How do I get the rusty pin out?

ns_in_tex · Jul 25, 2005

I want to try replacing my backhoe bucket with a knife, to cut tree roots.
I am looking for any suggestions to get the 1-1/4" pin out of my 30 year old backhoe bucket.
I have tried heating the sleeves around the pin with a torch, rust penetrating oil, 3/4" punch with a 3 lb hammer.

So far, no luck.

boomer4snow · Jul 26, 2005

aero-kroil from Kano labs will break loose just about anything. Maybe a huge C clamp and sort of press it out? You would need to have something on the back so it would press actually but just a thought. Maybe squirt it down and work the bucket a little to free it up? Good luck

awlchu · Jul 26, 2005

air chisel with a blunt blade

boustany · Jul 26, 2005

If the pin is well and truly stuck, it could be because of a mechanical interference. It could be a stuck lock pin or something, even if it isn't visible, or that what the pin is in (i.e. the holes) has worn a groove in the pin. Its hard to visualize but imagine if the pin had a small shoulder on the inside. You may be able to losen it by taking all of the load off the pin by jacking up the bucket, or whatever.

I'd use a 10 pound sledge and a 1" pin, or see if I could get a screw mechanism to help me.

Moving on to destructive solutions, is there any clearance between the bucket and the dipper? If you can fit in a hacksaw or sawsall blade, you can probably cut off the pin on each side. If your lucky, the 'shoulder' will have been made by the bucket and the pin will slide out. Of course, if you aren't comfortable cutting into machinery you can always have it done professionally.

Failing that, do you know anybody with a

something like rust.

ns_in_tex · Jul 26, 2005

Thanks everybody for the suggestions.

there is room to cut the pin just inside the bucket, but I decided, it might still be a job to press them out of the bucket.

I just decided to try to tear the roots out with the bucket. Spent most of the day trying to uproot the first tree with no success. Breaking cables, ETC. I was hoping this tree would not have a tap root, but have about decided it must.

I suppose I will just cut it down tomorrow with a chain saw, then hire a chipper to dig the stump out.

hobbyfarm · Jul 27, 2005

Heat, penetrating oil, and a bigger hammer.

You might try to have someone wiggle the bucket while trying to drive it out. The 30 year old pin may have some shoulders worn in the surface.

And then there are various types of hydraulic presses that can also be used.
Good luck.

TonyV · Jul 27, 2005

I've had luck in the past by coating rusty parts with 'naval jelly', available at most automotive centers. Try coating the pin and letting it sit for a day or so. I do a lot of work on old cars and this stuff has saved the day more than once.

Massive layers of rust should be scraped, wire-brushed, wire-wheeled, sanded or rubbed with steel wool, depending on the density of the rust. Then, Naval Jelly should be used.

I prefer a wire wheel attached to an electric drill. With this technique, the drill does most of the hard work. I then use the naval jelly to remove the really fine layer of rust left behind by the wire wheel.

Naval Jelly is nothing more than phosphoric acid (usually found in a gelatinlike form). Phosphoric acid makes easy work of lighter layers of rust but does not work well on heavy build-ups. Naval Jelly also is available in spray form. Whether spray or jelly, you don't want to get it on your skin or in your eyes. Rubber gloves and eye protection are probably in order here but the stuff is easy enough to work with and I have to admit that I rarely use these safety precautions myself.

Once the Naval Jelly has done its job, the cleaned surface can be washed with a paste of baking soda (this acts as a neutralizer), which, in turn, can be rinsed with water. Quick, thorough drying is a must. Raw, wet steel will begin to rust again in minutes.

I've had more limited sucess with penetrating oils. They'll brake down a certain amount of rust, but are generally not considered to be good rust removers.

....Tony

...Tony