how do you normally leave your bh's when unused??

[leeinmemphis]

I am going to be picking up a woods 90x bh subframe with a hydraulic pto pump on it. I was wondering if anyone had any storage tips on how to leave it when not on the tractor or in use. The bh could sit for months at a time without use but when I need it I need to be able to hookup and go. any advice would be appreciated.

 

[rbargeron]

For outside storage I usually support the bh on a pallet or a couple timbers so it's not on the ground. I leave the cylinders retracted so the rods are protected (can't retract all of them). Depends on where you are storing it and how much room you have. After everything is where you want it, center all the valves to vent any presure and remove the pump from the pto. The cylinder rods are chrome plated and resist pitting pretty well - the exception might be if road dust or salt blows onto them - then they should get cleaned and oiled now and then (6 mo ?) As a last resort I look in the owner's manual. Take care, Dick B.

 

[wushaw]

Here is how I store mine.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...583114-bh75-bh-stand-741736-copy-dsc00063.jpg

 

[Kendall69]

I learned the hard way, I did everything wrong.
I just dropped it and left it, several months maybe years later I went to use it and it looked like it was 100 years old. Bucket was left up so it filled with water dust etc - even weeds were growing in it. Eventually it all worked out, after hooking it up and using it, the bucket shinned right up from use, and all the seal etc were good to go. I did change the fluids and filter right away.

After greasing, lubing oiling etc where necessary, the best storage would be inside. Next I would store on a concrete pad, gravel, pallets, wood rafters, anything but on the ground. Cover it, but let it breathe so the moisture does not get trapped and rust it. Check it every few months to make sure things aren't drying out or rusting.

 

[leeinmemphis]

thanks for the info guys. Wushaw......that frame may be just what i need. I am just now finishing my barn which is 40x60 with a 15x60 lean to and I am still trying to figure out how it will all fit inside. I am trying to keep all my implements with hoses or anything that deteriorates inside. Having the bh on a movable frame without having to hook up the tractor may be a great idea! For now I will probably just unhook it and let it sit down on the slab but in the future I'll need to figure out something different. Thanks again!

 

[john_bud]

LIke this

The hoe body is on 4 jack stands. There is a landscape paver under each stabilizer and the bucket. There is 2 sheets of outdoor grade 3/4" ply under the jack stands. The exposed cylinders are greased.

Indoor on a rollaround is ideal, but for us "outdoor types", this is ok.

jb

 

[wushaw]

thanks for the info guys. Wushaw......that frame may be just what i need. I am just now finishing my barn which is 40x60 with a 15x60 lean to and I am still trying to figure out how it will all fit inside. I am trying to keep all my implements with hoses or anything that deteriorates inside. Having the bh on a movable frame without having to hook up the tractor may be a great idea! For now I will probably just unhook it and let it sit down on the slab but in the future I'll need to figure out something different. Thanks again!

Yea Lee it is great to be able to just position the BH wherever I want it and it is easy to hook up in just a few minutes.
I also wanted my most expensive attachment inside.

I would recommend on your lean to to go to 20', mine is 15 and I wish it was 20 for all the stuff you will be parking there you will be wishing it was 20'.

 

[leeinmemphis]

too late on the lean to. It is already built but I am already thinking that this summer another lean to on the other side may be needed. I've picked up a bunch of implements in the last year and I have a few others on my "wish list". Space is coming at a premium in there because my car hauler trailer and gooseneck are gonna be inside also.

 

[hemiguy]

Lee,
40x60+. Ok, now I have "barn envy". I have a real small garage and shed so unless the BH is on the tractor its outside on a wood frame I made to drop it on. But I do cover it. I have a little (compared to most of you guys) JD model 46BH and bought a Xlarge motorcycle cover for it. Its made to breath, block UV rays, has draw-strings on the bottom, and fits it perfectly. I think I paid $30 and figure if its good enough for someones $25k Harley its good enough for my $6K BH.

Storing the BH inside is definitely best and luckily mine is on the tractor in the garage all winter. Makes good ballast for snow removal with the loader.

 

[dtd24]

Here is what I do with mine.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/94536-backhoe-removal.html

Works great!!