Backhoe on ground

[bturner425]

I have a FNH 1530 with a Ford Backhoe. Every time I park the tractor with the backhoe up it gently lowers itself to the ground. This would be with the engine off. Is this normal for the buckets to just lower themselves? I don't see any hydraulic oil leaking, but is the oil leaking back through the system?

Brian.....:confused2:

 

[J_J]

Yes, that is correct. Boom, bucket, FEL , etc. Just about all spools leak, and the weight of the BH will force fluid out or try to equalize. If you disconnected the QD's, there would be no where for the fluid to go, except a cylinder will try and equalize if it leaks internally. If you had or wanted to, you could put a ball valve in the cylinder circuit. Everything should stay in place, if everything else is good and tight.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=9-7281-12&catname=hydraulic

 

[nickel plate]

When you store it in the up position, don't you have a transit pin (s) to lock the boom in place while trailering? Most do. Try that and when it comes time to pull the pin (s) just feather the pressure off to release.

 

[Opti-Mist]

You might also consider parking the rig with buckets on the ground for safety. There used to be a recommended "Park" position for backhoes where the bucket ended up on the ground with the boom and dipstick extended as well, and the stabilizers on the ground as well. That way no one could accidently cause any element to move when the engine was off.

 

[some zilch]

i always lower my stuff to the ground, just to take the unnecessary stress and load off the unit. i am sure it make it makes no difference, but in my mind it does. even brand new machines will leak down slowly

 

[20 20]

Yes this wil happen

I have to ask though why would you park with it in the air?

 

[J_J]

I think he means everything folded up, but like someone said, there is a boom lock on most BH's. Resting on the ground is better, but requires starting the tractor to even fold it back up the park position. .

 

[glastron23]

as JJ said the spool leakage will cause this, instead of installing a ball valve you should plumb a load control/counterbalance valve, a little more work/plumbing but it will work very nicely, you will not have to open/close a valve every time you use the machine as it will do it automatically. Sun Hydraulics

 

[bturner425]

I ususally do park it with everything on the ground. A couple times I left them up a little and they went to the ground. I was just concerned that there may be something wrong. I guess it is normal.. thanks for the responses.

Brian.....

 

[dave1949]

I ususally do park it with everything on the ground. A couple times I left them up a little and they went to the ground. I was just concerned that there may be something wrong. I guess it is normal.. thanks for the responses.

Brian.....

My NH manual says to remove all pressure from cylinders, etc. by putting implements and attachments on the ground. Or in the case of a BH, the transport latched position I suppose.

I don't know if that is for safety, like stated earlier, or for the good of the hydraulics.
Dave.