Case crawler and backhoe -- Part deux

[Eugen]

First part of the story here:

viewtopic.php?p=17713#p17713

Summary of part one
This story has started with a Case/Davis Taskforce 500 trencher/backhoe I got initially only for the Davis D100 backhoe with plans to attach it to my 644 loader. The device sat for many many years outside and was in bad shape, very rusty, blown Onan J60/JB engine. As I was going through disassembly of the backhoe and engine, there were signs that the hydraulic side of things was not in such bad shape and I started thinking about maybe the crawler could be brought to life and leave the backhoe on it, perhaps with a different engine. It so happened that I had a Princess Auto 15HP new engine which fit right in, and was able to test the crawler mechanism. Seeing as this worked, I continued with the backhoe restoration, which, when done, was attached to the crawler. For me the D100 backhoe is better suited to be attached to this tracked device, because I know there are many situations where the 644 loader gets stuck. It's also heavier, which helps with traction. Therefore I decide to let the backhoe stay on the crawler, so I removed the trencher digging parts. However, testing the backhoe some more, on the crawler, showed that the PA engine was underpowered for the hydraulic pump. The original J60 engine was spec'ed at about 20HP at 1800 rpm, whereas the PA engine is spec'ed at 15HP at 3600 rpm, and was struggling when using the backhoe. It was clear a different engine was needed. That's when a diesel Kubota D1703 showed up on the market and I pulled the trigger on it. This was a risky acquisition, as it was not clear if it was a runner, or if it would fit well in the crawler. Here are a few posts on getting it:

viewtopic.php?p=17738#p17738

The D1703 engine is maybe a tad overkill for this device. A few specs: 1.7L displacement, about 24 HP at 1800 rpm. A serious engine.

But getting over the initial hump, where the engine seemed a little stuck, then it started well and did not smoke. To install it in the crawler though, it needs quite a few things: fabricate mounting, come up with air cleaner, exhaust, radiator, and bell housing and hydraulic pump adapter. Not quite a drop in replacement. So this part is the story of the diesel engine fitted to the crawler.

Here's a another test run from last night, with fresh battery, short battery cable, so it started right away and it ran with the little diesel present in the hose.

https://vimeo.com/835793012

[Eugen]

Not much progress, just a little painting done.

And having the brush in hand...

Hopefully the new owner has better taste

[DavidBarkey]

So how do you operate this this ? I don't see a seat . Is it a walk behind unit ?

[Eugen]

So how do you operate this this ? I don't see a seat . Is it a walk behind unit ?

Dave, the "seat" is just a steel sheet sitting between the backhoe and lever panel, but in this picture it's not there as I just painted some surfaces. But you bring up an interesting point. I think the very fact that this was designed as a trencher, it has slow and very slow speeds, and have seen videos of it running with nobody on it, especially while trenching. I was tempted at first to turn it on and maneuver it from the right hand side as that's where the two levers for F/R drive are, but I quickly decided the result of this 1.5 tonnes devices crawling over my toes with those steel tracks would not be something I want, ever. Now if I need to move it, I turn on the engine and then I ride it like a horse, as there's no room to put your feet in front of you or behind.

This is the straddling setting

Then you have the luxury setting when working on the backhoe!

One of the tracks is too loose and I need to do something about it because it tends to go off the rollers when turning. The previous owner has replaced the original track adjustment mechanism with huge bolts which are completely seized. Originally it had a grease gun filling cylinder in that location.

[DavidBarkey]

What about using one of those swivel pedestal boat seats ?

[JSinMO]

What about using one of those swivel pedestal boat seats ?

That’s what I thought of too.

[Eugen]

To be honest it doesn't bother me the way it is. Sorry if I gave that impression.