Backhoe Backhoe

[Omar08]

List some common backhoe issues you've encountered thanks!

 

[oldnslo]

Blown hoses
Leaking cylinders
bad torque converters
broken planetary gears
under powered for loader work
never reach quite far enough

 

[Ford tractor]

unstable ground under the stabilizer causing the machine to list alarmingly when swinging a full bucket.

weak ground under the stabilizers that allows the machine to be pulled backwards nearly into the hole.

soggy ground under the machine that allows the stabilizers to both sink down full depth into the ground. Learning that raising them up too fast splatters mud over the operator...

Finding the supposedly "tight" machine that was purchased in fact needs bushings and pins. $$$$$

digging clay that sticks inside the bucket requiring the operator to get off and manually shovel it out of the bucket. each and every bucket...

finding cracks in the machine structure requiring tearing it down to bones and welding.

Finding the welds are not strong enough, requiring tearing back down and adding fish plate over the crack area.

finding even the fish plate cracks because the part was defective from the factory - requiring a 3rd tear down and total replacement.

listening to the wife, "I told you it would be cheaper to just replace it". grrrrr:laughing:

snagging a hose on a stump or branch and dumping $100 of hydraulic fluid on the ground.

whacking into stuff with the boom while moving.

discovering the machine is heavy enough to bend the ramps you are using to load it on the trailer.

 

[Baby Grand]

Sticker shock.

 

[Runner]

My only "issue" (JD 46 backhoe on 2520) is that the controls are too sensitive. I wish there was an easy way to dial down the sensitivity a little. It gets better with practice.

One other thing, the teeth on the bucket seem to bend really easy considering what they're made to do. Every rock seems to bend the teeth. I thought there would be some type of hardened steel used on these items.

Otherwise, love it.

 

[ctgoldwing]

I don't have enough uses for it - but I'd never be without it

 

[Qapla]

The "trapezoid" shaped hole they dig.

Having to either turn the seat around or change seats to move it forward when digging a ditch

Not being able to put the dirt far enough away from the hole and having it fall back in.

Feeding the machine diesel just to dig a hole.

Having the folded boom rake the tree branches and dumping the leaves on me because it sticks up higher than the ROPS.

Having to allow the added space for the folded boom and bucket when backing up.

Finding a good place to position lights when digging and it gets dark.

Still ... wouldn't want to be without one :thumbsup:

 

[seymojo536]

All my buddies know I have one and know I won't let them borrow it.
But I will load it up and dig any hole they need.

 

[crash325]

Once you get over sticker shock. You will be ever so happy that you have it.

Most problems are operator error and that can be solved with a lot of practice or use.

Back hoe on smaller machines is much quicker than the big guys. Just have to learn to use nice easy control movements.:thumbsup:

 

[tungularafishcamp]

I have them on a L2800 and a L48 and really dont have any issues. I welded hooks to the buckets to make them even more versatile. They are really easy to take off/on if you need another rear attachment. I have not put a thumb on the 48 yet but will this next winter, they really improve efficiency/abilities.
Rick

 

[Gizmo2]

The newer BH buckets don't have enough teeth on them
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/171608-46-bh-3-teeth.html

Quality control issue
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ting/212405-46-backhoe-stabilizers-wrong.html

 

[JohninCT]

Hitting stuff you didn't intend to. Like a deck while digging under it (nasty gouge in wood). Or a tree when backing up in the woods (bent hydraulic fitting). :ashamed:

 

[tcreeley]

18 years ago I bought a Northern mini backhoe. I replaced the 5 hp with an ll hp motor. I replaced the 1.2gpm pump with a 11gpm two stage pump. Worked much better and faster through the swing and dumping. After digging 5 ft holes for my barn's sauna columns, the frame welds gave out. I had it re welded and beefed up. I've busted pins frequently - main one and I buy cold rolled steel and cut my own. I don't mind if the pin gives out before something else. I really push it hard. Every so often I rebuild the carb and replace the oil. I cover it with a tarp or piece of plywood. Still going strong. I've used it to dig drainage ditches and as a loader for gravel when I'm using my dump cart.