Super job. My backhoe arrived today and unboxed it and now I have the wheels and braces on. I looked at the manual and decided it would be a good time to find an educational video. Yours is perfect.
That was probably one of the best videos I've ever seen on this trencher. Very well done. Thanks for going so in depth. NICELY DONE!! Hope the machine serves you well.
Thanks. I could not find good info on the assembly before ordering, so I decided to make one for others. Thanks for watching my video. I think it will need some beefing up over time, but it seems well built.
Thank you for making this video. I watched it a few times prior to receiving our backhoe and you nailed it! I didn't need any instructions to assemble our backhoe. You did an excellent job!
I agree with lanning long arm mowing ; Probably one of the best in depth videos on assembly instructions I've seen , Great Job! Extremely well done, thank you for, taking the time to create a video! Very helpful!
Thank you for the video. I live in Alaska off the road and hauled this out to my place on a sled with a snowmobile. The family and I put it together in a few hours. This made the job much easier.
This is the best video on assembly of the Harbor Freight backhoe that I have ever seen. With your instructions I feel it will be very easy to put this unit together. The Harbor Freight manual really does not have any good step by step process of how to put the unit together. I was not able to find any info in the manual on the quantity or type of hydraulic oil to use. Thanks for telling us the type you used and where you were able to find it . Thank you very much.
Mine has been a great little digger with no problems so far. The big downfall of most products from China seems to be poor instructions. Enjoy yours. Thanks for watching.
Hi, @bajagadget did you get your trencher and do you think it's the same as the one in this video? I'm talking about quality and thickness of the metal. Do they allow the 25% coupons to be used when purchased. Today a HF manager said they have to be purchased online only. I'm seriously thinking about getting one. How do you like yours? and do you recommend buying one now? Thanks
For a Hillbilly, you sure are professional! Very nice video. Best I've seen on this product. I'm thinking of getting one of these myself. Your review and meticulous assembly is certainly encouraging. Thanks for making this video.
Mine has been a great little digger that has worked hard and had no major problems. The cylinder seals are starting to weep now and I will have to replace them in the future with the spare set that comes with it. It is slow compared to a big machine but 100 times faster than a shovel. Thanks for watching.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 I have their Sawmill and I'm very pleased with the sawmill. I'm thinking of buying the backhoe to put in a new leech bed for my septic system. I think it will pay for itself on that one job. After that I'll just have it around for little odds and ends. I've always wanted one. I'm sure I could find uses for it. By the way, today I saw a Ford backhoe high-lift tractor for sale on Craigslist for only $1200. He said in the ad that the engine still runs but needs rebuilt. I jumped on it, but was too late. It was already sold. So I'm back to square one again. This little Portable Backhoe is pretty nice though, far more convenient actually. Plus it's all brand new! No high-lift or tractor to go with it though. But still, probably far more practical. I see I just missed a coupon to get it for $2499. It expired at the end of June 2020. I might have to wait for the next coupon offer. I hate to pay $3000 if I can get it for $2500! I just missed that coupon by a couple weeks! I might have bought it last month if I had known that.
Not gonna lie, I am a little salty that I don't have one of those lifts. My assembly consisted of floor jacks and 4x4s to get all that stuff lined up, Not to mention a fractured toe when the bucket slipped off of my floor dolly. Love the video. Nice setup.
That's a car that spent most of its life in Arizona as a real grandma's car. Zero rust there's a quick video about it. Waiting for GM to release the e-crate motor to make it electric. Thanks for watching.
Hello Mr URHC. I called HF with my problem and they are shipping me a new cylinder today. Arrives in a week. I’ll use the cylinder rebuild kit they also included with the tractor to repair the one that is leaking - to have a spare. After these tree holes I have a French drain to place down.
Thanks for watching my videos. Before I purchased the trencher I was looking for some videos about it and could not find much info about how it was built or shipped so I decided to create some to give people a idea of what they are in for if they order one.
I see that my boom setting is set for 5’ depth. Will it help me if I change to the 7’ depth? I don’t plan to dig beyond 3-4’ deep so I’m not sure it it matters. I did practice ‘wiggling’ the scoop head once it was at the bottom and it helped me widen the hole. Good advice.
I meant wiggle the machine sideways its not parallel to the first trench. I don't think that adjustment will fix your issue. practice with it a while to learn what works for your soil type.
No problems yet. The holes for the outrigger pins are a little stretched but that is all. It has worked very hard and I would buy it again. Thanks for watching.
Great Video Hillbilly! Assembling mine tomorrow. Very happy I found your Video. BTW In West Virginia Only another Hillbilly can call you Hillbilly =D !
Question aboot the grease fittings on the pivot pin. Are you able to replace them with extended fittings? Or would they break off when the boom swings?
Did anyone else see that he put the stabilizes in upside down, the vee shaped plate is designed to dig into the ground for more grip and the square flat plate to sit on the surface for support. Hi from Australia.
Great job on the video, love how you went into such detail. Ours is being shipped to us as I speak, I will be following your lead when I assemble ours! Is that a 66 Chevelle in the background? It also looks like it could be a Caprice?
The only thing that I changed later is to swap the hoses on the valve body to make it easier to control. It has been a great little digger. That is a 1966 Biscayne. Was a friends grandmothers car that spent it's life in Arizona. Zero rust and factory AC with 42.000 original miles. Future project. Thanks for watching.
Hey there UHRC. I’ve gotten pretty good at digging holes. As I was finishing up today I noticed the middle cylinder was slipping. This controls the 2nd arm. I can extend it... and it creeps back down. I’ve noticed a large pack of rubber gaskets... but no mention how to rebuild the cylinder in the manual. Have you experienced this?
They are cheap cylinders and all slowly leak down after a couple hundred hours use but if its fast and still almost new it could be seals or a bad control valve. It's new so check with Harbor freight.
Your video was very helpful in putting together my new trencher. The problem I'm having is none of the controls work. It will not move the boom in any direction. Any suggestions? Thanks.
I would double check that the hoses are all hooked up properly and the correct oil for the temp has been used. I would give HF a call and see what they say, because mine moved good on startup and only took a couple of cycles to bleed the air out. I am sure they will know what to check. Thanks for watching
Do you know if the models being sold today is the same quality as the one you bought 6 years ago? Like maybe thinner steel plate or tubing used for the boom? I know a lot of companies been cutting corners lately on their products.
Only way to find out is buy one. Thinner higher strength steel is used to cut weight on many items these days. Inflation affects manufacturing to keep items affordable. Thanks for watching.
You talked about hose wear.. Did you ever go back and check? Any issues at 25, 50, or more hours? Last but not least, the oil you bought.. How much did you have to add after assembly, and what did it take when you changed it? I hope you take the time to answer, very helpful.
There is some scubbing on the hoses. Well over 50 hours and the only little things are the holes for the outrigger pins are stretched out some and the pads that dig in the dirt bend and must be bent back in the press every once in a while. 5 gallons of fluid is fine. I have pushed it pretty hard with no failures. Thanks for watching
Another great video..... 👍. I'm just about ready to order one of these ! After seeing your video I'm even more convinced that this little machine will work fine for what I need. Thanks for the information !
th-cam.com/video/3fUAUgG3MRU/w-d-xo.html this video shows how good it works at loosening up soil. The only thing that could be a problem are large rocks.
What amazes me is that we have to rely on customers making these videos. Why don't the manufacturer s and retailers make videos like these and provide it on a DVD as well as posting it on youtube.
Hey there. Back on the topic of digging tree holes. I do need more practice. But may I ask, as I reach out with the boom and bucket and ‘trench’ back towards me, where can I expect the sweet spot to be where the hole will go deepest, with least effort? I assume it’s not at the farthest reach. It appears to be easier to dig deeper right as the claw gets closer to the trencher. Any advice is really appreciated.
Hi there: well I am quickly figuring out how to dig holes. As you suggested I start by extending the boom out as far as possible them get the claw into the spot where I want to dig. Then I put the boom down which lifts the front of the trencher. I then move the claw away from me which, as I’m much higher in the air, allows the claw to point almost straight down. Then as I start to pull the claw in towards me I start to lower the trencher. I tap, tap, tap the claw towards me as I lower the trencher, also tap tap tapping my way down. At some point the claw is able to break the soil and when it does I lower the trencher to increase my traction and scoop the claw to me. I was able to dig some 6’ by 3’ holes (well, really a deep and wide trench). My neighbors are likely wondering how many bodies I plan to bury :)
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 and yes, curling the bucket really really scoops well and also breaks roots easily. Once I get past the roots it digs much easier. I really appreciate that you take the time to read and answer my queries.
I know it was a long time ago, but did you have a hard time seating the cap/dipstick for the hydraulic fluid tank? It goes in loosely first 2/3 and then it’s almost over impossible to screw it in the last third of the way
Mine was also the tank vent so it wasn't supposed to screw on tight. All hydraulic systems are vented and they chose the lowest cost method. Thanks for watching.
Hey again. I have the trencher all working and took it out to my field to practice digging holes. I have to dig holes where I will plant approx 50 trees that are being delivered by a local nursery. I’m learning (slowly) how to dig :). May I ask if you have figured out the proper technique to dig a hole? Let’s say I need to dig a 3’ by 3’ by 3’ hole (for the rootball). Is there a ‘best’ way to attack this? I’ve learned quickly that I can trench rather easily. But going ‘straight down’ is more of a challenge. Any tips would be approved.
I usually start by digging a bigger hole. If I need 3 x 3 i will start about 6 ft out and trench to the final depth then wiggle it sideways to open it up. You have to be careful where you put the piles because it doesn't have much reach. A big stone can require a massive hole to get out if you run into one. Its a trencher, not a backhoe so it doesn't have the weight to dig straight down. One of the DR ripper fingers like I added can help loosen it up for a smaller hole.
I've heard that harbor freight doesn't use good grease for the wheel bearings. I would repack them if going out on the highway so you don't have any problems.
My trencher came with a bag full or o-rings or bushings, I thought they were for the boom because mine seems to have a lot of slop but I dont see this bag identified anywhere in the manual. Did you get these big rubber oring/bushing and does your boom have a lot of play/slop?
The orings are to rebuild the cylinders when they start leaking. Have you greased it yet? The play is to allow grease to enter the bushings and keep them lubricated on mine. Very little slop after greasing on mine. Thanks for watching.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Ah ok so they are for rebuilding the cylinders, perfect. yea I did grease mine, until I saw grease coming out of the sides and what not, still more play then I would think is normal. These are made in china after all and I got mine like a year ago when there was a several month back order. maybe the tolerances at the factory wernt so stringent to pump them out. Oh well, still digs like champ though. Thanks for the reply! great vids btw.
I've been using the trencher for about a week and the weirdest thing started to happen. When I extend the boom it starts to slowly lower by itself. I didn't see any hydrophilic leaks. Any idea what might be happening?
Mine has always done that that. Cheap cylinders and valve body that don't make perfect seals. leave it.sit for i5 minutes and everything droops. Operates fine under pressure though. Contact harbor freight and see if there is anything they will do since it's new and under warranty.
These videos are very helpful. If it's not too much trouble, can you tell me the overall dimensions of this thing, at its smallest? I am trying to figure out if it will fit in my trailer and shed. Thanks!
Did your trencher also include a baggie of "O" rings and spacers to repair Hydraulic cylinders? I just assembled one that had sat outside under a tarp 2y and it was immaculate. Not a spot of rust or damage. IT was well packed and protected at the factory. I was surprised at the weight and substantial steel. Have been thinking about Aux. hydraulics and make a mower to replace the bucket. and perhaps a tong rake to attack the vines that grow so well in Virginia.
Yes it came with rebuild kits for the cylinders. I have worked it hard for many hours and it is a great little machine. I just made 2 videos about modifying mine to use a DR ripper and buckets plus built a thumb for it. Have fun with yours. Thanks for watching.
Wondering if you know. I'm almost done putting mine together and the cap for the hydraulic tank only screws halfway down. There is a rubber gasket further up under the top of the cap, but it seems like inside the tank, it goes down in size, so the cap won't screw all the way down. Did you experience this?
Mine didn't screw all the way down because it is the vent for the tank. I am guessing you mat have the same venting so the tank wont get pressurized. Thanks for watching.
I put much wider tires and wheels on mine now and it's over 6 1/2ft wide but you can pull the pins and slide them in to about 5 ft for storage. I don't know what it was stock. Contact Harbor freight. Thanks for watching.
Does anyone know the dimensions of the shipping crate it comes packaged in? Need to know what size trailer I’ll need to pick it up or do they drop ship these to your home?
I would probably go with the excavator at this point just because they are easier to move around and don't require setup each use. This still works good but hasn't seen much use lately. It's handy when you need it. Thanks for watching.
never heard anyone call stander size wrenches inch wrench before. you think cutting a piece of pool noodle would work for a grommet in that ring the hoses go through?
It has worked hard and no problems with it yet. I recently added a ripper to help with tree roots and brush. It has been a great little digger. Thanks for watching.
I was also going to comment, noticed the vette in front. What's on the car lift. What really caught my eye was the troy built chipper. Like to see a video if you haven't made one.
It's holding up great. There is some wear in the pins and the outrigger holes are enlarged some but no major problems. The engine is very easy to start and runs great. Thanks for watching.
Not selling it. Going to convert it to electric when the kit is available hopefully by this fall. There's a recent video about it if you search my channel. Thanks for watching.
General machinery makes these backhoes. They are in North Carolina. How did you hear they are made in China? Mine was shipped from California, I wondered why if produced in NC, why ship from California?
It says made in China on the box. The harbor freight one is definitely made in China. They come in big shipping containers to the ports in California and are distributed from there. Thanks for watching.
hey sir you going to sell that impala or corvette?? Really enjoyed your video. I subscribed to your channel. Look forward to more videos. What will you use that trencher for. I would use it for a garden
They will be future projects. I may have to sell the vette to get money for working on the Biscayne. The Biscayne is a Arizonia car with 40 k miles and has never had a spot of rust. I have been removing stumps with the trencher, have a pond to cleanout the banks, and drainage work to do. Thanks for watching my videos.
It has a exploded view, some info on the engine, hydraulic schematic, and troubleshooting info. No real explaination how to assemble it. It is the same as the PDF on their site. Thanks for watching.
Why 93 octane fuel small engines are not high compression and don't need such high octane fuel that's for knock suppression in high compression engines waist of money using that fuel
My old Kohlers won't run on 10% 87. I also add some instead of lead to their tanks. Plus my chainsaws run better with it so I use it in everything. Thanks for watching.
It is powder coated, and they did a good job applying it. There was some grease and oil that had to be cleaned off, and a couple of scratches but nothing major. Thanks for watching my video.
Super job. My backhoe arrived today and unboxed it and now I have the wheels and braces on. I looked at the manual and decided it would be a good time to find an educational video. Yours is perfect.
They are great little diggers. The manuals on products like this are usually confusing. Have fun with yours. Thanks for watching.
That was probably one of the best videos I've ever seen on this trencher. Very well done. Thanks for going so in depth. NICELY DONE!! Hope the machine serves you well.
Thanks. I could not find good info on the assembly before ordering, so I decided to make one for others. Thanks for watching my video. I think it will need some beefing up over time, but it seems well built.
No problem. Yeah I wondered if it would need some beefing up but time will tell. I think the trencher was orange and yours looks to be red?
Great video, sir. Thanks for spending the time and effort to document the assembly of the trencher. I'm sure lots of folks will benefit from it.
It is very easy to assemble. I hope this gives folks a better idea of how it is made. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for making this video. I watched it a few times prior to receiving our backhoe and you nailed it! I didn't need any instructions to assemble our backhoe. You did an excellent job!
Glad it helped. Hope yours works as good as mine has. Great little machines. Thanks for watching.
I agree with lanning long arm mowing ; Probably one of the best in depth videos on assembly instructions I've seen , Great Job! Extremely well done, thank you for, taking the time to create a video! Very helpful!
Thanks. He's a hard working young man. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for the video. I live in Alaska off the road and hauled this out to my place on a sled with a snowmobile. The family and I put it together in a few hours. This made the job much easier.
I hope you made a video of the trip home with it. Mine has been a great little digger with no problems so far. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the video. DMF Homestead (Henry & Marie Cox) suggested that I see your assembly video.
It has been a tough little digger. Thanks for watching.
Very well done, both videography & audio!!!
Thanks It's an awesome little digger. Thanks for watching.
Thanks you made my assembly so easy this should be the demo video on harbor freight website
Mine has been a tough little digger with no problems so far. Hopeyou enjoy yours. Thanks for watching.
This is the best video on assembly of the Harbor Freight backhoe that I have ever seen. With your instructions I feel it will be very easy to put this unit together. The Harbor Freight manual really does not have any good step by step process of how to put the unit together. I was not able to find any info in the manual on the quantity or type of hydraulic oil to use. Thanks for telling us the type you used and where you were able to find it . Thank you very much.
Mine has been a great little digger with no problems so far. The big downfall of most products from China seems to be poor instructions. Enjoy yours. Thanks for watching.
Great video! Mine is arriving in a couple days and I am sure this will be useful to view again if I run into problems. Thanks!!
They are fairly simple to assemble and great little diggers. Have fun with yours. Thanks for watching.
Hi, @bajagadget did you get your trencher and do you think it's the same as the one in this video? I'm talking about quality and thickness of the metal. Do they allow the 25% coupons to be used when purchased. Today a HF manager said they have to be purchased online only. I'm seriously thinking about getting one. How do you like yours? and do you recommend buying one now? Thanks
You would make a good instrctor keep up the good work
For a Hillbilly, you sure are professional! Very nice video. Best I've seen on this product. I'm thinking of getting one of these myself. Your review and meticulous assembly is certainly encouraging. Thanks for making this video.
Mine has been a great little digger that has worked hard and had no major problems. The cylinder seals are starting to weep now and I will have to replace them in the future with the spare set that comes with it. It is slow compared to a big machine but 100 times faster than a shovel. Thanks for watching.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 I have their Sawmill and I'm very pleased with the sawmill. I'm thinking of buying the backhoe to put in a new leech bed for my septic system. I think it will pay for itself on that one job. After that I'll just have it around for little odds and ends. I've always wanted one. I'm sure I could find uses for it.
By the way, today I saw a Ford backhoe high-lift tractor for sale on Craigslist for only $1200. He said in the ad that the engine still runs but needs rebuilt. I jumped on it, but was too late. It was already sold. So I'm back to square one again. This little Portable Backhoe is pretty nice though, far more convenient actually. Plus it's all brand new! No high-lift or tractor to go with it though. But still, probably far more practical.
I see I just missed a coupon to get it for $2499. It expired at the end of June 2020. I might have to wait for the next coupon offer. I hate to pay $3000 if I can get it for $2500! I just missed that coupon by a couple weeks! I might have bought it last month if I had known that.
Not gonna lie, I am a little salty that I don't have one of those lifts. My assembly consisted of floor jacks and 4x4s to get all that stuff lined up, Not to mention a fractured toe when the bucket slipped off of my floor dolly. Love the video. Nice setup.
Hopefully yours works as good as mine. Great little diggers. Thanks for watching.
Great video but the Biscayne is the hidden gem.
That's a car that spent most of its life in Arizona as a real grandma's car. Zero rust there's a quick video about it. Waiting for GM to release the e-crate motor to make it electric. Thanks for watching.
For the hoses, aren't there some 'quick connects' that can be installed so you don't have to wrench them every time???
its a one time assembly deal. No reason for quick connections. Thanks for watching.
Man I want one of these so bad 🥺
They are great little diggers. Thanks for watching.
Hello Mr URHC. I called HF with my problem and they are shipping me a new cylinder today. Arrives in a week. I’ll use the cylinder rebuild kit they also included with the tractor to repair the one that is leaking - to have a spare. After these tree holes I have a French drain to place down.
Cylinder is being sent at no charge as it’s under a 90 day warranty.
Sounds like great support.
You gave great instructions , however line 2 and 7 snapped and broke- something was off with this not sure why
Probably defective Chinesium fittings if they snapped without over tightening. Thanks for watching.
Very nice, thanks for sharing this series.
Thanks for watching my videos. Before I purchased the trencher I was looking for some videos about it and could not find much info about how it was built or shipped so I decided to create some to give people a idea of what they are in for if they order one.
I like it your the only one that shook all their stuff out of the crate get it all spread out so you know what is what
It's the easiest way to be sure everything is there before getting started. Thanks for watching.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 totally agree
I see that my boom setting is set for 5’ depth. Will it help me if I change to the 7’ depth? I don’t plan to dig beyond 3-4’ deep so I’m not sure it it matters. I did practice ‘wiggling’ the scoop head once it was at the bottom and it helped me widen the hole. Good advice.
I meant wiggle the machine sideways its not parallel to the first trench. I don't think that adjustment will fix your issue. practice with it a while to learn what works for your soil type.
Video looks good approximately how big was the crate containing trencher?
I don't remember, it was several years ago. Pretty sure it is in one of the videos. Either this or the unloading one. Thanks for watching.
Nice. I needed this but I noticed it was two years ago.update on service?
No problems yet. The holes for the outrigger pins are a little stretched but that is all. It has worked very hard and I would buy it again. Thanks for watching.
Great video thanks
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.
Great Video Hillbilly! Assembling mine tomorrow. Very happy I found your Video. BTW In West Virginia Only another Hillbilly can call you Hillbilly =D !
Hope you like yours as much as I like this one. Great little diggers. Thanks for watching.
Question aboot the grease fittings on the pivot pin. Are you able to replace them with extended fittings? Or would they break off when the boom swings?
I have replaced a couple and you need to weld a collar on to protect them. Thanks for watching.
I'm assembling mine today. Thanks for the education. On the instructions it states to use hydraulic oil. How did hydraulic fluid work?
Just get the right weight. still works great with the oil I used. Thanks for watching.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 it gets the job done. It's efficient and I am satisfied with the tool. Thanks again for your review.
Real good video. Thank you. And good luck with your backhoe. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks, it has been a great little digger. Thanks for watching.
Did anyone else see that he put the stabilizes in upside down, the vee shaped plate is designed to dig into the ground for more grip and the square flat plate to sit on the surface for support. Hi from Australia.
Anyone with a brain knows you don't want to gouge up concrete floors with heavy pointed items . Thanks for watching.
Good job
It has been a tough little digger. Thanks for watching.
good demonstration
Thanks for watching.
This is awesome! I will need this video sooooo much if I get one
I love mine.
Great job on the video, love how you went into such detail. Ours is being shipped to us as I speak, I will be following your lead when I assemble ours! Is that a 66 Chevelle in the background? It also looks like it could be a Caprice?
The only thing that I changed later is to swap the hoses on the valve body to make it easier to control. It has been a great little digger. That is a 1966 Biscayne. Was a friends grandmothers car that spent it's life in Arizona. Zero rust and factory AC with 42.000 original miles. Future project. Thanks for watching.
Hey there UHRC. I’ve gotten pretty good at digging holes. As I was finishing up today I noticed the middle cylinder was slipping. This controls the 2nd arm. I can extend it... and it creeps back down. I’ve noticed a large pack of rubber gaskets... but no mention how to rebuild the cylinder in the manual. Have you experienced this?
They are cheap cylinders and all slowly leak down after a couple hundred hours use but if its fast and still almost new it could be seals or a bad control valve. It's new so check with Harbor freight.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 thanks !
Your video was very helpful in putting together my new trencher. The problem I'm having is none of the controls work. It will not move the boom in any direction. Any suggestions? Thanks.
I would double check that the hoses are all hooked up properly and the correct oil for the temp has been used. I would give HF a call and see what they say, because mine moved good on startup and only took a couple of cycles to bleed the air out. I am sure they will know what to check. Thanks for watching
Do you know if the models being sold today is the same quality as the one you bought 6 years ago? Like maybe thinner steel plate or tubing used for the boom?
I know a lot of companies been cutting corners lately on their products.
Only way to find out is buy one. Thinner higher strength steel is used to cut weight on many items these days. Inflation affects manufacturing to keep items affordable. Thanks for watching.
You talked about hose wear.. Did you ever go back and check? Any issues at 25, 50, or more hours? Last but not least, the oil you bought.. How much did you have to add after assembly, and what did it take when you changed it? I hope you take the time to answer, very helpful.
There is some scubbing on the hoses. Well over 50 hours and the only little things are the holes for the outrigger pins are stretched out some and the pads that dig in the dirt bend and must be bent back in the press every once in a while. 5 gallons of fluid is fine. I have pushed it pretty hard with no failures. Thanks for watching
Another great video..... 👍. I'm just about ready to order one of these ! After seeing your video I'm even more convinced that this little machine will work fine for what I need. Thanks for the information !
th-cam.com/video/3fUAUgG3MRU/w-d-xo.html this video shows how good it works at loosening up soil. The only thing that could be a problem are large rocks.
What amazes me is that we have to rely on customers making these videos. Why don't the manufacturer s and retailers make videos like these and provide it on a DVD as well as posting it on youtube.
If the Chinese knew how to make good manuals they would take over the world. Always been their major downfall. Thanks for watching.
Hey there. Back on the topic of digging tree holes. I do need more practice. But may I ask, as I reach out with the boom and bucket and ‘trench’ back towards me, where can I expect the sweet spot to be where the hole will go deepest, with least effort? I assume it’s not at the farthest reach. It appears to be easier to dig deeper right as the claw gets closer to the trencher. Any advice is really appreciated.
Curling the bucket works best for me. It pulls fwd and down on the machine giving it the most power without lifting it.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 thanks URHC :)
Hi there: well I am quickly figuring out how to dig holes. As you suggested I start by extending the boom out as far as possible them get the claw into the spot where I want to dig. Then I put the boom down which lifts the front of the trencher. I then move the claw away from me which, as I’m much higher in the air, allows the claw to point almost straight down. Then as I start to pull the claw in towards me I start to lower the trencher. I tap, tap, tap the claw towards me as I lower the trencher, also tap tap tapping my way down. At some point the claw is able to break the soil and when it does I lower the trencher to increase my traction and scoop the claw to me. I was able to dig some 6’ by 3’ holes (well, really a deep and wide trench). My neighbors are likely wondering how many bodies I plan to bury :)
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 and yes, curling the bucket really really scoops well and also breaks roots easily. Once I get past the roots it digs much easier. I really appreciate that you take the time to read and answer my queries.
Takes at least 20 hours using it to figure out what works best for your conditions. Have fun.
I know it was a long time ago, but did you have a hard time seating the cap/dipstick for the hydraulic fluid tank? It goes in loosely first 2/3 and then it’s almost over impossible to screw it in the last third of the way
Mine was also the tank vent so it wasn't supposed to screw on tight. All hydraulic systems are vented and they chose the lowest cost method. Thanks for watching.
Hey again. I have the trencher all working and took it out to my field to practice digging holes. I have to dig holes where I will plant approx 50 trees that are being delivered by a local nursery. I’m learning (slowly) how to dig :). May I ask if you have figured out the proper technique to dig a hole? Let’s say I need to dig a 3’ by 3’ by 3’ hole (for the rootball). Is there a ‘best’ way to attack this? I’ve learned quickly that I can trench rather easily. But going ‘straight down’ is more of a challenge. Any tips would be approved.
I usually start by digging a bigger hole. If I need 3 x 3 i will start about 6 ft out and trench to the final depth then wiggle it sideways to open it up. You have to be careful where you put the piles because it doesn't have much reach. A big stone can require a massive hole to get out if you run into one. Its a trencher, not a backhoe so it doesn't have the weight to dig straight down. One of the DR ripper fingers like I added can help loosen it up for a smaller hole.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023
Thanks a bunch !!
I've heard that harbor freight doesn't use good grease for the wheel bearings. I would repack them if going out on the highway so you don't have any problems.
Luckily I will only use it in my yard. If I was going to use it on the road, I would replace the axles and hubs with dexters that run true.
Oh ok.
My trencher came with a bag full or o-rings or bushings, I thought they were for the boom because mine seems to have a lot of slop but I dont see this bag identified anywhere in the manual. Did you get these big rubber oring/bushing and does your boom have a lot of play/slop?
The orings are to rebuild the cylinders when they start leaking. Have you greased it yet? The play is to allow grease to enter the bushings and keep them lubricated on mine. Very little slop after greasing on mine. Thanks for watching.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Ah ok so they are for rebuilding the cylinders, perfect. yea I did grease mine, until I saw grease coming out of the sides and what not, still more play then I would think is normal. These are made in china after all and I got mine like a year ago when there was a several month back order. maybe the tolerances at the factory wernt so stringent to pump them out. Oh well, still digs like champ though. Thanks for the reply! great vids btw.
Could be undersized pins also. It shouldn't be to hard to find a slightly larger pin to remove the play if it gets worst.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Excellent idea! many thanks
I've been using the trencher for about a week and the weirdest thing started to happen. When I extend the boom it starts to slowly lower by itself. I didn't see any hydrophilic leaks. Any idea what might be happening?
Mine has always done that that. Cheap cylinders and valve body that don't make perfect seals. leave it.sit for i5 minutes and everything droops. Operates fine under pressure though. Contact harbor freight and see if there is anything they will do since it's new and under warranty.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Thank you sir. A month ago I didn't even know how to use a grease gun. You are awesome.
These videos are very helpful. If it's not too much trouble, can you tell me the overall dimensions of this thing, at its smallest? I am trying to figure out if it will fit in my trailer and shed. Thanks!
Did your trencher also include a baggie of "O" rings and spacers to repair Hydraulic cylinders? I just assembled one that had sat outside under a tarp 2y and it was immaculate. Not a spot of rust or damage. IT was well packed and protected at the factory. I was surprised at the weight and substantial steel.
Have been thinking about Aux. hydraulics and make a mower to replace the bucket. and perhaps a tong rake to attack the vines that grow so well in Virginia.
Yes it came with rebuild kits for the cylinders. I have worked it hard for many hours and it is a great little machine. I just made 2 videos about modifying mine to use a DR ripper and buckets plus built a thumb for it. Have fun with yours. Thanks for watching.
I have a bag of hydraulic ram seals left over. Did I miss something?
Save them for when the leaks start and you have to rebuild the cylinders. You got lucky. Thanks for watching.
@@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023 Sir, I can't tell you how much this video has helped me. God bless you.
Wondering if you know. I'm almost done putting mine together and the cap for the hydraulic tank only screws halfway down. There is a rubber gasket further up under the top of the cap, but it seems like inside the tank, it goes down in size, so the cap won't screw all the way down. Did you experience this?
Looking at yours, it looks like yours is the same. Only screwed down half way.
Mine didn't screw all the way down because it is the vent for the tank. I am guessing you mat have the same venting so the tank wont get pressurized. Thanks for watching.
Very conciderate of you to make this video
Thanks for watching.
How wide is this trencher trying to get a idea before I buy one if it would fit in my trailer any help would be appreciated
I put much wider tires and wheels on mine now and it's over 6 1/2ft wide but you can pull the pins and slide them in to about 5 ft for storage. I don't know what it was stock. Contact Harbor freight. Thanks for watching.
Awesome great tool!!!
It has been really handy. 10x faster than a shovel. Thanks for watching.
Does anyone know the dimensions of the shipping crate it comes packaged in?
Need to know what size trailer I’ll need to pick it up or do they drop ship these to your home?
I don't remember but it's in one of my videos. Pay the $100 tailgate fee and they will deliver. Thanks for watching.
Nice brother ..i dont need one but ima get one now lol
Need vs want can really limit the number of toys in your garage. Thanks for watching.
would you suggest this or a cheap mini excavator from china. How is is yours doing after all these yrs
I would probably go with the excavator at this point just because they are easier to move around and don't require setup each use. This still works good but hasn't seen much use lately. It's handy when you need it. Thanks for watching.
Did you put the wheels on the wrong end?
Youmove them back and forth for moving or digging. Thanks for watching.
How much was that trench digger at Harbor Freight Dollar Wise???
Check the website for current price because it has gone up since I got this one. Thanks for watching.
Can you estimate the weight of the single heaviest component of the trencher? I have to assemble it myself, and have no way to get it out of my truck.
I am guessing the main frame is over 500 pounds. I would look for a cheap cherry picker so you don't get hurt. Thanks for watching.
What are the dimensions of the box where they send it?
I don't remember. Look on the Harbor Freight Site. It's big. Thanks for watching.
never heard anyone call stander size wrenches inch wrench before. you think cutting a piece of pool noodle would work for a grommet in that ring the hoses go through?
Now you have. I don't think it would last very long. Split nylon tubing might work better.
Did u ever upgrade the pump?
No, it works pretty good as it is for my needs. Thanks for watching.
Ok the trencher two plus years old how is it holding up or is it gone
It has worked hard and no problems with it yet. I recently added a ripper to help with tree roots and brush. It has been a great little digger. Thanks for watching.
65 cheve biscane ?
66 that spent its life in Arizona. Never had a spot of rust. Future project. Thanks for watching.
I was also going to comment, noticed the vette in front. What's on the car lift.
What really caught my eye was the troy built chipper. Like to see a video if you haven't made one.
Where can i buy this can you shift in the Philippines
Check with Harbor freight to see if they deliver to your country. Thanks for watching.
how is it holding up for you ty
It's holding up great. There is some wear in the pins and the outrigger holes are enlarged some but no major problems. The engine is very easy to start and runs great. Thanks for watching.
How much for the Chevrolet ?
Not selling it. Going to convert it to electric when the kit is available hopefully by this fall. There's a recent video about it if you search my channel. Thanks for watching.
Have you had good luck with this unit, do you like it?
I have had excellent luck with it. Fun to use and gets the job done. Thanks for watching.
General machinery makes these backhoes. They are in North Carolina. How did you hear they are made in China? Mine was shipped from California, I wondered why if produced in NC, why ship from California?
It says made in China on the box. The harbor freight one is definitely made in China. They come in big shipping containers to the ports in California and are distributed from there. Thanks for watching.
thanks
Let us know what it was should someone else have a simliar problem.
Fiatı nedir bu makinenin
Thanks for watching.
I will.
what size are the cylinders please and thankyou
I think they are 2 1/2 inch. Could also be metric. Thanks for watching.
hey sir you going to sell that impala or corvette?? Really enjoyed your video. I subscribed to your channel. Look forward to more videos. What will you use that trencher for. I would use it for a garden
They will be future projects. I may have to sell the vette to get money for working on the Biscayne. The Biscayne is a Arizonia car with 40 k miles and has never had a spot of rust. I have been removing stumps with the trencher, have a pond to cleanout the banks, and drainage work to do. Thanks for watching my videos.
You can buy a used but very good back hoe for less than that cost less than that I seen some small ones for 2500.00
I looked for a long time and all I found for under 5k were junk.
If ThisOldTony and Homer Simpson had a clone...
Thanks for watching.
No instructions? What's the booklet for?????
It has a exploded view, some info on the engine, hydraulic schematic, and troubleshooting info. No real explaination how to assemble it. It is the same as the PDF on their site. Thanks for watching.
Are the instructions in Chinese?
Pictures in Chinese.
Oh! Kind of like hieroglyphics?
Why 93 octane fuel small engines are not high compression and don't need such high octane fuel that's for knock suppression in high compression engines waist of money using that fuel
My old Kohlers won't run on 10% 87. I also add some instead of lead to their tanks. Plus my chainsaws run better with it so I use it in everything. Thanks for watching.
What crap paint job! Good luck
It is powder coated, and they did a good job applying it. There was some grease and oil that had to be cleaned off, and a couple of scratches but nothing major. Thanks for watching my video.
Why are you keep on saying “What not”?
M r p ki
Thanks for watching.
Cargo shorts, crocs with white socks.. Jesus I hope I don't quit caring wen I get 70
You can get some good deals on last year's fashion at the salvation army when you get older.
Koch 40 I hope you are as ingenious, skilled and hardworking when you are 70
He's his own fashion statement, get over it.
I do mine in a mesh thong.The neighbor lady gets incensed when I bend over in the garden.
lol
Thanks for watching.
Does it come inside a pallet or shipping box?
Big flimsy crate. Thanks for watching.