Hi Eric,
I'm from Australia, I've got one of these little diggers in
my shed, made here by by a company called Cranes and Shovels ( Cranvel).
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI....e=STRK:MEWA:IT

It's probably 40 years old, and was a very popular design with plumbers
because it was cheap and could get into smaller spaces. I've rebushed all
the pins, and rebuilt one of the rams, and it owes me probably $1600 Oz.
Have you seen anything like this from a manufacturer in the US. Looking at
how mine is built, I would think it would be much easier to refurbish than
build it from scratch, and you still get the fun of bringing an old beast
back to life.

regards,

John


"Eric R Snow" wrote in message
...
I know this is stupid. But I ordered the plans already. To see what I
ordered try this link: http://cdp-backhoe.com/MID/backhoe.htm
The MID600 and thumb plans. Anyway, this is my plan:
First, scrounge for any parts and metal I can find over the next 9
months or so. While scrounging for parts disassemble the subaru
station wagon my son left here for the drive train components except
for the engine. Then, using the plans and any advice build the thing
onto some kind of frame that uses the subaru parts for mobility. The
power will come from an 18 hp wisconsin engine. The idea is to spin a
hydraulic pump with the engine and use the pump to power a hydraulic
motor connected to the drive train and to power the cylinders on the
backhoe. So, if ANYBODY has any ideas please feel free to post them.
Thanks,
Eric R Snow