Getting on a backhoe

[kiwiguy]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting a BX25, but I have a physical impairment that makes it difficult to climb steps. I can get on the BX fine by standing on the mower deck, but I can't get on the backhoe as is (which I really want!).

I have 2 main ideas. One is to make the seat lift and rotate while still sitting on it. This would need an actuator of some sort.

The other is to use a winch attached to the ROPS and a full body harness to help pull myself up. I may also need to mount some additional steps on the BH stabilizing arms. In theory you could use the hydraulics in some way, but it needs to be safe.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with adapting a tractor in such a way?

Thanks,
Kiwiguy

 

[85Hokie]

Hi,

I'm looking at getting a BX25, but I have a physical impairment that makes it difficult to climb steps. I can get on the BX fine by standing on the mower deck, but I can't get on the backhoe as is (which I really want!).

I have 2 main ideas. One is to make the seat lift and rotate while still sitting on it. This would need an actuator of some sort.

The other is to use a winch attached to the ROPS and a full body harness to help pull myself up. I may also need to mount some additional steps on the BH stabilizing arms. In theory you could use the hydraulics in some way, but it needs to be safe.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with adapting a tractor in such a way?

Thanks,
Kiwiguy

Not getting too personal - but is your upper body in good shape? Could you have something attached (bolted) to the ROPS -so that you could use your upper body to raise yourself up?

The 3-point will not work with the hoe on, but the stabilizers do - somehow have a "step" on the top side of the foot - lower and then stand on, and then raise.....I would think that would not be safe however.

Getting the seat to raise and turn is a PITA just doing it by hand, to sit on and have it spin would be a huge undertaking - unless someone has made this already.

Something attached to the ROPS would be the best thought in my book.

 

[kiwiguy]

Thanks for the advice.

It's not too personal to ask if it helps solve the problem. All my motor muscles are weak, so my upper body strength and hand grip isn't great either. I do wrap straps around my wrists to help pull things, so I might need something like that attached to the ROPS also.

I appreciate the input!
Kiwiguy

 

[CountryBumkin]

You said you are looking at getting a BX25 - but have not bought yet. So with your limitations maybe the BX is not the best choice for you. Remember its not just getting on to operate the backhoe once, there is a lot of movement going back and forth between front and rear facing as you need to continuously move tractor (i.e. as you are trenching a ditch).

I assume you plan to use the backhoe a lot (if not, it maybe better to get just the mower/FEL and hire someone when backhoe work is needed). But if your set on getting a backhoe, perhaps a tractor designed with a permanent rear facing seat would be better for you. Have you looked at any other models/brands?

See this for more thoughts/comments on this subject: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...424868-rotating-seat-backhoe-use-img_2549-jpg

Sorry wrong link. See http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sons/184459-rotating-seat-backhoe-use-2.html?

 

[William1]

I have come up with a easy way to get on my BX25D BH.

On each of the stabilizer cylinders, I applied a wide strip of that high friction stair tread tape, black and feels like sandpaper!

I lower the stabilizer until it is about parallel to the ground and use it (the hydraulic cylinder) for a step. You can even use it to lift you up as long as you have one hand on the ROPS and one on the control lever and are VERY CAREFUL.

I also use the BH bucket to move the tractor as I am digging. In 2WD, brake on. I use the BH to lift the tractor an inch of the ground and then push (or pull) forward or backward. Stabilizers in the raised position of course and not on a hill or other sort of unstable surface. Most of the digging I have had to do, I can use this method. Four knee surgeries later I have tried to learn tricks to minimize knee use.

 

[maclean]

The stock steps on the BX 25 get bent and the welds break...if you're handy with a welder, or don't mind paying a fab shop I'm sure someone can build you a better step.

When I was in Afghanistan at the MRAPS had steps attached with thick wire rope...thick enough a person with 210 rounds of ammo and plates wouldn't bend them...but thin enough to move if you hit something more solid.

I've always wanted to get some wire rope and experiment with building better steps.

-Mac

 

[kiwiguy]

You said you are looking at getting a BX25 - but have not bought yet. So with your limitations maybe the BX is not the best choice for you. Remember its not just getting on to operate the backhoe once, there is a lot of movement going back and forth between front and rear facing as you need to continuously move tractor (i.e. as you are trenching a ditch).

I assume you plan to use the backhoe a lot (if not, it maybe better to get just the mower/FEL and hire someone when backhoe work is needed). But if your set on getting a backhoe, perhaps a tractor designed with a permanent rear facing seat would be better for you. Have you looked at any other models/brands?

See this for more thoughts/comments on this subject: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...424868-rotating-seat-backhoe-use-img_2549-jpg

Sorry wrong link. See http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...sons/184459-rotating-seat-backhoe-use-2.html?

Thanks for the info and links. I hadn't seen that video before.

I haven't come across any sub-compact tractors with an easy swivel while still sitting.
I've seen them on the big tractors, but then I can't get in the front! Also no budget for something that big.

The kids would be more than happy to use the backhoe for me.

Thanks again!

 

[Grandad4]

Here's an alternative suggestion: By the time you buy a BX25 and spend money fabricating some kind of mechanism to let you get in position to work the hoe, you might be able to invest about the same $$$ in a decent used B21 or B26 that might let you remain seated for such work. Much greater capability as well. The trick would be finding a used one that hasn't been beat to death, since many/most of those models are in commercial service.

You'd have to assess the workability of something like that for your requirements, but I'd keep an open mind about ways to do this. Also, I remember reading several years ago about someone who was in the business of making modifications to CUT's for folks with limited mobiity. Wish I had a link for you, but maybe others know more, or a search on the web would bring something up.

 

[kenmac]

Here's an alternative suggestion: By the time you buy a BX25 and spend money fabricating some kind of mechanism to let you get in position to work the hoe, you might be able to invest about the same $$$ in a decent used B21 or B26 that might let you remain seated for such work. Much greater capability as well. The trick would be finding a used one that hasn't been beat to death, since many/most of those models are in commercial service.

You'd have to assess the workability of something like that for your requirements, but I'd keep an open mind about ways to do this. Also, I remember reading several years ago about someone who was in the business of making modifications to CUT's for folks with limited mobiity. Wish I had a link for you, but maybe others know more, or a search on the web would bring something up.

My B26 does not allow me to turn the seat while I'm in it and I have no abnormal physical issues. There's just not enough room to turn while seated.

 

[skeets]

MACLEAN,,,, thank you for your service!

 

[CountryBumkin]

MACLEAN,,,, thank you for your service!

+100! Thanks

 

[Tooljunkie]

A mini excavator would be much easier to mount/dismount. But good ones are hard to find for a reasonable price.

Building steps for stabilizers would be practical.