Upgrading the hydraulic pump on a Harbor Freight towable backhoe trencher

[@davidaboleysr4943]

Today is 3/2/2024. I just wanted to thank you for this video. All your links worked and the shipping was with in a week. The pricing went up. The pump including tax and shipping is $235.00 and fit/worked perfect. The adapters shipped fast and fit perfectly for about $25.00 total. Again thanks for this video spot on!

[@bobbymiller6871]

Thanks for leaving the pump and couplings on here with the place you got them from. I ordered the pump and couplers and it’s a big difference to the machine

[@solarguy6043]

Excellent episode! If you use teflon sealing tape that is made for gas pipe, it is easily twice as thick as the cheapo generic sealing tape. The tape is dyed yellow or blue generally. Faster, easier, more reliable. Available at any hardware store.

[@tonysimmons5953]

This is the epitome of an excellent tutorial video. Thank you for taking the time to share!

[@kelleysimonds5945]

Excellent video and, thank you for NO MUSIC!!

[@johnstoffel5885]

Those O ring boss fittings are tightened all the way down. The O Rings are sized to compress into the recess.

[@noeaguinaga4018]

I was like? I can't believe people don't do homework on these things.... don't tighten the fitting down cause it'll squeeze the oring down....lmmfao

[@JohnnyThrobber]

​@@noeaguinaga4018You really are an asshole!

[@Teshia]

Thank you! When I get mine I'm gonna skip the stock pump all together and just install the upgrade. This was an extremely useful video.

[@RavensRidgeNC]

Appreciate the side-by-side! Just ordered one yesterday and had seen folks have had some issue with the speed, but feeling much more confident after viewing your upgrade, thanks!

[@dodgeme1986truck]

If any single circuit is too fast for you... you can always add an adjustable flow restrictor to that individual circuit for example the swing cylinder circuit I don't care for an excessively fast jerky swing circuit but the rest being faster is good)

[@idahopotato5837]

At 6:34 not only new tape but you don't want to turn the threads counter clockwise after tightening down. A paste is much better here than tape. Rectorseal is good one. Great video

[@jeffreyradley8365]

did my pump upgrade today, big diff. , before I was waiting for the bucket to uncurl, now it's much faster, thanks for the video.....

[@LarsDcCase]

Great video. And yes, many thanks for no irritating annoying background music. 😀

[@cha-ka8671]

AWESOME VIDEO! Perfectly detailed for the replacement of the pump and the side by side was sweet so we can tell if it's worth the change. Thank you so much.

[@movaughn20]

Absolutely, with the stock pump, sweeping while raising took forever, now it's up and over lickity split.

[@PreparingforAmos8.11]

THANK you! I have ordered the pump and hose adapter for my HF backhoe. Great help!

[@frankish5314]

Nice upgrade! For future reference, you should only need about two complete wraps of teflon tape on a tapered thread for it to seal up. too much rape can get squeezed into the pipe where it can break off and damage components.

[@mercedesvan-doors34]

Quick tip, when working on hydraulic equipment and you are disconnecting hoses hook up a shop vac to the hydraulic fill and the vacuum will stop or certainly slow the oil loss.

[@billdog4242]

I built my own backhoe. Ordered this pump and fittings from this video. It's almost done, I hope it works. Mine is heavier than the harbor freight unit 🙈

[@LordFalconsword]

Did it work?

[@billdog4242]

@@LordFalconsword yes sir. It worked awesome. I broke my bucket tho. I ended up ordering one from Titan. The other one was homemade

[@lironmtnranch4765]

You can probably adjust the coupler on the engine shaft to compensate for the slightly different pump shaft, without having to machine anything. When installing tapered pipe threads into O-ring adaptors like these, I recommend install and tighten down the O-ring adaptors, MARK the clock position you want the pipe fitting oriented, then remove the adaptors from the pump and clamp them into a vise to install and line up the pipe threaded fittings. You can warp or strip an aluminum housing with these kinds of forces. I'm curious, how well does it perform under high load? Does the pump bog down the engine? I'd consider upgrading to a 13 horse engine paired to a 4.5-5" displacement pump, I bet the thing would really dance with that power unit!

[@stickwallfarm]

Has performed fine under load - dug out a huge New England boulder with it.

[@williamhanna5224]

Operate 2 valves (handles) at once it will smooth out operation.

[@hoosierfatha]

Great Job, nice mod on the coupling too!!! Pro Tip: (lol) Try to get out of the Habit of using Teflon tape on Hydraulic systems use a hardening hydraulic sealant. Tape will act a wick, and-it will eventually Frey, clogging your components causing them not work... Otherwise top notch video...

[@stickwallfarm]

Good to know, thanks!

[@nickvandiver8941]

Loctite 545 is the best thread sealant I have ever used for pipe hydraulic fittings Holds up to even over heating hydraulic systems and I promise it will not leak

[@movaughn20]

Had to google hydraulic sealant after reading you comment. All these years, I thought guys were putting normal blue loctite on fittings. Thought to myself, that's going to suck to remove, possibly brake. Never knew, thanks for the knowledge!

[@jeffreyradley8365]

I use teflon tape but I make sure the tape is back three or four threads from the end.

[@dodgeme1986truck]

For the coupler you may have been able to get away without the drilling of the coupler by loosening the engine side coupler as it uses the same set screw and should slide In far enough to fully seat the pump

[@craigkoegel4674]

like the video... but I had some questions when I opened the link for the pump it goes to the same part you have but on the spec. sheet said it is a 1.80 GPM the less than the HF one. am I missing something ?

[@johnpapa8681]

I also need an electric start on the engine. Harbor freight has a 13 horse electric start engine that would be a great upgrade!

[@stickwallfarm]

Agree electric start would be handy on this machine.

[@bozowinslo]

I did pretty much the same thing ..... however ... took off the 9 horse and put in a 12 horse Honda engine that starts first pull 99% of the time ... then added a new hydraulic pump 6 gallon per minute at 2500 rpm ..... had to do some modifications to the pump mount and failed to get the Lovejoy couplers to align properly and wasted a lot of money replacing them ..... finally just removed that whole pump mount ... built another mount for the pump, much like an old school alternator mount ... added a double pully to both the crankshaft of the engine and then to the pump shaft ... slapped two belts on there with a little slack so they would slip if i ever got into a bind .... would rather replace belts than bent component mounts ... at this point , you may be asking .... why double pullies .... one to run the pump and another to run a generator/starter... wasnt sure where i was going to mount that part at the time ... i can also mount the old pump to a seperate independent hydraulic system to run various impliments and run it off of the second pully ...(quick connect couplings make for easy wood spliter connection) you can do a lot of things with these little diggers

[@DeeGeeTN]

Show us some videos of all the stuff you did.

[@bozowinslo]

id very much like to do that .... however i dont know how to do that sort of thing ... noy very computer literate @@DeeGeeTN

[@wiggybends3632]

Where you pick up the mechanical skills? Bravo - nice job

[@stickwallfarm]

Just from experience/research on different projects. Thanks for watching!

[@PatrickCoady-ud7mg]

U could try plumbers tape on the threads then tighten u could try getting the bucket galvanized this is dipped in hot furnace it will strengthen the steel hope this helps

[@davidanderson3999]

Nice vido, one thing you want to be careful of with the teflon tape is not wrapping over the Ned of thread on adapter nippel, as it will cut tape loose and possibly plug up valve, great job on improving your equipment,

[@dalemasyk1583]

girl , you just answer all of my prairs about the hydric-pump and beyond...thank you for that awsome tips n show WELL DONE...love you for that hehehe

[@stickwallfarm]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@williamhanna5224]

Awesome video! Very talented.

[@ihnas2578]

Very impressive job!

[@Ants_Pants]

Great video i was suggested to this video by Gerald Henton. Take care!

[@Baktoo]

Great job, you made it look easy. I would like to know more about the front tires mounted on the digging side. Do they collapse or just mounted on some way to put them on when its time to move the trencher?

[@stickwallfarm]

They slide in and out of a square tube. Hope to eventually put together a video on them.

[@stickwallfarm]

This is a belated update, but I now have a video on the extra wheels: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIvGoZpviM-Hopo

[@peteward7764]

You're a genius. Thank you

[@stickwallfarm]

Thanks!

[@Benpoetter]

When’s the next video on the trencher? I would like to see it work with the new pump.

[@stickwallfarm]

Maybe come Spring - too much snow right now.

[@Benpoetter]

👍

[@johncarnettie6804]

Wow! Very informative. Thank you!!!!!

[@stickwallfarm]

Glad it was helpful.

[@johnnyk617]

Really well done video

[@sgaard1944]

Really a helpful video. Also the part where you redo the teflon.

[@jerryrig]

Great video, very informative! Thank you!

[@LordFalconsword]

The engine has the HP, why not an even bigger pump? Is the limitation of the fittings?

[@loafandjug321]

Are you wearing a bee suit hood?

[@stickwallfarm]

Bug net. May flies are really bad in the Spring around here.

[@ryandavis4689]

That's a great idea I have a mosquito problem here as well and you wearing that head net just made me want to get one, I don't like wearing long sleeve shirts because it's hot as the devil's ass here but it might be (better than) spraying myself with all that deet

[@andybubniak4657]

excellent video very help full.

[@stickwallfarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamrivera9293]

Great video...i bought a pump and it says that it turns counter clockwise.Should it turn this way or should it turn clockwise?Your help is greatly appreciated....Thanks

[@byronmill]

A hydraulic pump that is directly connected to a small gas engine needs to be set up for clockwise rotation of the input shaft.

[@brentsmith5647]

Brilliant video thank u 😍👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@robmack151]

That's a hot hack... nice to know!

[@timkeiper8588]

You may want to add that if you use teflon tape on the threads, you need to use a tape that works with hydraulic oil. Your normal plumbers tape will not hold up. The tape I use comes in a yellow case.

[@bradmcmanis3231]

Yes Excellent job Needs to be more girls in that field 👍👍👍

[@williamrivera9293]

I should have said the pump is set up counter clockwise....Thanks again...

[@str8trucking981]

Just order my upgrade, thank you for the great video. Have you ever considered switching to two lever controls from the original four? Or have you heard or seen anyone do this. Just curious

[@stickwallfarm]

Haven't considered that - I don't mind the 4 lever control.

[@donedonager6322]

Great video, thank you

[@stickwallfarm]

You are welcome!

[@charliesmith9528]

I need a small backhoe to do some ditching and maybe digging a shallow 3-4 ft pond...is the harbor freight item worth the 3500....does it hold up

[@coleross9295]

Did this help with using two or three functions at the same time? I have a red rock towable excavator and I’m looking for a way to increase volume to the valve body, i believe it has a 3.5 gph pump, but I’m thinking maybe there maybe other restrictions like the pressure line to the pressure bypass

[@stickwallfarm]

It definitely helped with 2 functions at the same time. It kind of works out nice, because with the 1 function the machine can be jarring with the weight/momentum of the movements. WIth 2 functions it slows the movement down a bit and smooths it out, but yet you're not slowing down the project because you have the 2 movements happening.

[@byronmill]

If your Red Rock unit has a 3.6 GPM pump on it, then this pump is not going to be much of an upgrade. It's displacement is 4.1 cc per revolution which would mean that it would deliver about 3.9 GPM at 3,600 RPM.

[@jackman6256]

She's a smart lady

[@DoubleMFarmHomestead]

Well done SB. I haven't done this to mine but I know some others who have and they found that adding some length to the joy sticks helps control the "jerky" movement with the stronger pump. It seems to allow the operator to "feather" the controls more. Look forward to more videos. Oh, I noticed the netting, are the "skeeters" bad there? LOL

[@stickwallfarm]

Good to know - going to add extending the joy sticks to the to-do list 👍This was in the Spring when we get May flies and they're *terrible*. The mosquitos have been terrible this year too, so there's no rest : )

[@DoubleMFarmHomestead]

@@stickwallfarm Yep, the struggle is real. LOL If your "to-do list" is anything like mine, well, good luck. LOL

[@thefurious69]

I do not see any updates about the upgrades? Are you going to make more videos? Also the link in the description does not saw the same specs as the one you got, any ideas?

[@stickwallfarm]

No notable updates to report - been running fine since the upgrade. What specs are difference? I know there are different model #s, but they are equivalent. Model #: 1.6PB4.1D-R080S0 Alternative model #: 1.5PE4.1D-R80S0 (The 1.6 was superseded by 1.5. Both have identical mounts and port locations, but there are some cosmetic differences.)

[@jasongray423]

Where did you get the pump? Part number or any help would be great. Thanks, and great video.

[@stickwallfarm]

Details and links in the description. Thanks for watching.

[@rusosure7]

I saw a head net in the video. Mosquitoes? Or the cursed 'black-fly'?

[@stickwallfarm]

This time of year (early Spring) it was the May flies - they're terrible.

[@lorenzorodriguez2700]

Very helpful video

[@stickwallfarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vdubluv222]

What a badass! Nice video.

[@stickwallfarm]

Thanks!

[@ginginthing]

Very helpful video. Well done. Thx

[@stickwallfarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@benjyrigney4932]

I made the upgrades after watching your video and ordered all the same parts you listed but I have not noticed any improvements. Do you have any suggestions to what would be different?

[@iwillnotcomply7145]

Where and what pump did you buy. Pump in the link says 218 days lead time.

[@kennethswann6458]

What is the serated thing above the bucket

[@iwillnotcomply7145]

It's called a thumb. You can buy them on EBay.

[@stickwallfarm]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0732SFZQ4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@wildman6556]

I can not seem find the pump online. do you have any other links to order one. great video.

[@stickwallfarm]

I don't. Possibly try ebay?

[@larrygines2671]

Where did you get your adapters for the hose to the pump?

[@stickwallfarm]

Links in the description 👍

[@almirria6753]

Question Have you heard of using vegetable oil vs petroleum base hydraulic fluid? If so have you switched over & if you have was the results of doing so

[@stickwallfarm]

No, I have not researched/experimented with this.

[@jackman6256]

I did mine an she is 100% correct it is lots better I used 4point 1 It is bit faster an lot more efficient I've made lots of upgrades to my machine that will be last iam sure One other thing take you're cylinders off one at time this is simple where hoses Connect drill that feed out just a small Bit to open for more Hydraulic fluid because Of new pump that will help of course Make sure u don't get metal burrs in you're cylinder I wash mine out to make Sure

[@paradiselost9946]

lol. i modded mine to diesel. and as i had a genset, i made it so i could strap that on. so made a sub frame, rubber bushes, fancy over center clutch, drove the pump a bit faster but clutched so i could run just the generator (that having an electromagnetic clutch)... discovered theres an oil filter in the frame... "pull that flange before using teh plasma cutter". "no! just hack it off!"... lesson. listen to your guts... discovered its a non standard thread size. at least if i ever have to order another one its standard now! well, after the third belt... i decided to look into the power ratings of a vee belt... oops. :) basically i want five side by side. sigh. currently back to the original engine mount but with a new pump housing. and just as i finished it and had cut that 1 inch extra off the engine shaft, i realised i could have grabbed the electromagnetic clutch from the scrapped ride-on, and not bothered with the veebelt-overcentre thing at all! which now wont fit cus yeah... im an inch short... FFS! lol. life is a journey that must be experienced :)

[@alanzatek4779]

What pump model? And fittings? Awesome video!

[@stickwallfarm]

Links in description.

[@anthonyp568]

Where did you get the new pump?

[@stickwallfarm]

Details/link in the description.

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

I'm having a tough time finding the specs for the oem pump and no hydraulic companies I use and Grainger is a big one, but none of them can seem to find the pump. you got. Do you know the specs like shaft size, flow and pressure? Since I don't know what the oem specs are, they can't tell me what the next size up is.

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

Oops, I wrote down the Info but didn't go to the link. I think I can get it straight now.

[@gtwolfe100]

You are a brave person to hand hold a metal component while drilling on a press. I've spun parts so many times that I found that a little cringy. But otherwise excellent video. I've been eyeing this machine for a long time. I did see another pump upgrade video where the owner also installed a larger diameter hose from the pump to the control valve. Wondered if you considered that modification and discarded it or hadn't heard of it? It kind of makes sense in the context of operating two valves at once that the additional volume would be beneficial. But that assumes the pump can keep up with the demand. If you try out that mod, please post your results. Before I decide between this machine and the Betsco I'd love to know if that helps.

[@wiggybends3632]

Good way to break a wrist

[@leehyde6610]

Norther tool has the solutions in stock!!!

[@stickwallfarm]

Replies to frequently posted comments: → One should not use teflon tape on hydraulics; I was just replicating what was already on the machine stock, and did not have alternative sealants on hand. → One should not wear gloves while using a drill press or any other spinning tool. → The links/info on the pump is where I got it when I did this project. Please use this information as a starting point to do your own research and find a pump that works for you.

[@theantichrist4267]

Good job

[@Benpoetter]

Is the link in the description the exact pump you used? It looks like it is a small pump.

[@stickwallfarm]

The exact pump used is SALAMI 1.5PE4.1D-R80S0, which is what the link goes to. I know the annotation in the video says 1.6, because that was another model # I had in my notes. Technically this is wrong, but also technically 1.5 and 1.6 are effectively the same with only cosmetic differences so either would work.

[@hanslgurtner3082]

The new pump has an output of 12.3 liters per minute? Can this be? That wouldn't be much.

[@byronmill]

The original pump had a displacement of 2.7 cc per revolution. The replacement pump has a displacement of 4.1 cc per revolution. At the same engine speed the replacement pump will deliver 150% of the original pump, meaning the speed of operation will be 50% higher. 4.1cc per revolution times 3,400 RPM (rated speed) would be 13.9 liters per minute.

[@hanslgurtner3082]

@@byronmill Thank you.

[@danny6247]

nice upgrade

[@2009rummell]

Why 4 sets of wheels? And also can you find other buckets or attachments for these

[@stickwallfarm]

Here's a video on the extra wheels: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIvGoZpviM-Hopo

[@rayhill1855]

Hydraulics operate at 2000 psi all fittings need to be taped and really tight.

[@805Peej]

Rad. Nicely done!

[@jberry1982]

Or ditch the Teflon tape all together and use the pipe dope or lock tight red thread sealer instead of that tape shit

[@Mitchumthegreat]

Does this upgrade also increase the strength or lift capacity of the trencher?

[@TKevinBlanc]

Folks are already bending parts with the stock pump. Better hope it doesn't increase it's power too much...

[@stickwallfarm]

No, it does not increase strength, only speed.

[@philliplawerence5784]

I noticed the wheels in your speed comparison portion of the video, did you also install the wheel modification posted by N. Illies on KZbin ? Also, the speed comparisons were apparently done under "no-load" conditions, have you considered making a supplemental video showing possible speed increase under "nominal" load conditions, such as a bucket full of soil or perhaps heavier loading such as rocks/concrete ? I ask because it seems that the small diameter metric hydraulic lines to and from cylinders would effectively limit the fluid transfer rate, regardless of the rated capacity of the pump. This could easily prevent any significant performance increase from being seen in boom and/or crowd movement rate. Unless, of course, you also replaced the small diameter metric hydraulic lines with 3/16" SAE (or larger) lines, which in itself provides significant speed increase while operating with the OEM pump, and would allow a larger capacity pump to increase response time and movement speed even more. As a side note, some owners feel that installing a higher capacity pump requires a more powerful engine to drive it. In this case, and citing the rule of 1500, you may want to point out that the OEM 9HP engine has more than enough power to handle pumps with GPM ratings up to at least 7.5 GPM. Still, I consider your video to be very well done and of benefit to anyone considering such a change. Good Job.

[@BrapStuff]

The pump makes movements faster but does it have the same power? or less?

[@bernardkriel1]

Less power....you would need to upgrade the engine also to get more power

[@DeeGeeTN]

Why would it have less power? @@bernardkriel1

[@bernardkriel1]

@@DeeGeeTN there is no free lunch in hydraulics..your primary mover i.e the engine that turns the pump can only produce its rated power ...now depending on your need you size your pump for max flow and pressure ..going either size up or down will cause either less flow (speed) more pressure (power) and visa versa

[@byronmill]

​@@DeeGeeTN using this upgraded pump the unit will have the same maximum force. The maximum force is determined by the pressure relief valve setting on the control valve body, that does not change when you change the pump. The nine horsepower engine on this unit can easily deliver the 4 GPM flow rate of the larger pump to a maximum pressure in excess of 3000 psi, which is the typical maximum pressure for systems like this. It is possible to put a pump that has too large of a displacement per revolution that would be more flow rate than the engine could deliver at 3000 psi, but that is not the case with this pump.

[@jackman6256]

You can get pumps at one Hydraulic out of texas

[@jimscruggs5400]

Nice

[@stickwallfarm]

Thanks

[@naikengineering25]

What's engine hp and RPM also phmp specification and oil Grade!!

[@chainsaw76d]

What is the shaft diameter on the pump?

[@ppaje31]

Noticed the number you put up on screen different then what is on pump? Is that the same pump just different numbers?

[@stickwallfarm]

Yah, same pump, just a difference in Model #s. The 1.6PE4.1D-R-080S0 was superceded by 1.5PE4.1D-R80S0. The 1.5PE4.1D-R80S0 has identical mount and port location, but there are some cosmetic differences. Source: www.masondynamics.com/salami-hydraulics-aluminum-gear-pump-1-6pe4-1d-r080s0.html

[@ppaje31]

@@stickwallfarm thanks

[@ppaje31]

Thanks for the video. Been doing a little research on what size pump to upgrade to.

[@watchman6104]

Your link takes us to the 1.5 pump, not the 1.6 you mention. Also it shows 1.8gpm while the pump that comes with it is 2.4. How is this a better pump? Also, you say in this video that the 1.6 is the pump you use but when I stop the video when you show the pump it is the 1.5, the alternate pump you mention.

[@byronmill]

Both the 1.5 and the 1.6 pump have a displacement of 4.1cc per revolution. That converts .25 cubic inch per revolution. There are 231 in³ in a gallon. At 3,600 RPM that would be approximately 3.9 GPM flow rate. It is not clear what that 1.8 means in the flow rate line on the specifications. It doesn't say GPM, it just says flow rate.

[@rickhazlett4408]

Where did you find parts?

[@stickwallfarm]

Links in description.

[@shannonsmith148]

Nice job.

[@VolvoGonzo]

Ok... im in love❤😂

[@michaelsnell4034]

Subscription earned

[@weshawkins7165]

When you click on the source you listed for the pump it shows it in no longer in stock, has a 286 day waiting period.

[@விவசாயம்இளையதலைமுறை]

Good 👍

[@carlkinsel6676]

Tried to order pump out of stock won't be in till around next april or may

[@stickwallfarm]

Ah, that's a bummer. Not surprised - feels like everything is on backorder these days.

[@jackman6256]

@@stickwallfarm try Hydraulic one in Texas may have name backwards I order it got it in 3 days ups

[@kennethcarrier9061]

The pump is an AA-2 should have mentioned I bought an A-2 not the same!

[@waynealan2226]

An observation, NEVER put the wrench onto the fittings into the pump AGAINST THE THREADS!!!! It WILL damage the treads.

[@stickwallfarm]

Not sure I understand what you mean.

[@Eluderatnight]

Does anyone own a HF tool they didn't modify?

[@iwillnotcomply7145]

Smiles

[@byronmill]

No way that set screw was a 25 torx. Would have been a hex allen, likely SAE.

[@chrisdavis4492]

Were did you get the pump and adapters

[@stickwallfarm]

Info/Links in the description 👍