FIXED - Vague control feeling in BH77 Backhoe

[Dexterous]

Guys,

I recently purchased my second Kubota, a brand new 2019 B2650 with the BH77 backhoe. My previous machine was a fairly new, 2017 BX23S. I purchased both machines primarily for the backhoe to do ditch work around my property so I have lots and lots of prior backhoe experience at this point.

The old BX23S backhoe felt really good but the new one felt really vague and inaccurate. Needless to say, I was very disappointed with the poor feel of the BH77. However, after watching a number of videos and reading a few things on various forums, I learned how to inspect the control linkages and I discovered why I was having the problem. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the control links inside my new B2650/BH77 with less than 15 hours were ready to fall apart!

I made this video so that everyone could see exactly why I had this issue and how I fixed it. Thanks!

 

[4570Man]

The handles in my ZTR are the same concept and they work loose sometimes. Really it would benefit from a complete linkage replacement because the “ball joints” are worn out. The previous owner sold it cheap because he thought a drive motor was failing.

 

[Tompet]

Very good. I’m used to mine and is third BH I’ve had, but I’ll have to check it out. I had mine apart about five years ago when new to replace a prv and now that I see your post it seems I recall those bolts being not snugged down.

What loosened mine up a year or two ago was jumping off and my shorts caught on one of the control levers and bent it! I just grabbed it low and bent upper portion back. Another reason to check it...thanks for post.

btw, Your machine looks nice and clean!

 

[Dexterous]

btw, Your machine looks nice and clean!

LOL, it’s still new. I power washed it to work on it but that’s about it. I kept the old machine pretty clean when it wasn’t being used just because they are so much easier to work on when they are clean.

 

[nbryan]

Checked out the linkages on my 2017 BH77 (on B2650) after seeing your post and sure enough 3 of 4 lower links were loose. The right hand pair - bucket/dipper - were very loose, I took them off easily by hand. Cleaned, thread-locked, and re-tightened, now the controls have much better feel.

Thanks Dexterous!

 

[hawkeye08]

Thanks for sharing.. I have a 3pt backhoe for my Kubota and I have not been satisfied with the controls.. will need to take a look and do some maintenance.