look like.
I really need access to the 3 point, so it would have to be a quick connect, and figuring out the ergonomics (seat etc) also looks like a good part of the problem. Controls now are clearly designed to operate standing beside the unit, but that's easily addressed I think. I'm even thinking about something someone suggested here about making it effectively a tow behind using the draw bar and PTO shaft from my auger to power the pump. It's something I need fairly regularly, and not (very often) for stump/boulder type removal type heavy work, so it might work well enough like that.
Just looking for anyone who may have any experience, or perhaps investigated it previously.
