Harbor Freight Trencher/ BackhoeWheel Conversion

This is a wheel conversion I made so I could pull my Harbor Freight Trencher easier from one work site to the other. This isn't made for transporting on the roadway. It is easy to build. The tires are 4.80 - 8. I hated carrying around the heavy out-riggers. This is my first KZbin video.

[@ralphlawrence1265]

For many years, owners of these machines have tried various schemes to make the cumbersome process of transporting and conversion to work mode an easier and faster process, to varying degrees of success. Then you come along and absolutely nail the best solution from leftover parts and materials. I commend you, and will encourage others to use your conversion to make a machine that can be difficult to work with, to a functioning tool, easy and productive to use. Well done, sir.

[@nillies5665]

Thank you, for both your posts!!

[@RobertGee-oi9ww]

Wanted to say THANK YOU again. Just finished installing the "JOB SITE" wheels on my tractor. I drilled one hole in upright boxiron to accept the 1 1/4" pipe. Left me with a square top and it does bump a tad going up and down. Large grinder will solve this problem. I would make one change if doing another. I would use two inch channel for lower end of upright as difficult to weld axel shaft in box tube. Your design/idea has made this machine far more useful. Crabbing around wastes alot of time. Had a throw out bearing burn through pressure plate fingers on a larger tractor on a decent size job. Ended up pushing/pulling tractor around. Easier on the larger tractors. Got the pipe in the ground. Realized there was an access plate for greasing the throwout, do not think it had ever been used. Thanks again, great design.

[@ETCBroadcasting]

This is a brilliant idea and the best I've seen anywhere for this purpose. Using this video I constructed a set of these conversion wheels for my HF Trencher and they work perfectly. This makes the trencher far more easy to use and maneuver. Everyone who owns this trencher should have a set of these.

[@ETCBroadcasting]

@Chris World Virtually the same as shown here. I made a few modifications such as increasing the length for a bit more clearance for the outriggers and I drilled a round hole where the pipe goes into the upper side of the square tubing rather than how it's shown here, but everything else is the same. It's an ingenious design as is.

[@nillies5665]

Thanks James!!!

[@stretch6231]

This is a great idea. Those outriggers are heavy ! Thanks for posting and the details of your set up.

[@RobertGee-oi9ww]

Dude, thank you. Saved me much head scratching and appreciate you listing measurements. I actually purchased new steel for this. I knew I would not be satisfied moving the machine from point to point. First thing I did was go with 2" hitch. Everything I have is 2". Reversed hoses on boom lift. Will be spreading out valve shafts to accommodate fat hands/fingers. Will resemble 4 lever Ford from back when. Wheel system is 50% complete, all holes drilled, material cut and only a few welds to go. Youngest brother told me years ago after seeing an 18 HP lawn mower engine I mounted on an outboard lower unit I should video my projects. One man band here. I appreciate all the folks that take the time to put their projects out here for us. Again, thank you. Better than any TV.

[@mrracer98]

Just wanted to say thanks for the design idea. I made a set of these for my hf backhoe and I can say they should come from the factory this way. Works excellent. I made my legs just a little longer at 20" so the points of the outriggers don't drag on hilly terrain. Again a great design. Thanks.

[@joehoff6048]

Just found this. Best solution by far!! Genius. Thank you for making this video

[@DwightLawrence-cp4ei]

If you already have one of these HF trenchers/backhoes, or in the process of buying one, this mod takes it from a pain-in-the-ear machine into a marginally useful tool. But you still need a machine to tow it. In addition, buying 3 other things will greatly increase usability: A Thumb, A Narrow 9" trenching bucket, and the most important, a Ripper.

[@clydeharless899]

this is definitely more simplified than what I was planning. Thanks.

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

This is a great setup. I may do it one day, but in the meantime I do cheap and dirty. I put the bucket into the trailer of my John Deere mower, put enough pressure with the bucket downward to lift the backhoe enough to clear the legs and it pulls it around very well. Granted I have a flat 1.6 acre space, with no hills and such. Eventually it would stress out the trailer, but I don't do it often enough to worry about it. In the meantime I just use the bucket to manuever around in the yard.

[@larryrock945]

Just finished building and installing a set. BRILLIANT!!! Thank you for the idea and instructions.

[@jimcraig8322]

Thank you sir so much for this. I tipped mine over trying to change the dang tires out. I knew right away there had to be a better way!! My neighbor is a certified welder and I KNOW he will work for beer!! Lol Plus they can all use the backhoe as needed. Great design...great instructions you are part of the the very small cool diy community that makes you-tube great still!!! I thank you my friend!!! Jim P.s. getting my steel Tomorrow!!! Beer on the way home!! Lol

[@mikeflynn2940]

This was literally exactly what I pictured doing with one of these if I grab one good job man looks good

[@JohnHoranzy]

Excellent video and excellent design. Thank You!

[@marlonbeach4412]

Great, simple, solution. I have the Jansen MB-300, and switching wheels/outriggers front to back is always sketchy at best. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@Moguiman]

Nice work! Thank you for the video showing the details!

[@f1948s]

Excellent video. I will need to move my backhoe to a site 100 miles away to do some work and feel the extra wheels will help me load it onto a trailer for hauling. Thanks for all the information. I agree with the 2"hitch coupler.

[@1Lindseyw1]

A friend wanted me to use your idea for his machine. I have watched the video probably 10 or more times. Its simple and efficient! Only critique is on my last view I caught a stop you welded onto the sleeve. I think you just forgot to mention it but what it does is aid in the alignment and keeps the sleeve from being swallowed and then having to fish it out. So your stop is a small but great thing! Thank you

[@iwillnotcomply7145]

Good catch. I didn't see it. That is a smart idea.

[@medina3420]

This is my fav Mod yet on ALL youtube. Thus is what I'm going to do 👌🏼

[@BountyHunter3112]

Just looked through the comments, 8"..... sorry should have guessed you have been asked the question before. Again, great modification and thanks for sharing.

[@lw1419]

A great job, it makes so much sense and easier to use, yes it should come this way. I have a Nortrac backhoe coming and hopefully I can design something on it to work like that. Excellent job my friend and thx so much for sharing. After I get my Nortrac I may have some questions, hopefully you won’t mind my seeking answers/suggestions from you.

[@stickwallfarm]

Thanks for sharing- going to make a set of these 👍

[@germaninvegas]

This country needs men like you

[@RobertGee-oi9ww]

I agree. I am starting to think these Dudes are few and far between. Think about it. Who can weld? Who can fabricate steel? Bore a 3/4 hole in steel? Know how engine systems function? Electronics? Pipe? Possibly 5% of our population? Schools here in the south were never strong in industrial arts programs but I hear they have become almost nonexistent. In military I noticed folks from the north had way more exposure to trades in public school system.

[@shmilyforrest]

Excellent Upgrade! We have a NorTrac Towable Trencher in the garage waiting to be assembled (The box of hardware was omitted when shipped. sigh) At our ages, 66 & 76, moving those heavy wheels is tough. I know we will need some additional alterations but just wanted to say Thank You for this video.

[@philliplawerence5784]

This modification won't work on a NorTrac Trencher.

[@twood3270]

This is a great video that you produced. I am in the process of buying a HF Trencher, and I like the way you rigged up the wheels. I have a welder, but no acetylene torch, so I'm kinda in a bind until I can figure out a way around that. Many thanks for this information. I appreciate it.

[@nillies5665]

Shouldn't need a torch, just a cut-off saw of some sort. I think even a skill-saw or Sawzall with a metal cutting blade like Diablo would work.

[@twood3270]

@@nillies5665 I could try a hand grinder and cut-off wheel. Thanks for your follow-up. I appreciate it.

[@michaellloyd5737]

Just bought this trencher from Princess Auto and was wondering how to transport the supports. This is a great solution! Thanks!

[@barrybryant3655]

Awesome job sir. I have the same trencher and it is a pain to swap those legs around ty for sharing

[@claysr100]

just want to say thanks I now have the same

[@philliplawerence5784]

Good job, young man. Good idea, well presented in a constructive video. You should be proud.

[@replysoon3216]

Yea, he did everything except actually dig with it.

[@philliplawerence5784]

@@replysoon3216 Nothing in the mod affected digging, and there are lots and lots of videos of towable backhoes doing one form or another of digging, stump removal, and other uses.

[@TheDavidLipschitz]

Great idea and well presented. Thanks for sharing

[@daveschotts5194]

It looks like it works sufficiently. I ordered my axle and hubs, which should arrive in a few days and I’m anxious to put those together like you have. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@RobertGee-oi9ww]

Also wanted to mention my costs associated with the build for others wanting to do same. Around $230. Hubs, bearings, seals and axel shafts from Amazon as well two 8" wheels and tires. Had to replace valve stem in one but for the price? I have a great steel supplier up the road, Tallahassee, Fl. VMW or VWM. Great folks. Small amount to pay for time saved. Price shown is materials only. Not sure what a shop would charge as I do my own cutting, welding.

[@bikenraider99]

Pretty sweet set up. Thanks for sharing.

[@billsmith5166]

Really nice. Thanks for the video!

[@Randellallen65]

Very cool! That’s a great upgrade

[@whosonfirst1309]

Well done

[@artfulcoyote]

Very nice setup!

[@georgewilliamssr5230]

Smart idea. I like it.

[@inspectorsj]

Almost my exact idea, yours is better. Good jog on your first video buddy.

[@broken_bones_acres]

This is awesome man . I subscribed to ur channel for that

[@nillies5665]

Thank you very much!

[@richverreault]

Very nice! I'm going to buy one of these

[@christervikstrom5431]

Well done !

[@TheRemyRomano]

That is genius. I hate having to swap out the outriggers. I can never remember how to do it correctly and easily if it’s even possible.

[@nillies5665]

Thanks, I am very happy with it too, and so easy to make.

[@MrEd-kk7uj]

Very clever sir.....

[@johnnyk617]

Amazing video sir thank you

[@ke6bnl]

great idea, like it may do it when the part become available. where did you get the axles, I have the wheels

[@BillyBobVlogs]

brilliant

[@GuilhermeOliveirachannel]

Such nice idea❤

[@daveschotts5194]

Great idea

[@BountyHunter3112]

Hi, what size wheels did you use? 8" or 10" thanks for adding the rest of the measurements. Great modification, going to do the same to mine. I was going to add a jockey wheel near the hitch also to make coupling up easier.

[@l0n3d4nger4]

Super cool

[@Okiescrapper]

nice , I like it

[@WatchMeBuild]

This rules! I need to figure out how to make these!

[@BUILDNIGHT]

The biggest complaint I hear about these trenchers is that they are too slow. I went to surplusCenter.com and bought a different hydraulic pump that produces 4.32 gallons per minute flow. This is nearly double the factory pump which is only 2.7 gallons per minute. A huge improvement and now a very usable machine that saves a lot of time. www.surpluscenter.com/Hydraulics/Hydraulic-Pumps/Gear-Pumps/0-277-cu-in-MTE-D206-5491-Hydraulic-Pump-9-8401-277.axd Next mod that I will make is to add a chain drive and steering so that the Backhoe can be moved under its own power rather than having to re-position it with a towing tractor.

[@nillies5665]

I order one of the pumps recommended above. It has a 4 bolt mount, the original has 2. It appears that a new mount on the 301 engine to adapt to the new pump may be difficult to find. I sent the pump back since I could not find an adopter to fit.

[@newedge8578]

Is it possible to leave the riding lawn tracker attached while digging? Thank you!

[@fhuber7507]

This would be really hard on the riding mower and the section of trencher frame where it transitions to the smaller square tube for the hitch. You'd have to get off the trencher and onto the mower for each move rather than bucket crawling the trencher for small moves while doing a trench.

[@movaughn20]

Smart and simple idea! Well overall a good purchase?

[@albertamignone8131]

I liked your conversion! Is it possible to have instruction and equipment part list of how to make this conversion. Also I was wondering where you brought the parts (store/website) for this conversion? Hope you have a great day! Stay Safe!

[@SpaceCrete]

Very cool! How come manufacturers don't provide the good info and it is up to individuals on youtube?

[@milltron76]

Slick idea!

[@steveleverett300]

Great video thanks

[@danny6247]

nice job

[@william38022]

Pretty cool 😎

[@TKevinBlanc]

Great idea! Curious... could you connect that into one axle, so you only have to swing it from one side?

[@philliplawerence5784]

Yes, you could, and it's a good idea, but there are issues that way. First, you'd probably still need retaining pins on both sides to preclude torsional bending while under load. Then, you would lose versatility with the machine, because it may be more difficult to remove the wheels from the machine. You never know when you might get a flat tire, or perhaps may need to do other repairs, so being able to easily remove the wheels would be advantageous.

[@billmauldin7665]

Good idea. Thanks

[@ekd1985]

If you towed it behind a full size truck could you just leave it attached to the truck and dig without the out riggers?

[@fhuber7507]

No. It would not have the anti-roll stability needed. This is why the outriggers hang out so wide.

[@camperjack2620]

Very nice.

[@botfoblhrp]

thats cool as ever.

[@MM-fq9gi]

Very Nice!!

[@homesteadtech2501]

Great idea. Can you tell me the actual diameter of the tire, and also where you got the tire/wheel as it looks like it came with a hub on it that you were able to use. Thanks!

[@nillies5665]

They are just 4:80 - 8 tires with hubs that you can but at most any trailer place. I welded to the stub hub. I had the hubs and tires laying around for years so can't remember where I got them. It would be pretty easy to adjust the length to match most any tire size (within reason).

[@philliplawerence5784]

Tires of 19" or larger diameter need too much trail, 4.80-8 or maybe 4.80-12, even some golf cart tires are good if you need better floatation on wet soil or sand.

[@bonedust5757]

Now that's handy.

[@roberthoffman216]

Love this idea. I bought 10 wheels, Where can I get the hub and axels? I can’t find them on HF website

[@nillies5665]

You can order them from Amazon or Ebay, actually any local trailer place should have them too. The ones I used I just had laying around.

[@TiMneR-tx1ys]

460 thumbs up.

[@PaulPhillipsIndy]

Did you weld on the second square tube that your wheel conversion sockets into? I have a different brand towable bh and only have one set of square tubing for wheels or outrigger on the business end of my unit.

[@nillies5665]

No, that is the way the HF Trencher comes.

[@loneninja]

Can crab crawl with all four wheels?

[@RobertGee-oi9ww]

Of course, but why?

[@thegarageguy8201]

Do you have any problem with the narrow wheels? Does that size wheel press into soft ground? Is it hard to tow through loose dirt? Regarding the pin holes that lock the position of the the pipe, have they deformed in bearing?

[@nillies5665]

No problems sinking and I can tow it with my small riding lawnmower. There isn't any deforming in the pin holes but I only pull it around the yard or less than a couple miles down are road very slowly.

[@stickwallfarm]

Great video and was a really useful reference when I did my own set of wheels. I did something similar in my first iteration with the round tube so you could swing the wheels up, but there was too much play and it put all the stress on the pins/holes causing the holes to warp. I ended up switching to square tube so it's sturdier. Here are the details of my wheel build: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIvGoZpviM-Hopo I suspect the round tube design could have worked if all I did was tow with the wheels down, but I often use them to crawl the machine into position and all the bouncing around was just too much. I do miss the convenience of being able to just swing them up instead of removing them! Thanks again for the useful video.

[@nillies5665]

I think in your situation it would be easier to reinforce the holes, such as inserting a small amount of pipe inside the pipe holes for the pin plus adding washers (or custom thicker material) on the square tubing to keep the holes from warping. That way you could still keep the rotation. Glad you could use the idea!

[@f1948s]

Can you tell me did you have to buy two additional axles from HF and cut them to fit into the square tubing so that you could then attach the new wheels to the unit? Where were you able to buy your wheels and hubs which I presume to fit axles bought from Harbor Freight?

[@nillies5665]

I had the wheels and axles laying around, I am pretty sure I bought them from a local trailer dealer. The square tubing was bought locally and the pipe is just standard black pipe you can buy from Home Depot or Lowes.

[@allenemilystewart6039]

Hey! We are buying this, curious how long it took you to get this from the time you paid until you received it? I assume none of the stores actually have this in them to pick up..

[@philliplawerence5784]

Got mine 17 days from time of order.

[@robertspickler3467]

Sir. Do you think 10" tires would work? I really like this idea!

[@nillies5665]

That should work well, you just have to adjust the length. When I made it, I lifted the hoe with the boom until I got the clearance I wanted then I place the tire on the ground and mocked things up from there. I am guessing you would have to add at least an inch to vertical length. Drilling the holes for your pins after you set the correct angle should adjust for the bigger tire too.

[@drmachinewerke1]

How well does the unit perform. I understand light duty. Just curious as I have been needing something like it

[@nillies5665]

Works terrific, I can't believe how easy it is to hook up and move it around my land now. No more pulling off outriggers. It was very easy to make with a welder and a cut-off saw.

[@nbookie]

Weld or clamp a hitch on the bucket and tow from the front.

[@philliplawerence5784]

That's a workable idea, and I've done that. But I made this conversion and it works much better. Towing is easier, and I can tow with much better control and accuracy in positioning. And there is no longer any dragging the frame under the engine.

[@andrewk8636]

@@philliplawerence5784 installing the hoe onto a tractor or mower would be even better lol. Or build a custom frame and drivetrain

[@loneninja]

THANK YOU!

[@kennycollins4141]

What size of tires on the front .

[@generaldrz]

Having a problem with my control valve sticking and hf wants $300 for a new one I tried to clean ever have this happen

[@nillies5665]

No, mine have worked good.

[@nicolec7290]

Smart

[@lanemeadows9957]

Awesome set up!!! Would you know how to bleed one of those hydraulic cylinders? One of mine is really slow.

[@y2kxj]

You don’t need to bleed cylinders. A few in and out and they are free of air.. if only one is slow you have a control valve problem.. best way to test is swap hoses on valve from good to problem one to see if it’s the cylinder or the valve.. if it’s still slow while hooked to a different valve it’s a hose or cylinder if it’s better it’s the setting on the valve...

[@daveschultz5198]

Do you have plans for you upgrade?

[@nillies5665]

No, it works as well as I can expect.

[@markellison3423]

Would you sell me a set of these ?

[@ricardogmz5646]

How much it that cost, there are any store in especif to buy it ?

[@philliplawerence5784]

About $300.00 USD. Not in stores, you must build it yourself, all materials and dimensions are in video.

[@ricardogmz5646]

@@philliplawerence5784 I really appreciate your information, I will going to start to make plans to get one of these. Thank you very much

[@morseimagery5989]

What size wheels are you using?

[@philliplawerence5784]

4.80-8

[@muhamadshamsul4687]

How much is it sir

[@motiranjansahu8821]

Rice??

[@ByronMacleod-r9p]

He didn't dig one shovel load.

[@itsallokay]

You stole my idea!!! How ever yours came in reality first!

[@prestonnelson4809]

U didn't scoop any dirt in whole video

[@jimcraig8322]

Didn't need to what he has to offer is more precious than gold!! You would know if you ever tried to convert to dig mode by your self on uneven terrain!!! NIGHTMARE!!!!

[@philliplawerence5784]

Nothing in the mod affected digging, and there are lots and lots of videos of towable backhoes doing one form or another of digging, stump removal, and other uses.

[@BuildBreakFix]

I like the tubing was welded in uneven angles lol! Gives it that personal touch to already bad machine LMFAO!

[@jimcraig8322]

Bud??? If you are blessed enough to be able to afford a "REAL BACKHOE"?? JUST BE THANKFUL!! dont trash talk hard working Americans that use this less expensive and harder to run option that we can an afford to get our work done!! Its uncool and un-American!! Thanks!

[@BuildBreakFix]

@@jimcraig8322 Seriously go away with your moral upstanding social just bull shit. It was a shitty welding job. Sorry man has nothing to do with a backhoe. Try another angle you might sound smart the second try!

[@philliplawerence5784]

There was some spatter on one of the surfaces too, did you miss that ?? I think your comment is so intensely focused upon weld quality that you may be incapable of seeing the larger picture. These machines have been on the market for decades, and in all those years nobody has come up with workable ideas on how to deal with the stabilizer mounting/dismounting problem. So Mr. Illes invented a low cost but genius solution that turns a pain-in-the-butt machine into a usable and productive tool, but all you can do is to sharply criticize what you think is poor welding on a small part. The majority of homeowner welding is not "pretty". Sometimes the angles are off a little, sometimes they may even need to be redone. But it most cases the ugly welds hold and the machines are used for hundreds of hours with no problems, so I have to ask, why would you ever think your comment was anything but stupid ?? By the way, the N. Illes modification is the most frequently made change on HF backhoes, currently estimated to have been made in over 40,000 machines, and Harbor Freight will be incorporating it into their next generation machine, due for release in summer 2022. He has made an important and constructive change that has been given to society at no cost, but all your tiny mind can think of is a meaningless small flaw in a weld. I feel sorry for you, having to live with such a huge and major mental handicap.

[@joshpoole6056]

@@BuildBreakFix you have over 200 videos about your electric bike project, and you're on here talking shit about a good idea 🤣 time to build and break another project and move on dummy.

[@BuildBreakFix]

@@joshpoole6056 LOL for one bro not electric moron! Second it's 5 bikes and It's videos on how to make parts and fix them. Since people with your IQ that think a gas engine is electric seems to need the help! Sorry bro weld job was shit on this! Non of my bikes in the 80 videos out of the 512 actually since you can't count! are about welding shit and nothing looks like trash! become semi educated before you try act like know what your talking about!

[@ezrc9294]

Who ever designed this trencher did a diservice to humanity - what a horrible toe package. Now people have to add wheels on by any means possible

[@itsruf1]

Observation: So let me be open minded; I can purchase the base model for $3500. + $250 tax +$100 delivery? Then get straight to work? No? It's in a chinese crate? Seriously? Who buys the beer? Who takes the crate away? Are the fluids included? What about tarps to cover it? Who trims grass around it? Who pushes it around to the dog site? Who fills the trench? Your wife comes over? (a Sunbelt rental pushes the ag back in) Who assembles it? Who would buy it used cause you hate it? I guess you don't need to worry about fellers wanting to borrow it. How can 9hp dig mid-west soil when my riding mower is 25hp and i like all of it? Can I trench on a grade? Will neighbors call me Griswold?

[@nillies5665]

I enjoyed it and did a lot of work with it WHEN I wanted to work with it. It digs like crazy using this new technology that some don't fully grasp called hydraulic pressure. To answer your question on who would buy it used, I sold mine for what I paid for it last year to another guy that just wanted to tinker on his land. It isn't always about the most efficient way. It is really sad when ignorant people with little understanding of why a person buys something try to judge that person's reasoning. I don't regret buying it for a minute, including assembling it, mowing the grass around it, and putting in a couple gallons of fluid. Yes, you can trench on a grade. None of my neighbors called me Griswold. Hope I answered your questions.

[@iwillnotcomply7145]

Don't buy one. Fixed it for you. :)

[@itsruf1]

@IWillNeverFinishAnything - Sorry you can't post. You have no videos to share. But look at mine.

[@ralphlawrence1265]

@@nillies5665 For your response to itsruf1, BRAVO !!

[@Josh-ux6zz]

It’ll trench on grade, I’ve dug up solid partially frozen clay. Plenty of power. Only thing I would say is the downside is speed and trying to move it around which is why people watch this video

[@antoniomenale1079]

$$€€????COME AVERLO?.

[@irishsavage8715]

Cheap old boomers gone wild😂😂😂