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Old 07-30-2015, 02:50 PM   #1
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Use a Mini Excavator to Move 19' in Driveway?

Hi All,

I'm trying to get my Bambi into my driveway hitch first, which means pulling it in. I'd then like to get the tow vehicle out. I won't bore everyone with all the details of my driveway, but if I use the car/truck to do this, I'll need to leave it in the the driveway, there would be no way to get it back out.

I have access to a mini-excavator and am wondering if that would work. Would it be strong enough? If so, the next challenge - how could I attach a hitch receiver? I've seen the hitches that clamp on to buckets, but the reviews say that they only work with light weight trailers because they'll twist.

Since the mini-excavator isn't mine, I don't want to make permanent modifications to it. Maybe I can remove the bucket and have something made/welded that will attach to arm?

Thoughts?

Lynn
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Old 07-30-2015, 02:54 PM   #2
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Interesting project, pictures when you are done, please.
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Old 07-30-2015, 03:03 PM   #3
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I move our rigs with a Toyota forklift rated for 5K lbs. and it works well. I expect that an excavator would work well as long as you are not attempting to ascend or descend any significant grades, have good operator, and can establish a hard connection between the RV and the excavator. We use a small section of channel iron that has a hitch ball bolted to the web. The channel clamps to one of the lift forks.

I would seek the advice of the excavator owner if possible.
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Old 07-30-2015, 03:05 PM   #4
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You need to bore us with more details.
If you can't drive the TV out how will you get the excavator out?
Why couldn't you use a lawn tractor to pull it in?
A 19'AS isn't that heavy.
If it is too much tongue weight for the lawn tractor get a couple/few people to stand in the back of the trailer to offset some of the tongue weight.
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Old 07-30-2015, 03:07 PM   #5
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I use one of these on the bucket of my little tractor to move trailers. I don't see why it wouldn't work on the bucket of a mini-ex too.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o09_s00
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Old 07-30-2015, 03:12 PM   #6
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How about something like..
If your driveway is flat enough you can pull it by hand.
If not, you can improvise a way to tow it with the mini-ex or a riding mower, or even if you are brave.. use this in the front to steer and PUSH the trailer with the mini-ex.

MaxxTow Trailer Dolly with 1-7/8" Hitch Ball - Black Powder Coated Steel - 600 lbs MaxxTow Hitch Accessories MT70225
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Old 07-30-2015, 03:27 PM   #7
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Okay, I'll bore with more details. I can get the truck in, but not out because it's too big. My house is set way back on the lot, and there isn't a way to pull the truck out after it's inside the gate.

There is a slight incline on the driveway, so I don't think a hand-dolly will work. I have thought of trying to push the Bambi in instead of towing it. I actually thought of using the truck to push with hand dolly or a wheel on the tongue.

See photos.

Screen Shot 2015-07-30 at 4.15.42 PM by Lynn Currie, on Flickr

Screen Shot 2015-07-30 at 4.16.47 PM by Lynn Currie, on Flickr

Thalweg - I had originally thought one of these would work. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o09_s00
You don't have problems with it twisting or anything?
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Old 07-30-2015, 03:38 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lcurrie View Post
Thalweg - I had originally thought one of these would work. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o09_s00
You don't have problems with it twisting or anything?
I can't get the link to work, but the attachment that I have cranks down on the bucket really tight. It has twisted a little bit when not tightened enough. My only problem is that my tractor small (22 hp). It has small front tires. The trailer adds enough weight that steering stresses the front end. The bucket hitch looked like a good idea, but I wish I would have gotten a hitch for my 3-point attachment instead. I doubt that a mini-ex would be as weight limited as my tractor.
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Old 07-30-2015, 03:51 PM   #9
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Trailer valet will be perfect.

Trailervalet.com
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:01 PM   #10
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I looked at the 3 point attachment, but the mini excavator doesn't seem to be able to take one. I'm not sure if this is the exact model, but it looks like this.
https://www.kubota.com/product/kx018/kx018.aspx

One of the thoughts I had on attaching, is to have a receiver hitch welded to another piece of square tubing, making them come together like a T, then creating a clamp with that tube and another piece of tubing to attach to the plate below the bucket.

Something like so.
Screen Shot 2015-07-30 at 4.58.43 PM by Lynn Currie, on Flickr
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:07 PM   #11
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GSMBlue - I had found the trailervalet in some of my searches but it was on back order at the time. That might be the exact thing I need! And even better, they have the drill attachment to motorize it.
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:15 PM   #12
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You could use a winch. Mount it to an I beam or large wooden beam which will Span across your carport support beams. Winch up then down.
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:20 PM   #13
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The hoe bucket points the wrong way. If the hoe will stick up high enough to miss the trailer, bolt a tall truck "drop hitch" on the excavator blade with clamps, if it has a blade.
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:22 PM   #14
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cwf - you think the carport posts would be strong enough? If so, what weight duty winch? 5000 pounds?
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:37 PM   #15
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I use the trailer valet and love it! So easy and quick. Trailer Dolly, Trailer Mover, Tow Dollies | Trailer Valet
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:37 PM   #16
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P.S....the trailer valet is available on Amazon right now.
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:41 PM   #17
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I believe I could do that with my Jeep Wrangler.
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Old 07-30-2015, 04:50 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lcurrie View Post
cwf - you think the carport posts would be strong enough? If so, what weight duty winch? 5000 pounds?
Yes, keep fit low near ground. Mount where the winch sits on the ground so it pulls directly against the bar/beam. If you mount the winch in top, it will fall over toward the AS... Possibly braking something.. It does not need to pull a full 5000#... Also, put blocks on the outside of the crossbar to keep from sliding. There are sales at Northern Tool... Some work off 120VAC. Some off 12VDC. Then there is the old "block and tackle" equipment.... Manual effort.

Lay cable or chain on driveway. Pull AS into drive using TV stopping when hitch is over the chain/cable. Connect cable to AS in a way it cannot disconnect. Using the "safety chains" might be sufficient..if not, you need to upgrade anyway....Chock/Block rear wheels.. BOTH sides. Allow AS to roll back onto the blocks. Make sure it is chocked/blocked!!! CAREFULLY Disconnect AS from TV using the tongue jack with a WHEEL ON IT.. and pull TV to the side. Begin winching and if you have help, it is easier to move the "wheel blocks" as the AS moves ahead... Block every few inches to minimize "rollaway" issue. Once in place, secure.

Reverse process to roll out. May require some nudging to maintain proper path.
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Old 07-30-2015, 05:01 PM   #19
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I just found a great winch for sale in Austin Craigslist... Looks new! $50!!!
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Old 07-30-2015, 08:59 PM   #20
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Just hook the safety chains to the bucket and lift. Keep it low and slow, you should be fine.
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