Trouble-New Woods BH80-X

[CJ4]

I just purchased a new Woods BH80-X for my New Holland TC55DA tractor and it stinks!!! The first 10 seconds of digging I could tell it was just "giving up" on power. Sure it will dig sand or soft ground but let a 1/2" root get in the way and it just stops.

It was equipped on the dealers lot with the "optional" drive shaft driven hydraulic pump. I already had an extra unused remote on the rear of my tractor but the dealer acted like I didn't have a choice but that's irrelevant at this point. The machine's statistics all exceeded my expectations when comparing to comparable machines. I had just spent several days on 2 different smaller hoes and significantly smaller 35hp tractors and this thing won't even dare to compare to those machine's performance.

Acts like there's a problem with the pump. The dealer agreed it looked like a problem until he couldn't figure a quick fix and then he acts like it's operating fine. Left it all day today while he was going to check the pressure and haven't heard yet. I'm totally willing to allow for problems to be fixed but I was wondering if this hoe is big enough for my 55hp tractor??? Also shouldn't this hoe at least act like it's stressing my tractor before it quits???? Woods website says it's for a 20-45hp tractors. The dealer said it'd work fine. Would the BX90-X be significantly different?? Any suggestions or comments are appreciated.

Sincerely
(grown man about to cry)

 

[john_bud]

It sounds like the pressure relief is set way too low. Do you hear it when the machine stops?

If the dealer shines you on, call the woods help line and politely inform them of the problem, the attemped cures and the quality of service from your dealer. Ask them to get involved and/or to give you the name of a large dealer with a competent service department.

 

[CJ4]

I'm not sure I know what sound it should be making. The dealer acted like they weren't sure how to set the pressure. They were going to try the hydraulic filter to see if there is any restrictions caused by it first. I'll see what they say in the morning. Do you think this hoe is big enough for my tractor size???? Thanks for the comments and suggestions.

 

[kknext]

I got my BH80-X back in March and mounted it on a Kubota L3010 with a sub-frame. I also have the hydraulic pump instead of the rear remotes. So far I have blown 3 hoses digging up stumps on my land. So it must have plenty of pressure even though sometimes it does not feel like it. When I do get it in a bind, it will pull the motor down some but not a hole lot. Keep in mind that my tractor is a 30 hp not a 55hp. When it comes to roots I can snap a 2" pine root with no problem, but like most BH's, it sure does not like a oak root.

 

[albmn10]

I got the new Woods 80x and found it to be very capable.Ive used mine to dig all the footings for my Pole barn 26 of them, the ground was mostly shale ledge, it did slow down a bit at times but both the contractor i hired and myself were pretty impressed how well it dug. It will snap 2-4 " roots with no problem. Ive also dug about 20 stumps so far and has handled all with ease. I have the Kioti ck30 and find it a great match for my machine. Realize its also a 30hp tractor and i would have definitely went with a bigger hoe for a 55hp tractor. I would have your pressure tested for sure though. Good luck

 

[john_bud]

CJ4,

You will hear and feel a hum or vibration as the fluid is passing over the relief. If you hold it for a while (1 min), the relief will get hot and you can feel it. There is usually a port on the side of the hydraulic controls with a plug. Screw in a 5000 psi guage and see what your operating pressures are. Since you have a loader, the loader relief can be opening and give you the same symptoms.


The service dept should have a manual for the hoe. Make them get it out and show you the part on setting the pressures. The relief valves usually have a spring and washers are used to increase or decrease pressure.

Is the hoe big enough? Tough question. "I" would say no. A 9000 or 1050 would be a better fit. But only you know what you intend to do with the hoe.
jb

 

[dfkrug]

As stated, the relief is most likely set too low. That said, it is common
that the relief valves on these compact b/hs are not tested at the
factory. This is not a problem if it is set too low, since the adjustment is
fairly easy. (Look for an acorn-shaped cap toward the right end of your
stack valves. Often, there is a hex socket bolt adjuster.) It is also
not a problem if set too high, UNLESS YOU ARE USING A PTO HYD PUMP.
If you use tractor hydraulics, the tractor's relief valve cuts in and protects
the hoe. Otherwise you bend rods and burst hoses. I always test my
pressures at the b/h cyls. 2500psi is plenty. As for tractor size, weight is
the issue, not hp. There is no such thing as a hoe too small for a particular
machine. There IS a maximum size hoe for any particular tractor. 55hp
tractors are plenty heavy to handle a 9 or even 10-ft hoe w/ subframe.

 

[dsgsr]

You definitely should be running a 10' hoe on that TC55DA. Thats not a compact tractor and shouldn't be using a compact hoe.

David

 

[CJ4]

Sorry that i'm 2 months later replying. Been at the property without internet and just now getting online. The dealer couldn't get the 80-X to saitisfy me so I paid the difference and ordered the BX-90X. It works much better on my tractor. I chose the 12" bucket instead of the 16" due to having alot of water and sewer pipe to lay at this time but the dealer said a 16" bucket would cost $750.....Does anyone know where to find a better deal on a bucket for the future???? Thanks for everyones comments.

 

[IslandTractor]

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