my newest pitch.....need help

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building custom backhoes and front loaders for garden tractors. i was just wondering if you guys think i could make some money doing it,ive also only have a Lincoln 225 stick welder that make pretty nice welds and i have a o/a torch and a cheap little flux core wire feed would i have to get a nice mig to do it. any tips from people who have built them would be greatly appreciated .thanks nick
Reply:With most of these sorts of things, you simply can't compete with the original manufacturer as far as price. They buy in bulk and usually get all the parts CNC cut, and have presses to bend parts etc. Doing it manually will take a lot longer and cost more.The only way this sort of stuff usually pays is if you have the material on hand ( free) or if it's for a machine that doesn't have a unit readily available. Not trying to discourage you, but I'd look real hard at what all the basic materials will end up costing you as well as consumable items like rods, gas, grinding disks, saw blades... Then compare that to what you can buy a ready made one for. Figure the difference and see if you think the amount of labor you have to do is worth 1/2 the remaining cost. Most people won't pay retail for a hand made unit when they can buy one they can get replacement  parts for  etc..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:keep the lincoln and the torch..toss the wirefeeder..you're all set..and while you probably cant build stuff as cheap, you can build custom stuff better..and theres yer  market..
Reply:just remember there is going to be some good liability in this kind of project. failures have the potential for some pretty good property damage, injury, or death. better make sure your insurance is up for it.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:You have the same thought I do.I have a 110 Mig though, and working on more like end tables/coffee tables kinda stuff.  Atleast for now.I would also agree with what everyone has said.The cost for you to make it even without labor can be hard to be manufatured parts.  But on that same note if you know what your doing, you can make alot better parts.I would also agree with the liability deal.  You would think no one would get under it etc...  However we all know people are stupid, and alot given any chance will sue whoever they can for some money.Keep thinking about what else you can do too.  For me labor/time isn't a big deal (takes me a bit longer then alot here, but it's a hobby thing for me)For another idea something like a firewood rack or trailer dolly, trellis.  Stuff like that.  But again cost to make and market will dictate if you can sell.  Good luck
Reply:most of the stuff you are talking about is made in China too and shipped over here for less that the cost of materials...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawmost of the stuff you are talking about is made in China too and shipped over here for less that the cost of materials...
Reply:riding mower, garden tractor, subcompact tractor, compact tractor, utility tractor, row crop tractor, etc.  Isn't a garden tractor a riding lawn mower with lug nuts and a shaft instead of a belt goint front to back from the engine to the wheel drive assembly.  The frame and wheels aren't designed for loader use and I don't think they have hydraulic outlets.  What sort of source do you have for all the hydraulic stuff involved?Fran
Reply:thanks for all the advice guys,and most of the garden tractors they would be put on would be older one that where stronger built i found a place for plan called PF engineering and they have some really good reviews
Reply:Visit as many tractor forums as possible to get an idea of what others are building for themselves.