Vietnam Vet retired. I'm not going to go live with old people at 75. Thought about a back hoe on and off for couple months, I just use tractor to much to take back hoe on and off. Started thinking about second tractor, WRONG. Than it came to me, to buy a Kubota K008-3 excavator. It's so small, when not in used it's park in the shop (clean and dry). My 16 year old TC33 New Holland getting replaced with bigger Kubota L4701. SUBSCRIBED! EDIT: I'll be adding few options.
Hi ArizVern! First of all, I want to sincerely thank you for your service to our country in a war that many want to forget but that you and thousands of hero’s like you never can forget. I am retired too, but I was a kid when that war was fought. I don’t plan to go live with old people either! A Kubota mini excavator! Very cool! The L4701 is a fine tractor. Kubotas are built like tanks. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
I built a backhoe dolly for my tractor (Sorry, but mine is green) from 2 Harbor Freight flat furniture dollies and 2 pieces of 1×4 and 2 pieces of 4×4. I can tell you that it's worth it's weight in gold and I probably have less than $20 in it. I'm 71 years old and it has made my life a lot easier. I've learned a lot from watching your videos. I built a bolt on bucket trailer hitch from your video and also the chain and binders for the bolt on pallet forks. Not to mention the video on the Dexpan. I'll be putting that to good use in the Spring. So, I personally want to thank you for what you do and my next project (hopefully) will be the carry all. 👍👍P.S. I use a strap between the pads on the outriggers so the won't bleed off and fall.
Hi John! I hope I’m as active as you when I’m 71! I’m almost 62 now and already working to make this as easy as possible for older versions of me. Having most of my implements on dollies is one of them and it’s been great! I use a couple of rubber tarp straps to hold my outriggers up. Thanks for watching and good luck with your carryall build!
I only want to thank you so much!! It has saved me so much time and aggravation i used hate trying to put the backhoe on. It would take close to hour trying to line up the tractor that was the biggest issue. Now with the dolly 15min top. Thanks your the best!!!!
Thank you so much- I may not do everything you do, but I do know where I cut my corners, and it's my choice, and as an adult I live with it. I have an LX 4060 with cab, and BH77. Kubota adds an extender between the backhoe and the tractor to fit the cab, which changes the lever arm distance for this build. The base drops too far forward, and the support pins won't pop out. I solved this by snugging up the wide arm of the dolly to just slide underneath the backhoe arms, and adding a 6x6 atop the narrow arm. This pops the support pins almost straight up, and away I go. They see me rollin'....
Great vid! Recently picked up my L2502 with the BH77 and love it! One tidbit…..there’s no need to relieve the pressure with the loader valve & backhoe valves, before disconnecting the backhoe lines. With the engine off, there’s no pressure in that line. This machine(and all Kubota machines, I believe) use what’s called “open center” hydraulics. This means when all hydraulic control levers are in neutral(released), the hydraulic pump is just moving the fluid right back to the tank under very little pressure. Theoretically, no pressure….just flow. Of course, any restrictions in the lines may result in a little bit of back pressure. Anyway-this of course differs from any implements that are on the “business” side of a hydraulic control valve, such as a grapple on the loader. With the hydraulic control in neutral, such implements are locked in place, and of course can be under pressure. If you have any doubts as to this thought, do a test. Raise your loader off the ground, and raise your boom on the hoe, so there’s obvious pressure in their lines. Then shut off the engine & try to disconnect the primary hoe lines. No problem whatsoever.
To further clarify-the primary backhoe lines are part of the “power beyond” hydraulic circuit, unlike implements such as a grapple. The hydraulic system is simple a big loop. Fluid leaves the pump, goes through the various valves(loader, backhoe, 3-point control) and then back to the tank. This is why you have to connect that hose back to the tractor, otherwise you have dead-headed the hydraulic system.
Simple and effective! I like how you think about what can go wrong, like putting a tremendous amount of weight on the bucket end of the dolly. Wood is a good choice of material, as you won't be worried about the backhoe to slip on the dolly while you move it. Thanks for sharing Martin, as always, you have great skills showing people how to make it!
I was having difficulty getting my backhoe pins out. I knew that if anyone would know the trick how to get them out, it would be you. Sure enough, you came through with the goods! A sincere thank you, sir! Your videos are second to none!
I can't thank you enough for this excellent video and your attention to detail. I built mine using Samson 5" steel casters from McMaster. They have ball bearings and grease fittings, and an overall height of 6-1/2". Using 4 x 6 fir lumber, I made the front and rear of the dolly the same 36" width. I used a pair of 60" long 2 x 6's for the stringers, and 3/8" carriage bolts to fasten everything together. For my BH77 and LX2610 tractor, I needed to add a 2 x 6 to the top of the front 4 x 6 to achieve my desired 11-1/2" height. The rear is 10" high (the 4 x 6 plus the caster height) and everything worked great the first time. I appreciate your recommendation to place temporary blocking under the 4 x 6's during experimentation for safety. Next weekend I plan to paint with black hammered finish and attach strips of recycled rubber stall mat to provide a cushioned surface.
You are welcome, Kerry! Thanks for watching! Sounds like you have made a really good version of the backhoe dolly. I hope it serves you as well as mine has served me!
I built one for mine, 6 casters with a middle brace. I also put some angled "chocks" on side of the dolly closest to the tractor so the bottom of the backhoe will fulcrum off of them when getting lowered onto the dolly. It would be a bad day to have the base end slip off the back of the dolly if your hydraulics sagged a little more while it's resting. You could also potentially shove the backhoe off the dolly by accident if you have it a good push around the shop.
Sounds like you built a sturdy dolly, Evan. There virtually no chance of the base end slipping off it’s resting place on the dolly because my backhoe sits with the boom all the way retracted and rests on the bucket fully retracted. Also, it can’t pushed off the dolly from either end but it could be push over from the side so I never push it from the side. Thanks for watching!
Nice, simple no BS dolly. I have a new Kubota on order and will be making some dollies for the attachments. I have made other dollies in the past but not for a backhoe. The only thing that I would do differently is to put the swivel casters on the outside and taper the wood supports toward the bucket to clear the casters. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much for your insight. We have a new Kubota B2650 with the BH77 backhoe. They must have redesigned the backhoe slightly because the spindle and the lowest point on the backhoe (bottom of the outriggers) were identical in height from the floor. That combined with the fact we opted for the larger R4 tires from the B3350 made the height needed much larger. We used 300 pound rated caster which had 5 inch wheels and the overall height was 6 inches. We then needed to use a 6x6 piece of lumber. It worked perfectly, thanks to your other measurements and video. It made our life a lot easier. Really enjoy your videos
Hi Ward! Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad you were able to adapt the basic ideas to your situation. I know you have a lot of fun and get a lot work done with you B2650 and backhoe. Thanks for watching!
Many thanks, Martin! Nice job. I recently bought a BH77 for my7 yo B2650, and need to build one of these dollies. Have all the 3-point and front QD implements sitting on dollies in my barn, and wheels are your friend! Growing up we were always struggling to hook up 3-point hardware just sitting on the ground, so I'm loving being able to roll them to/from the tractor. Thanks for your good explanation of details, much appreciated!
Hi Dave! Congrats on getting a BH77! If you are anything like me, you’ll love having it. I use mine all the time and it’s so much fun to operate. Most of my implements are on dollies and it makes it so convenient and easy to hook them up. Thanks for watching!
I built a dolly for my backhoe, same one you have, 2 years ago and works great. Saves a lot of time hooking it back up. I also use a locking strap to hold the stabilizer arms up to stop them from leaking off and spreading out. Enjoy your videos.
Thank you for video. Very simple instructions. I too used scrap wood- 2x6, 4 boards stacked at 36" and 4 2x6 at 25" stacked, both sides connected by 2x4s. So simple. I have R1 tires and needed a different height but the length was the same (of course). Thanks again and happy holidays.
Wow Martin, I love the way you take the time to give very detailed instructions. I enjoy watching your videos for that reason. Thank you for posting. Please keep them coming.
Martin, I just built my dolly for my BX 24 backhoe, exactly as you did and it works great! I never had my backhoe off till now, and Im putting 3 pt hitch and box scraper on for yard work Im going to do this coming spring. Thanks foe your great detailed video! Im sending you a pic too. 😊
It's really helpful to hear you explain in great detail even the simplest of projects. Now just my own paranoia and OCD, but I'd screw in some 3/8" eye bolts and latch that backhoe to the dolly with some ratchet straps.
Martin, Good job describing how to determine the measurements. I've been making equipment dollies for my own equipment for around 40 years now. I even have a couple of my shelving units on dollies with open shelving on the front and peg board for tools on the other three sides. Thanks for the videos.
@@DIYMyWay Martin, I just reread what I wrote and wanted to clarify: I have my tools mounted on the outside where they are unobstructed my the contents of the shelves. I've discovered that people often times visualize things completely different than what you intended in these abbreviated posts. LOL
Man I wish I had more time. That is another item for my todo list. I just took my backhoe off and could REALLY use a dolly. Thanks for the great video!
Ha! No, you are definitely not the only one! Anyone who lives in Georgia and works or plays in the dirt is all too familiar with good ole' Georgia red clay. Thanks for watching!
I have been looking for some guidance on how to make a dolly for my Kubota backhoe. Your video will really help me get started. I really like the way you approached the problem and explained the methodology of your design.
I wish I had a concrete floor shop to pull something like this off. I might see about finding some inflatable rubber wheeled castors so I can make something that will work for the carport that I will be keeping my new tractor in. Thanks for the video
Nice job. I would additionally consider putting a cross member 1/3 of the way back from the front (@ the pivot knuckle) to help avoid “leak down” when on the rack. This makes hose hook-up a breeze down the road. Cheers!
Thanks, Paul! The way I handled that was to add an additional 2x6 block of wood where the bucket rests so that with the boom all the way retracted, the bottom pins were already in position to roll up and hook up. Thanks for watching!
Hi Martin, you have the best instructional videos going, I really enjoy them. I have a metal carryall but I'm going to modify it like yours. Ive watched that video five times and I'll watch it again as i start to make it. I'll adapt this dolly for my slasher but I'll put castors that can move over gravel. Nice work.
Amazing video, great voice-over, too. Just completed mine and tested it. Made from Pressure Treated 2x6's and 2x4's lag screws and bolts with Harbor Freight's 5 1/2 " casters. Forgot to grease my wheels as you did. But, the result is just fine. As I was pulling the backhoe away I noticed a wire bundle and found out there was no quick release for it. Wow, almost. It is used for the hydraulic thumb the dealer-installed. Fix it. Thanks for learning me.
Really appreciate the detail you go into in your how-to videos. The hows and whys of your build strategy are important. Particularly if I want to adapt your instructions into a different project.
Martin, excellent job. I built mine similarly a while back and the only thing I really need now is a tractor shed as large as yours (smile) to roll my BH around. You notice, we always seem to want something bigger (smile). You're right, that BH is one heavy piece of metal to be pushing and pulling. When I built the dolly and put my BH on it, I thought it would have been a breeze to move, Boy was I wrong; it's still heavy. Loved the video. Hope your subscriber numbers spike up there for ya. Full-watch..
Hi Don! You are right, we always want something bigger. So glad I decided to go bigger on the shop! I'm lovin' it! Yes, the backhoe is a beast at 850 lbs. Once you get it moving, it's not too bad. Getting it moving and stopping it from moving are the challenges. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay turned out great. I have a Yanmar SA424. With your detailed instructions I was able to get this done right the first time. 👍Thank you very much
Hi Martin, Nice build. One thing I would change are the casters. Due to the weight of the backhoe, I would have started with at least 5" casters with a much higher rating. This is for a couple of reasons. The first is that there is a potential static and dynamic load when mounting and un-mounting the backhoe. The second is casters with a much higher rating will allow the unit to be moved by hand far easier. I was watching you struggle when it was being moved. but for your first attempt it was a good job. I have several cabinets and machines in my shop all with 5" cast iron casters rated at 1200 lbs each. It might seem like overkill but they all move around very easily even when heavily loaded.
Very good video. I have built dollies for my backhoe, tiller and snow blower if you have a concrete floor it's takes the work out hitching up equipment. My dollies are all built out of scrap lumber but be sure to use good heavy casters. 👍👍
You’re welcome, Ronnie! FYI, I later added two 2x6 blocks of wood where the bucket rests. This makes the backhoe pins line up perfectly with the tractor subframe when the boom is fully retracted. If you have the same BH77 backhoe, then take note of this! Thanks for watching!
Martin, outstanding video! I would probably add a brace in the middle of the two horizontalboards to avoid sagging, and think about two vertical boards to support top sides of the backhoe to avoid tip over? Love those heavy duty all metal castors. Going to use this idea to build a cradle for my friend's new backhoe! Thank u so much!
Thank you, David! The way the weight is distributed, the horizontal boards shouldn’t sag. No concern of it tipping over since it’s on a flat and level concrete floor. I’d have to push really hard on the top of the boom to get it to tip, and I’m definitely NOT going to do that. Thanks for watching and good luck on building the cradle for your friend’s new backhoe!
How's she goin'? This is a very good build Martin!!! First of all I think it's a good idea to keep your implements under cover from the weather. Second, it's good to to have easy access to your attachments so that you can use them when you need them with minimal effort to get at them. You have nailed both of these issues. Your shop is big and spacious so storage isn't an issue (yet) and the dolleys make for easy access. Great project and very well thought out. Thanks for posting!!!
Hi Mike! Exactly right, sir! I’m very glad to have my implements out of the weather. There’s more to the story of getting my implements under cover which you’ll see in an upcoming video. Thanks for the kind words and for watching!
Thank you for the video, it’s been the best I’ve seen for creating a dolly for my backhoe. I was curious if you experience the boom hydraulics relieving where it settles the backhoe on the dolly in a way to make it challenging to reattach or unstable on the dolly. Thank you again!
Glad the video has been helpful to you! My design assumes the boom will be fully retracted once the backhoe is all the way on the dolly and it leaves the backhoe pins at the right height to be pushed onto the subframe hooks. Thanks for watching!
Good morning DIY! Looks good. Functional, simple and easy to build. Video and step by step was easy to follow and as always, great editing. Hope you are enjoying the new workshop. Cheers!
Martin! This is awesome! Before the homestead I was a full time mechanic and I used to have a bunch of dollies all around my dads garage! I had engines, tires, axles, etc... you name it I had it on a dolly haha! My backhoe is in the hut on a pallet and thats where it lays haha eventually ill have a shop and ill be sure to make dollies again! Nice work! Very detailed! Good to see you again!
Hi, would you have gone with bigger wheels if you were to do it again provided there was enough clearance. Keep up the great videos..Canada Ontario viewer
Hi Robert! Not yet, but someone else recently asked about it so I will make one on it before long. Welcome aboard and thanks for watching and subscribing!
Very well done! I made my dolly last fall. My only complaint is that I get a bit of deflection on the wood stringers. Using a block like you did may solve my problem. If not, I may attach a steel plate to the stringers. Did you see any deflection?
Thank you Paul! No I didn’t. Of course the 4x6s won’t budge but I was concerned that the 2x4s might. They haven’t but if they did I was planning to attach more 2x4 at right angles to the bottom ones for more rigidity. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay hi yes that would be great.. curious on bucket size choice and if you would choose a smaller or bigger bucket..along with how difficult it is removing from sub frame etc
Excellent tutorial. Good video quality. Very well done sir. Now I'm off to build my own for my Yanmar 424, using your method - but not your measurements. ;)
@@DIYMyWay so i measured my height on the backhoe.... 13" ! The 424 has extra large tires and they really provide alot of ground clearance. So I assume that I should shoot for a dolly that slides under but as close to 13" as possible, correct? Since I have so much room to work with, I'm looking at 5" or maybe 6" casters. The 6" have a rating of 600lbs each! I'm hoping hey roll nice and easy being so large.
Hi JayBird! If you’ll be taking the backhoe on and off on level concrete, then making the dolly 12” or even 12.5” tall should work well. 5 or 6” casters would be great! It will be very easy to move around. Just don’t get pneumatic wheels on the casters! That would introduce another variable and failure point. Good luck on the build!
Good morning, Martin I have watched all of your videos as I have the same tractor, and backhoe as well. I find your videos so informative and your ability to teach is amazing. I am finally going to remove my backhoe, and going to build the exact dolly as yours. I would like to know where you purchased your casters, and are they still working well for you. Thank you again for all of your videos, and please keep them coming.
Thank you for such kind words, Curtis! Much appreciated! Always a pleasure to know another L3901 owner. I bought the casters from a local hardware store and they are still working well. One thing I’d do differently is go with 4” casters so that it would roll more easily and I may make that mod to it before long. In my case that will involve notching out where the casters sit by one inch. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the quick response. Now I will be waiting for the new video that shows how you will notch that 4x6 lol.I imagine you will just chisel that area out, keeping it very close to the one inch of material you are removing. Thanks again for all the help, and great videos.
One question, I too have the BH77 but it’s attached to a L3200 Kubota. My distance between the stabilizer arms and backhoe bucket is 65.5”. Why would my distance not be 57” as well?
Good evening Sir !!! Very nice video and I like a lot since Joe talk to me about building one for me and maybe for his future backhoe for his Case !!! LOL ( Sorry Joe, I had do said it !!! ) lol Keep up the good work Sir !!! Cheers !!!
Nice video, I have 13” on my BH 77 so I was going to need 2 4”x 6” plus’s 5” casters to get my height. My question is do you make both sides equal where the backhoe rest on the dolly? Yours was the same 4”x6” on both ends.
Hi Dennis! Yes, I just made a rectangle shaped dolly for simplicity. I could have tapered it to a narrower 4x6 for the bucket end. Thanks for watching!
I always like to watch your projects. I have a Kubota L6060 w/ BH92 (weighing @2000 lbs) and am using your measurement techniques. A 'potential' problem is I have 9 1/4" from the bottom of the stabilazer arm bottoms and the ground. Putting a 4x6, as you did, then just leaves me 5 3/4" for the wheels. I wanted to use 5" wheels, but won't have the room; would need 6 1/2". Any recommendations appreciated to be able to fit a 5" wheel. Also, I was able to find 4" wheels that hold 800 lbs per wheel and didn't know whether it better to go with solid steel casters or steel castors with the polyurethane outer coating. I did see that you went with solid steel wheels, but wasn't sure your reasoning. Which would you recommend?
Hi David! Perhaps you could notch out the 4x6 by 3/4” to accommodate the 5” wheels. I wish I had used 5” wheels because the 3 inch ones make it hard to push. I have thought about modifying it to take 5” casters and may do that some day. I recommend steel casters. A rubber or polyurethane layer will create a flat spot after sitting under the weight of a 2000lb backhoe and make it harder to start pushing. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay I really value your suggestions, Martin. Thank you! I actually did think about notching to allow 5" wheels and hearing your suggestion of going with 5", that's the size I'm choosing. As you say, I'll just notch out some of the 4x6 for the lowest points to fit into the wood. And steel wheels it is! I do have 4" steel with the poly coated wheels that I have a chipper sitting on. It's never created 'flat spots' on the wheels (sat an entire winter), but it's only 1/2 the weight of the backhoe. Thanks again, Martin. I'll try to make a video and post my project. You make it look so easy, but I know, from previous attempts, it's not as easy as one may think. If I do, I'll let you know.
I love your video. But my problem is I have gravel carport and ground is uneven. One end at the front measures 12 and 1 half inches to the ground the other side is 13 inches and the middle is also 12 and 1 half inch to ground. So how does that work on uneven ground? Thankyou.
Thank you, Chuck! It won’t work on an uneven gravel floor. The best bet in your case is to level out the ground in the carport as best you can then just have a designated place to store the backhoe when you’re not using it. Thanks for watching!
Is it still working fine? I got same tractor/backhoe and concern is that it's resting on stabilizer tips and bucket brackets instead the bucket and lower frame as stated in the manual. Then it might tip over depending on how you rest it.
It still works great. I have no concerns about how it sits on the dolly. Because it’s so heavy, I’d have to make a great effort turn it over. Thanks for watching!
Martin, could I safely use 1000 or 1200# total capacity rubber wheels rather than steel? Seems as though they roll easier. Or, do you feel they would not hold up in the long run? Thank you for your input.
Fred, that should be okay, if they are not too big to make the geometry work out. I haven't had an issue with rolling the metal ones, though. Once I get the thing moving, it rolls well, but it takes a good push to get the 850 lb BH moving. Thanks for watching!
I could have but it would make it harder to precisely to position an 850 pound backhoe into the subframe. I have the room to maneuver it in my shop but if space is tight 4 casters may be the best option for you.
There are some instances when four swivels are the only solution. But then you almost need two people to move the dolly. One to push and one to steer. Dolly with 4 swivels tends to go where it wants to go, not where you have in mind.
Exactly, Terry! I didn’t want my 850 lb backhoe drifting off course while I try to line it up with the subframe. The two fixed casters gives me the precision I need, sacrificing some maneuverability. A worthwhile trade off in my opinion.
Vietnam Vet retired. I'm not going to go live with old people at 75. Thought about a back hoe on and off for couple months, I just use tractor to much to take back hoe on and off. Started thinking about second tractor, WRONG. Than it came to me, to buy a Kubota K008-3 excavator. It's so small, when not in used it's park in the shop (clean and dry). My 16 year old TC33 New Holland getting replaced with bigger Kubota L4701. SUBSCRIBED! EDIT: I'll be adding few options.
Hi ArizVern! First of all, I want to sincerely thank you for your service to our country in a war that many want to forget but that you and thousands of hero’s like you never can forget. I am retired too, but I was a kid when that war was fought. I don’t plan to go live with old people either! A Kubota mini excavator! Very cool! The L4701 is a fine tractor. Kubotas are built like tanks. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
I built a backhoe dolly for my tractor (Sorry, but mine is green) from 2 Harbor Freight flat furniture dollies and 2 pieces of 1×4 and 2 pieces of 4×4. I can tell you that it's worth it's weight in gold and I probably have less than $20 in it. I'm 71 years old and it has made my life a lot easier. I've learned a lot from watching your videos. I built a bolt on bucket trailer hitch from your video and also the chain and binders for the bolt on pallet forks. Not to mention the video on the Dexpan. I'll be putting that to good use in the Spring. So, I personally want to thank you for what you do and my next project (hopefully) will be the carry all. 👍👍P.S. I use a strap between the pads on the outriggers so the won't bleed off and fall.
Hi John! I hope I’m as active as you when I’m 71! I’m almost 62 now and already working to make this as easy as possible for older versions of me. Having most of my implements on dollies is one of them and it’s been great! I use a couple of rubber tarp straps to hold my outriggers up. Thanks for watching and good luck with your carryall build!
@@DIYMyWay Thank you. 👍👍😊
I only want to thank you so much!! It has saved me so much time and aggravation i used hate trying to put the backhoe on. It would take close to hour trying to line up the tractor that was the biggest issue. Now with the dolly 15min top. Thanks your the best!!!!
Hi Mark! I'm so glad to know this has really helped you. The dolly does make it much easier to get the backhoe on and off. Thanks for watching!
Thank you so much- I may not do everything you do, but I do know where I cut my corners, and it's my choice, and as an adult I live with it.
I have an LX 4060 with cab, and BH77. Kubota adds an extender between the backhoe and the tractor to fit the cab, which changes the lever arm distance for this build. The base drops too far forward, and the support pins won't pop out. I solved this by snugging up the wide arm of the dolly to just slide underneath the backhoe arms, and adding a 6x6 atop the narrow arm. This pops the support pins almost straight up, and away I go. They see me rollin'....
Great vid! Recently picked up my L2502 with the BH77 and love it! One tidbit…..there’s no need to relieve the pressure with the loader valve & backhoe valves, before disconnecting the backhoe lines. With the engine off, there’s no pressure in that line. This machine(and all Kubota machines, I believe) use what’s called “open center” hydraulics. This means when all hydraulic control levers are in neutral(released), the hydraulic pump is just moving the fluid right back to the tank under very little pressure. Theoretically, no pressure….just flow. Of course, any restrictions in the lines may result in a little bit of back pressure. Anyway-this of course differs from any implements that are on the “business” side of a hydraulic control valve, such as a grapple on the loader. With the hydraulic control in neutral, such implements are locked in place, and of course can be under pressure. If you have any doubts as to this thought, do a test. Raise your loader off the ground, and raise your boom on the hoe, so there’s obvious pressure in their lines. Then shut off the engine & try to disconnect the primary hoe lines. No problem whatsoever.
To further clarify-the primary backhoe lines are part of the “power beyond” hydraulic circuit, unlike implements such as a grapple. The hydraulic system is simple a big loop. Fluid leaves the pump, goes through the various valves(loader, backhoe, 3-point control) and then back to the tank. This is why you have to connect that hose back to the tractor, otherwise you have dead-headed the hydraulic system.
Simple and effective! I like how you think about what can go wrong, like putting a tremendous amount of weight on the bucket end of the dolly. Wood is a good choice of material, as you won't be worried about the backhoe to slip on the dolly while you move it. Thanks for sharing Martin, as always, you have great skills showing people how to make it!
Hi Joe! That’s a good point about wood. Thanks for the compliment!
I agree 120 % !!!
I was having difficulty getting my backhoe pins out. I knew that if anyone would know the trick how to get them out, it would be you. Sure enough, you came through with the goods! A sincere thank you, sir! Your videos are second to none!
Thank you for those kind words, Chris! I’m glad my video was helpful to you. Thanks for watching!
I can't thank you enough for this excellent video and your attention to detail.
I built mine using Samson 5" steel casters from McMaster. They have ball bearings and grease fittings, and an overall height of 6-1/2".
Using 4 x 6 fir lumber, I made the front and rear of the dolly the same 36" width.
I used a pair of 60" long 2 x 6's for the stringers, and 3/8" carriage bolts to fasten everything together.
For my BH77 and LX2610 tractor, I needed to add a 2 x 6 to the top of the front 4 x 6 to achieve my desired 11-1/2" height.
The rear is 10" high (the 4 x 6 plus the caster height) and everything worked great the first time.
I appreciate your recommendation to place temporary blocking under the 4 x 6's during experimentation for safety.
Next weekend I plan to paint with black hammered finish and attach strips of recycled rubber stall mat to provide a cushioned surface.
You are welcome, Kerry! Thanks for watching! Sounds like you have made a really good version of the backhoe dolly. I hope it serves you as well as mine has served me!
I built one for mine, 6 casters with a middle brace. I also put some angled "chocks" on side of the dolly closest to the tractor so the bottom of the backhoe will fulcrum off of them when getting lowered onto the dolly. It would be a bad day to have the base end slip off the back of the dolly if your hydraulics sagged a little more while it's resting. You could also potentially shove the backhoe off the dolly by accident if you have it a good push around the shop.
Sounds like you built a sturdy dolly, Evan. There virtually no chance of the base end slipping off it’s resting place on the dolly because my backhoe sits with the boom all the way retracted and rests on the bucket fully retracted. Also, it can’t pushed off the dolly from either end but it could be push over from the side so I never push it from the side. Thanks for watching!
Nice, simple no BS dolly. I have a new Kubota on order and will be making some dollies for the attachments. I have made other dollies in the past but not for a backhoe. The only thing that I would do differently is to put the swivel casters on the outside and taper the wood supports toward the bucket to clear the casters. Thanks for the video.
What model Kubota are you getting? Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay 23S - Landscaping and light woods work. I have 4 1/2 acres.
Thanks so much for your insight. We have a new Kubota B2650 with the BH77 backhoe. They must have redesigned the backhoe slightly because the spindle and the lowest point on the backhoe (bottom of the outriggers) were identical in height from the floor. That combined with the fact we opted for the larger R4 tires from the B3350 made the height needed much larger. We used 300 pound rated caster which had 5 inch wheels and the overall height was 6 inches. We then needed to use a 6x6 piece of lumber. It worked perfectly, thanks to your other measurements and video. It made our life a lot easier. Really enjoy your videos
Hi Ward! Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad you were able to adapt the basic ideas to your situation. I know you have a lot of fun and get a lot work done with you B2650 and backhoe. Thanks for watching!
I will have fun and I’ll keep watching
Many thanks, Martin! Nice job. I recently bought a BH77 for my7 yo B2650, and need to build one of these dollies.
Have all the 3-point and front QD implements sitting on dollies in my barn, and wheels are your friend! Growing up we were always struggling to hook up 3-point hardware just sitting on the ground, so I'm loving being able to roll them to/from the tractor. Thanks for your good explanation of details, much appreciated!
Hi Dave! Congrats on getting a BH77! If you are anything like me, you’ll love having it. I use mine all the time and it’s so much fun to operate. Most of my implements are on dollies and it makes it so convenient and easy to hook them up. Thanks for watching!
I built a dolly for my backhoe, same one you have, 2 years ago and works great. Saves a lot of time hooking it back up. I also use a locking strap to hold the stabilizer arms up to stop them from leaking off and spreading out. Enjoy your videos.
Hi Gary! You’re right about that. I use a couple of 24” rubber tarp straps to hold the stabilizers. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for video. Very simple instructions. I too used scrap wood- 2x6, 4 boards stacked at 36" and 4 2x6 at 25" stacked, both sides connected by 2x4s. So simple. I have R1 tires and needed a different height but the length was the same (of course). Thanks again and happy holidays.
Wow Martin, I love the way you take the time to give very detailed instructions. I enjoy watching your videos for that reason.
Thank you for posting. Please keep them coming.
Thank you Daniel! Glad the video was helpful to you!
Martin, I just built my dolly for my BX 24 backhoe, exactly as you did and it works great! I never had my backhoe off till now, and Im putting 3 pt hitch and box scraper on for yard work Im going to do this coming spring. Thanks foe your great detailed video! Im sending you a pic too. 😊
So glad you backhoe dolly build works for you! Looking forward to seeing your pic! Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay i cant figure out how to send you the pics-do you know how?
That’s easy: martin@diymyway.net
It's really helpful to hear you explain in great detail even the simplest of projects. Now just my own paranoia and OCD, but I'd screw in some 3/8" eye bolts and latch that backhoe to the dolly with some ratchet straps.
Thanks! You should definitely do what makes you feel safe. The backhoe is very stable on the dolly so I am not worried. Thanks for watching!
Martin, Good job describing how to determine the measurements. I've been making equipment dollies for my own equipment for around 40 years now. I even have a couple of my shelving units on dollies with open shelving on the front and peg board for tools on the other three sides. Thanks for the videos.
Hi Tracy! I like your idea about mobile shelving with peg board on the back. Smart! Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay Martin, I just reread what I wrote and wanted to clarify: I have my tools mounted on the outside where they are unobstructed my the contents of the shelves. I've discovered that people often times visualize things completely different than what you intended in these abbreviated posts. LOL
LOL. No worries, Tracy. I understood what you meant.
Man I wish I had more time. That is another item for my todo list. I just took my backhoe off and could REALLY use a dolly. Thanks for the great video!
Hi Marty! It’s definitely much easier getting the backhoe on and off with a dolly. I hope you find time to build one. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay I have purchased the parts, taken the measurements and hope to get it done this weekend. FINALLY! :)
Hello from north Georgia. Georgia red clay is a booger. Glad I’m not the only one with that problem.
Ha! No, you are definitely not the only one! Anyone who lives in Georgia and works or plays in the dirt is all too familiar with good ole' Georgia red clay. Thanks for watching!
I have been looking for some guidance on how to make a dolly for my Kubota backhoe. Your video will really help me get started. I really like the way you approached the problem and explained the methodology of your design.
Thanks, Dave! I appreciate you taking the time to give me some feedback. I’m glad the video will help you. Good luck on your dolly build!
Excellent video. You are a great teacher. I have a BH77 backhoe and am planning to build the same. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!
I wish I had a concrete floor shop to pull something like this off. I might see about finding some inflatable rubber wheeled castors so I can make something that will work for the carport that I will be keeping my new tractor in. Thanks for the video
Hi Robert! I’ve heard of people using big pneumatic casters for backhoe dollies so I can be done. Good luck and thanks for watching!
This video saved the day yet again! I built this exact dolly and thanks to your expert guidance, it worked perfectly. Thanks again!
Very glad to hear that, Chris! Thanks for watching!
Thank you. Very useful information. I built a dolly for my brush hog which works great. Was hoping to do the same for my BH 77 backhoe.
Nice job. I would additionally consider putting a cross member 1/3 of the way back from the front (@ the pivot knuckle) to help avoid “leak down” when on the rack. This makes hose hook-up a breeze down the road. Cheers!
Thanks, Paul! The way I handled that was to add an additional 2x6 block of wood where the bucket rests so that with the boom all the way retracted, the bottom pins were already in position to roll up and hook up. Thanks for watching!
Hi Martin, you have the best instructional videos going, I really enjoy them. I have a metal carryall but I'm going to modify it like yours. Ive watched that video five times and I'll watch it again as i start to make it. I'll adapt this dolly for my slasher but I'll put castors that can move over gravel. Nice work.
Hi Mark! Thank you for the kind words, sir! Good luck with building your dolly!
Amazing video, great voice-over, too. Just completed mine and tested it. Made from Pressure Treated 2x6's and 2x4's lag screws and bolts with Harbor Freight's 5 1/2 " casters. Forgot to grease my wheels as you did. But, the result is just fine. As I was pulling the backhoe away I noticed a wire bundle and found out there was no quick release for it. Wow, almost. It is used for the hydraulic thumb the dealer-installed. Fix it. Thanks for learning me.
Thank you, Andrew! Wow! Surprising that the dealer didn’t use a connector for the 12V power! That was just lazy! Thanks for watching!
Really appreciate the detail you go into in your how-to videos. The hows and whys of your build strategy are important. Particularly if I want to adapt your instructions into a different project.
Thanks Terry! I try to make them as useful as possible to as wide an audience as possible.
Martin, excellent job. I built mine similarly a while back and the only thing I really need now is a tractor shed as large as yours (smile) to roll my BH around. You notice, we always seem to want something bigger (smile). You're right, that BH is one heavy piece of metal to be pushing and pulling. When I built the dolly and put my BH on it, I thought it would have been a breeze to move, Boy was I wrong; it's still heavy. Loved the video. Hope your subscriber numbers spike up there for ya. Full-watch..
Hi Don! You are right, we always want something bigger. So glad I decided to go bigger on the shop! I'm lovin' it! Yes, the backhoe is a beast at 850 lbs. Once you get it moving, it's not too bad. Getting it moving and stopping it from moving are the challenges. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for all the details on measuring. It is very helpful. I am making my dolly today.
You’re welcome, Mark! Good luck on your build! Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay turned out great. I have a Yanmar SA424. With your detailed instructions I was able to get this done right the first time. 👍Thank you very much
Glad to hear it Mark! Thanks for letting me know!
Hi Martin,
Nice build. One thing I would change are the casters. Due to the weight of the backhoe, I would have started with at least 5" casters with a much higher rating. This is for a couple of reasons. The first is that there is a potential static and dynamic load when mounting and un-mounting the backhoe. The second is casters with a much higher rating will allow the unit to be moved by hand far easier. I was watching you struggle when it was being moved. but for your first attempt it was a good job. I have several cabinets and machines in my shop all with 5" cast iron casters rated at 1200 lbs each. It might seem like overkill but they all move around very easily even when heavily loaded.
Thanks! You are right that bigger casters would roll easier with a heavy load. Also, at 850 lbs it's a lot easier to push than to pull it.
Very good video. I have built dollies for my backhoe, tiller and snow blower if you have a concrete floor it's takes the work out hitching up equipment. My dollies are all built out of scrap lumber but be sure to use good heavy casters. 👍👍
Thanks Shel! Scrap wood is great for such projects and yes, stout casters are a must. Thanks for watching!
I have a much smaller machine but with your directions I think it will now be easy to build one for mine
I never thought of making a dolly, thank you so much.
You’re welcome, Ronnie! FYI, I later added two 2x6 blocks of wood where the bucket rests. This makes the backhoe pins line up perfectly with the tractor subframe when the boom is fully retracted. If you have the same BH77 backhoe, then take note of this! Thanks for watching!
Great video! I've just done my wood chipper dolly. And this is now my next project for my b2601
Thank you, Dave! Good luck on your BH dolly build!
Martin, outstanding video! I would probably add a brace in the middle of the two horizontalboards to avoid sagging, and think about two vertical boards to support top sides of the backhoe to avoid tip over? Love those heavy duty all metal castors. Going to use this idea to build a cradle for my friend's new backhoe! Thank u so much!
Thank you, David! The way the weight is distributed, the horizontal boards shouldn’t sag. No concern of it tipping over since it’s on a flat and level concrete floor. I’d have to push really hard on the top of the boom to get it to tip, and I’m definitely NOT going to do that. Thanks for watching and good luck on building the cradle for your friend’s new backhoe!
Thank you for taking your time to post this.
Thanks for watching, Matthew!
Great job! I m going to do this for my BX25D. My measurements will obviously be different but will use your process to make it.
Thank you, Warren! Good luck on your dolly build!
How's she goin'? This is a very good build Martin!!! First of all I think it's a good idea to keep your implements under cover from the weather. Second, it's good to to have easy access to your attachments so that you can use them when you need them with minimal effort to get at them. You have nailed both of these issues. Your shop is big and spacious so storage isn't an issue (yet) and the dolleys make for easy access. Great project and very well thought out. Thanks for posting!!!
Hi Mike! Exactly right, sir! I’m very glad to have my implements out of the weather. There’s more to the story of getting my implements under cover which you’ll see in an upcoming video. Thanks for the kind words and for watching!
Thank you for the video, it’s been the best I’ve seen for creating a dolly for my backhoe. I was curious if you experience the boom hydraulics relieving where it settles the backhoe on the dolly in a way to make it challenging to reattach or unstable on the dolly. Thank you again!
Glad the video has been helpful to you! My design assumes the boom will be fully retracted once the backhoe is all the way on the dolly and it leaves the backhoe pins at the right height to be pushed onto the subframe hooks. Thanks for watching!
Nice job Martin! It came out working good! Thanks for the tips! Have a good week!!
Hi John! Thank you, sir! The dolly hasn’t collapsed yet so that’s encouraging. Hope you have a good weekend too!
Good morning DIY! Looks good. Functional, simple and easy to build. Video and step by step was easy to follow and as always, great editing. Hope you are enjoying the new workshop. Cheers!
Hi GP! Thank you, sir! Are you considering getting a backhoe? You can do so much with one and they are LOTS of fun to operate!
Well done! And, very helpful and safe too!
Thank you, Dwayne! Glad it was helpful to you!
Thank You......... I built my dolly and love it thank so much for the video
Glad the video was helpful to you, James! Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for the video(s). Thinking about this idea for my Bx23s.👍
Great video Martin great idea a dolly is a great way to move attachments around the shop
Thanks Arles!
Great video, gonna make some for me
Awesome! Hope they work out well! Thanks for watching!
Martin! This is awesome! Before the homestead I was a full time mechanic and I used to have a bunch of dollies all around my dads garage! I had engines, tires, axles, etc... you name it I had it on a dolly haha! My backhoe is in the hut on a pallet and thats where it lays haha eventually ill have a shop and ill be sure to make dollies again! Nice work! Very detailed! Good to see you again!
Hi Jay! Thanks! I really look forward to the day you put out videos on your shop build and outfitting! I am LOVING mine! Thanks for watching!
Just what I was looking for. Thanks!
Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!
Hi, would you have gone with bigger wheels if you were to do it again provided there was enough clearance. Keep up the great videos..Canada Ontario viewer
Yes, I might have because it should roll easier with bigger wheels. Thanks for watching!
Your videos are very informative. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
I did a screenshot on your miter saw screen. Do you have a video on that project ? New subscriber excellent video and my new resource for kubota diy.
Hi Robert! Not yet, but someone else recently asked about it so I will make one on it before long. Welcome aboard and thanks for watching and subscribing!
Very well done! I made my dolly last fall. My only complaint is that I get a bit of deflection on the wood stringers. Using a block like you did may solve my problem. If not, I may attach a steel plate to the stringers. Did you see any deflection?
Thank you Paul! No I didn’t. Of course the 4x6s won’t budge but I was concerned that the 2x4s might. They haven’t but if they did I was planning to attach more 2x4 at right angles to the bottom ones for more rigidity. Thanks for watching!
Hi do you have a review on your backhoe and if you think it was worth buying. Pros and cons of it. What you wish you had added to the backhoe etc😊
Hi C M! No I don’t but that’s a great idea so I’ll make one soon. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay hi yes that would be great.. curious on bucket size choice and if you would choose a smaller or bigger bucket..along with how difficult it is removing from sub frame etc
Excellent tutorial. Good video quality. Very well done sir. Now I'm off to build my own for my Yanmar 424, using your method - but not your measurements. ;)
Thank you, sir! LOL! Yeah, I wouldn't recommend using my measurements for your Yanmar. Good luck on the build!
@@DIYMyWay so i measured my height on the backhoe.... 13" ! The 424 has extra large tires and they really provide alot of ground clearance. So I assume that I should shoot for a dolly that slides under but as close to 13" as possible, correct? Since I have so much room to work with, I'm looking at 5" or maybe 6" casters. The 6" have a rating of 600lbs each! I'm hoping hey roll nice and easy being so large.
Hi JayBird! If you’ll be taking the backhoe on and off on level concrete, then making the dolly 12” or even 12.5” tall should work well. 5 or 6” casters would be great! It will be very easy to move around. Just don’t get pneumatic wheels on the casters! That would introduce another variable and failure point. Good luck on the build!
Thank you Sir, just what I was looking for.
Thank you for watching, Paul!
Good morning, Martin I have watched all of your videos as I have the same tractor, and backhoe as well. I find your videos so informative and your ability to teach is amazing. I am finally going to remove my backhoe, and going to build the exact dolly as yours. I would like to know where you purchased your casters, and are they still working well for you. Thank you again for all of your videos, and please keep them coming.
Thank you for such kind words, Curtis! Much appreciated! Always a pleasure to know another L3901 owner. I bought the casters from a local hardware store and they are still working well. One thing I’d do differently is go with 4” casters so that it would roll more easily and I may make that mod to it before long. In my case that will involve notching out where the casters sit by one inch. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the quick response. Now I will be waiting for the new video that shows how you will notch that 4x6 lol.I imagine you will just chisel that area out, keeping it very close to the one inch of material you are removing. Thanks again for all the help, and great videos.
Thank you for this video.
My pleasure!
One question, I too have the BH77 but it’s attached to a L3200 Kubota. My distance between the stabilizer arms and backhoe bucket is 65.5”. Why would my distance not be 57” as well?
Good evening Sir !!! Very nice video and I like a lot since Joe talk to me about building one for me and maybe for his future backhoe for his Case !!! LOL ( Sorry Joe, I had do said it !!! ) lol Keep up the good work Sir !!! Cheers !!!
Thanks Dave! You should definitely let Joe into build you a dolly. It makes putting on and taking off the backhoe so much easier! Thanks for watching!
That is what I suggested to Dave! Lol!
@@DIYMyWay Cheers !!! and do take care of yourself Sir !!!
@@FromSteelToWood LOL !!!
Thank you sir, great video
Thanks for watching, Neilson!
Great video. Did you figure out what that sequel is? Mine does that too!
Thanks! I never tracked it down but it quit on it own after a while.
@@DIYMyWay That’s good! To me it sounds like something hydraulic
This is one strong backhoe. It looks a lot stronger than the BH70.
Your Best video ever. Thank you. Plan to build me one.
Thank you, Mitch! Good luck with your build!
Nice video, I have 13” on my BH 77 so I was going to need 2 4”x 6” plus’s 5” casters to get my height. My question is do you make both sides equal where the backhoe rest on the dolly? Yours was the same 4”x6” on both ends.
Hi Dennis! Yes, I just made a rectangle shaped dolly for simplicity. I could have tapered it to a narrower 4x6 for the bucket end. Thanks for watching!
I always like to watch your projects. I have a Kubota L6060 w/ BH92 (weighing @2000 lbs) and am using your measurement techniques. A 'potential' problem is I have 9 1/4" from the bottom of the stabilazer arm bottoms and the ground. Putting a 4x6, as you did, then just leaves me 5 3/4" for the wheels. I wanted to use 5" wheels, but won't have the room; would need 6 1/2". Any recommendations appreciated to be able to fit a 5" wheel. Also, I was able to find 4" wheels that hold 800 lbs per wheel and didn't know whether it better to go with solid steel casters or steel castors with the polyurethane outer coating. I did see that you went with solid steel wheels, but wasn't sure your reasoning. Which would you recommend?
Hi David! Perhaps you could notch out the 4x6 by 3/4” to accommodate the 5” wheels. I wish I had used 5” wheels because the 3 inch ones make it hard to push. I have thought about modifying it to take 5” casters and may do that some day. I recommend steel casters. A rubber or polyurethane layer will create a flat spot after sitting under the weight of a 2000lb backhoe and make it harder to start pushing. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay I really value your suggestions, Martin. Thank you! I actually did think about notching to allow 5" wheels and hearing your suggestion of going with 5", that's the size I'm choosing. As you say, I'll just notch out some of the 4x6 for the lowest points to fit into the wood. And steel wheels it is! I do have 4" steel with the poly coated wheels that I have a chipper sitting on. It's never created 'flat spots' on the wheels (sat an entire winter), but it's only 1/2 the weight of the backhoe. Thanks again, Martin. I'll try to make a video and post my project. You make it look so easy, but I know, from previous attempts, it's not as easy as one may think. If I do, I'll let you know.
RiversBend: Great idea and Another GREAT Video 5 *****'s
I need one 2Xs that for my L47 TLB.
Then multiply the dimensions by 2 and there you have it. 😃 Thanks for stopping by!
great vid! I just made mine.
Thanks! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I have mine.
I love your video. But my problem is I have gravel carport and ground is uneven. One end at the front measures 12 and 1 half inches to the ground the other side is 13 inches and the middle is also 12 and 1 half inch to ground. So how does that work on uneven ground? Thankyou.
Thank you, Chuck! It won’t work on an uneven gravel floor. The best bet in your case is to level out the ground in the carport as best you can then just have a designated place to store the backhoe when you’re not using it. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay thanks. I thought so
Very nice!
Thank you, Danny!
Is it still working fine? I got same tractor/backhoe and concern is that it's resting on stabilizer tips and bucket brackets instead the bucket and lower frame as stated in the manual. Then it might tip over depending on how you rest it.
It still works great. I have no concerns about how it sits on the dolly. Because it’s so heavy, I’d have to make a great effort turn it over. Thanks for watching!
Where did you get your casters? What size are
Nice video! What size wheels did you use?
Thanks Frank! The wheel size diameter is 3”. Total height of the casters is 3.75”
Martin, could I safely use 1000 or 1200# total capacity rubber wheels rather than steel? Seems as though they roll easier. Or, do you feel they would not hold up in the long run? Thank you for your input.
Fred, that should be okay, if they are not too big to make the geometry work out. I haven't had an issue with rolling the metal ones, though. Once I get the thing moving, it rolls well, but it takes a good push to get the 850 lb BH moving. Thanks for watching!
@@DIYMyWay Thank you, sir, for your answer
You’re welcome, Fred!
Could you use 4 swivel wheels on it, to be able to move it into tighter area's?
I could have but it would make it harder to precisely to position an 850 pound backhoe into the subframe. I have the room to maneuver it in my shop but if space is tight 4 casters may be the best option for you.
There are some instances when four swivels are the only solution. But then you almost need two people to move the dolly. One to push and one to steer. Dolly with 4 swivels tends to go where it wants to go, not where you have in mind.
Exactly, Terry! I didn’t want my 850 lb backhoe drifting off course while I try to line it up with the subframe. The two fixed casters gives me the precision I need, sacrificing some maneuverability. A worthwhile trade off in my opinion.
Thanks!
You're welcome, Steve! Thanks for watching!
Mine won’t start unless I press the clutch. In situations like this it’s very annoying.
That’s a bummer, Mike! Thanks for watching!
Thank you good video