Honomoto + Toyosha

Attached is a picture of a machine I have had for some years. It is clearly a Hinomoto front end (although it has JCB decals on it - but JCB know nothing about it) and has a single cylinder Toyosha gasoline engine. The back-hoe is not bolt on but attached with heavy duty plates right through past the transmission and integral with the main frame. Does anyone recognize it or have any speculation of what it is or history? The back-hoe is very sturdily made and does not have the appearance of a home-made special. I've tried fruitlessly on the web to find anything similar but could never find any mention of a single cylinder gasoline Toyosha engine. The engine is a bit tired (but still works and otherwise is a heavy and good digger for its size) and I was thinking of fitting a replacement engine, but what HP should I go for? Also I could do with various other bits, but really need to know what it is before I can proceed. Any help or leads gratefully received. Steve (shc@spartel.u-net.com) Submitted by Steve Coombs, from UK