Backhoe BX22 backhoe hookup problems

bandit67 · Jun 27, 2005

I've noticed that my neighbor's BX22 backhoe doesn't seem to want to attach to the subframe very easily at the upper links. It seems that we silicone or teflon spray the upper links every time we hook it up, but the links still don't seem to want to move on their own. We always end up tapping the spring loaded pin in with a hammer to force it between the 2 clamp pieces. After we had the backhoe off the machine again this weekend, we tried moving the clamp linkages by hand, but no luck. I know the little spring isn't strong enough to hold the clamps from moving. One of the clamps usually takes less effort to hook up than the other, but they both seem to be way too difficult to engage.

I'm wondering if maybe the previous owner socked down the bolts at the clamp pivots too hard, thus holding the pivot clamps too tight, and that's why they don't move easily. I'm thinking about loosening the bolts and re-tightening them with my torque wrench, per whatever torque setting is hopefully listed in the owner's manual.

Has anyone else had this problem, or have any suggestions? We both hate having to attach the backhoe, as it becomes such an ordeal. I just don't think it should be this much trouble, or I'd have seen more posts complaining about it.

copperhead1967 · Jun 27, 2005

I've had my backhoe off about 4 times and did't have too much hassle. Takes me a little longer than 5 minutes, like the dealer said., maybe ten. I haven't had any problems with the pins.
Maybe you have some dirt build up between the body of the tractor and on the faces of the clamps??? I would try a good cleaning with a spray solvent. (Some of those spray lubes hold dirt and dust after a while.) Then lube them up with good anti sieze spray. I have a can of silver anti-sieze spray i use on the backhoe, cylinders, and any moving parts when I put the bh up for a while.

jim_wilson · Jun 27, 2005

It might be an alignment issue or like you said maybe the bolts are too tight. Sometimes when I put my backhoe back on it goes right on with no problems and other times I have to readjust the whole unit ( a good kick sometimes does it) before the upper links will lock on.

techman · Jun 27, 2005

I have had my BX22 a couple of years now, and the loader on and off countless times. Every once and a while one side will not be sitting quite right when I go to attach the BH. All I have to do it tap it with a rubber mallet and it snaps into the correct open position and all is well.

I don't think you can overtighten the bolts. Perhaps you should remove the clamp bolt and make sure everything moves smoothly.

paul

Tdog · Jun 27, 2005

Bandit,

I've had my BH on-off numerous times in the 2 years I've had the BX22. I nearly always have to use a hammer to persuade the right one to open & grab. It is more difficult to make it release too. No problems on the left side. I've tried a variety of lubricants, from wd-40 to Liquid Wrench, & that will make it work a little better, but I cannot count on any carry-over to the next time it is installed/removed.

I've put on my list of things that happen due to the 'cussedness of nature', & go on from there.

I've seen this mentioned on TBN before, & someone replied that the unit was defective. Well, I agree it should work better than it does, but a few light taps with a hammer does not seem excessive. I would not go so far as to say it is defective.

Hope someone posts the solution.

woodster300 · Jun 27, 2005

I had the same problem with one of mine on my BX23 and it was under warrenty the dealer had to replace it and all works great now

Marc

gsxr1100 · Jun 28, 2005

My BX22 starting acting up on the mounting about 2 months ago and I thought it was just me.

It seemes that the top clamp (or what they are) goes out or disengages but not 100%. So far only once...thank god.

bandit67 · Jun 29, 2005

Well, it sounds like the problem is a little more common than I thought. This coming weekend, I'm going to try loosening everything up, and then re-tightening the bolts, clean and lube the linkages, and see if that helps. Looks like the previous owner used a hammer all over the linkages, so this problem has probably existed on this machine for a while.

Can anyone tell me what the Torque specifications are for the large bolt that holds the center of the linkage together? I may not get the opportunity to review the owner's manual, as my neighbor is taking off for a long weekend tomorrow, and I'm sure he's running around dealing with packing everything up. Or better yet, is there a link to a website that has downloads of the the BX owner's manual?

gsxr1100 · Jun 29, 2005

I have the manual on my website to view.

That might help ya. It is for the 23 but for what we need it for, 99% is the same.

bandit67 · Jun 29, 2005

Thanks Mike,

I was in the process of sending you a PM, when I saw your post, so I went back in to your web page, and found the manual (I missed it the first time /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif) Just found what I think are the torque specs for those bolts. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

JWKnopp · Jul 3, 2005

We, (my wife and I,) thought it was me.

If the BH and/or FEL aren't taken off in the
PERFECT position they are very troublesome
to get back on.

We have a BX23 and I'm tired of seeing the BH
bend the body panels on the rear of the tractor.

Also the hydraulic lines could have been a little
longer. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

Junkman · Jul 3, 2005

If the lines in the rear aren't long enough, you can have 2 6" lines made up that you can add to the factory lines. I had found the same problem, but when I added the rear remotes to the tractor, it gave me the additional length of hydraulic hose to make it easier. If you are bending up the rear sheet metal when you reinstall your backhoe, you are not doing it correctly. It takes patience to develop a feel for when it is going to go on correctly. I have found that if the hoe is on solid level ground such as the garage floor, it will go on a lot easier than if it is on the back lawn.

bandit67 · Jul 5, 2005

Here's a follow-up. I went to work on pulling the subframe hook-up linkages apart this past Saturday. Turns out that all 4 of the swivel links were pretty well rusted onto the mounting pins. I went through a half a can of WD-40 just to get the linkages off (using a hammer to swivel them back and forth). One of the top swivels took almost 20 minutes of spraying and hammering the link back and forth before it finally came off the mounting pin. Once I had everything apart, I used the WD-40 and some wet-dry automotive sandpaper to get the pins and links cleaned up.

I put everything back together, and was able to actually swivel the linkages with my hands /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. When I went to attach the backhoe to the tractor, I couldn't believe how easily it hooked itself up - even the spring loaded link pins just snapped into place when I pulled the lock pins - they had never done that before.

What used to be a 20 minute hook-up process with a hammer, now takes only 5 minutes when the linkages are functioning properly. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif We had been concerned with using an oil-type lubricant, as we figured it would attract too much dust and bind up the swivel links. But after getting them off, I realized that the fit is too tight to worry so much about dirt making it's way between the swivel link and its mounting pin.

Jim_Qbull · Jul 5, 2005

Joe, I had the same troubles you describe the first time I removed the BH. I found my lines were plently long once I got the ty-wrap holding them together pulled up through a guide loop underneath the BH. Also found that angling the BH back more allows the lower attachment point to drop in place, thus giving ample clearance at the top by the body work.

I hope this helps.

Jim_Qbull · Jul 6, 2005

Just ran into another problem with the BH installation tonight. If the 3PH is all the way up, there is a threaded rod that can interfere with the upper latch on the right side. This rod kept the latch from snapping in place until I lowered the 3PH slightly.

JWKnopp · Jul 9, 2005

Junkman and Jim QBull thanks for the info.
I will certainly try these suggestions.
Plus we now have a newconcrete pad to
provide a level surface.

Berniep · Jul 9, 2005

I Also found some extra lenght in the hoses on my BX 23 backhoe once I pulled them through the guide loop. I have my backhoe off about once a weekend. I have not had any problems since I figured out that I had to leave the outriggers well clear of the ground untill the backhoe was tilted all the way away from the tractor, at this point the upper latches should be clear of the bodywork and you can raise it with the outriggers. I drop it on a section of ground that is not very level at all but the backhoe controls let you move it just about any direction to get it lined up. I have only had the FEL off once and it it was a lot harder to get the pins in.