I will put this here for any future or present PT’ers on this forum that would care to comment, for myself and others that might want to add a mini hoe to their 180.

I plan to buy a mini hoe kit parts ECT it comes with a cylinder a boom, and bucket that will need welded that’s all. I really know nothing about hydraulics, I’m sure I can learn.

What additional components would I need to complete the kit in its simplest functioning form? I know I would need a different spool valve setup for the 180. What else would I need to buy in the form of parts, links,or sourses. How hard is it to re-route these components? Thanks for any insight.  

Hi Barry,

We recently got a PT 180 and are very happy with it.  I am also looking for an inexpensive way

to add a mini back hoe.  Where did you find your kit?

Would the back hoe that PowerTrac sells for the PT 422 work on the PT 180?

thanks

ptx

Hi ptx,

 If you are thinking about  adding a minihoe to your 180 you need to do 2 things first.

1- install a 3 rd. hydraulic circuit to operate the curl function ( I did this by replacing the OEM 2 spool valve with a new 3 spool valve )

2- beef up your 180 lift arms by sister welding 1/4" plate along the outside of the OEM arms.

If you need  information on  the Sauer Danfoss valve configuration  and coding let me know. You will need to modify ( enlarge ) the valve mounting opening and tunnel hose opening so the new valve and extra hoses will fit.

Hi there PTX, welcome to the site. Sorry just saw this post. Beechwood is the man to talk to for making your Mini Hoe, but I will show you where I am with mine so far.

My first thoughts were to buy a kit from Metkit Link below

http://www.metkit.com/ They sell various kits prices seem fair.

I ended up buying an 8 inch Lack lender bucket instead Link below.

http://www.lackender-fab.com/attachments.cfm

through Northern Tool Link below.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200321087_200321087

prices are not bad at Northern. If you want teeth installed, then I would buy it from Lacklender a few more pennies for the bucket and, $50.00 extra for the teeth.

I just ordered a 48 inch 4x4 steel tube for the boom. Who knows when I will get the rest of the setup. My money goes different directions. Just follow Beechwoods lead he made a better than factory Mini Hoe. I'm sure you've seen the pictures by now in the gallery. Hope to see more post on your 180 got any pic's yet??. Barry

Hi Beechwood,

Thanks for the info .  It is most appreciated.

Could you show some close up photos of the 3 rd hydraulic circuit as installed on your PT180?

That would help those of us wondering aimlessly about in hydraulic confusion.

I notice that 3 spool valves come as "open center" and "closed center".. I have no idea what either is,

but which one did you use?

I definitely need help on the Sauer Danfoos valve configuration and coding.  Do you do housecalls by any chance?

Where did you get your hydraulic cylinder?  What brand?  Size? other important specs?

thanks

ptx