hi

[flo]

I bought a set of plans to build something like this I just wonder if it would cost more to build than to buy something already built. They are very detailed plans. But if I bought then I would miss the fun of the build.

hi from england

I bought the digger as the picture shows, it has well and truly payed for itself, I got it for a long term project it has saved a lot of money in the long run upto now. I payed a bit more for the machine as it was ready to goto work, being a complete novice to engineering and welding, & I did'nt have the time for a long term project. I was looking at a kit form mini digger from France, but it would have been a mind blowing project to undertake, but the finished digger was one of them micro diggers for narrow access and It was not suitable for my project.

Through my research I found all sorts of digger designs, especially on youtube.

This model is bigger than most powerfabs you see on ebay, it came with a big 13hp honda engine,it has a 1.9 ton pulling force which is ideal for trenching, its like getting on a horse to get on it.
The only thing I dont like is when you are positioned in a certain direction you feel like you are toppling over with the boom fully extended.

1. I found it could do things better, the front legs need to have hydraulics rams fitted, then I can leave the front wheels on, easier to move, than dragging and pulling with the boom which has caused wear and tear on 3 bushes & pins.

2. I will be changing the 13hp honda engine to an electric start engine to make life easier.

3.I have seen a few on ebay with front hydraulic wheel drive, looking into this, but the only downside is it will be easier to steal

4. Looking at putting some sort of cab on it, Its usually wet and wild were I live, not now its 32 deg, sticky & thunderstorms

It all depends on what you want it for, do you have the time, experience, money and sourcing and spending ages on the internet looking for the parts or in scrap yards. I know of a few people that have just bought the back actor that fits onto a farm tractor and modified it to fit onto a body. From what I have seen on the interent anything is possible, if you can think it you learn to build it.

richard