In a previous video on the Harbor Freight Backhoe Trencher, I showed how I fabricated an extra set of wheels to make it easier to switch between digging mode and tow mode. While those wheels work well, my preferred method for moving the backhoe short distances around the property is to tow it directly from the boom.
To make this possible, I picked up a tow loop on Amazon and mounted it by drilling a couple of holes in the bucket-linkage of the boom. To keep the loop steady, I welded a small piece of rebar to the bottom as a brace. On my tractor’s ballast box, I have a standard ball hitch. With this setup, I can simply hook onto the tow loop, lift the backhoe slightly, and move it wherever I need.
I could have gone with a pintle hitch instead of the ball, but I actually like that the boom isn’t rigidly locked in. Since I’m only towing the backhoe around the property, I prefer that the connection will “pop off” under stress—such as when turning at a sharp angle—rather than risk binding or damaging either the tractor or the backhoe.
The rest of the video shows what this looks like in action. You’ll see how easily the backhoe can be moved and even backed into place with surprising maneuverability.
Supplies Used
Hitch receiver (welded on tractor ballast box)
