Backhoe JD 485 Backhoe, jerking

snowjunkie · Jun 9, 2011

Anyone know how to make a JD 485 run smooth. I have a new one and when i operate it, moves fast. It makes it hard when you move the lever and it doesn't have a smooth operation. I talked to the dealer and he said that was normal. Its very irritating. He said they could drill the lines (what ever that means) to slow it down. Anyway anybody know how to fix this problem please let me know.

AKfish · Jun 10, 2011

Welcome to TBN, snowjunkie. I used to own an older model hoe - 8A on a 33hp JD 970. Very capable machine; 8.5 dig depth.

Have a JD 110TLB currently.

Both machines (backhoes) would/will jerk, overshoot, and generally be difficult to smoothly operate with higher engine rpm's.

IIRC, the "sweet spot" for the engine rpm's on the 8A was around 1,600. As well, the best balance of power and control with the 110 is around 1,600 rpms, too.

However, when I first started out - 1,300-1,400 was about the maximum I could effectively run the backhoe without jerkiness, etc.

IMO - I wouldn't attempt to reduce the flow-rate of the backhoe hydraulics with a "hardware" fix i.e.; dealer's suggestion - I'd work towards a few hundred hours of "seat time", instead. :thumbsup:

AKfish

hosspuller · Jun 10, 2011

I'll echo Akfish's comments. The jerking is operator related. Slowing the engine and making sure the hoe is supported by the outriggers will help. I have a JD 310c and the jerking at first would rattle my teeth. Practice and if the jerking starts, let go of the controls. Then start again.:thumbsup:

snowjunkie · Jun 10, 2011

The jerking is not operator related. I have operated excavators and other backhoes that have nice and smooth movement when you move the levers. This one when you barely move the lever it moves real fast. its hard to move at a slow steady speed. But i guess as you guys say i will just have to do some practice and get used to it. I just didn't know if there was a fix for this. Thank you for the info.

AKfish · Jun 11, 2011

snowjunkie said:
The jerking is not operator related. I have operated excavators and other backhoes that have nice and smooth movement when you move the levers. This one when you barely move the lever it moves real fast. its hard to move at a slow steady speed. But i guess as you guys say i will just have to do some practice and get used to it. I just didn't know if there was a fix for this. Thank you for the info.

A further bit of clarification... the valve block for CUT's and smaller, equipment is not as precise nor as capable (cannot effectively power 2 circuits simultaneously) as full-bore construction equipment.

Even experienced HD equipment hands can discover a new level of frustration when operating these smaller platforms.

It takes some getting used to... that's all - no offense intended.

AKfish

snowjunkie · Jun 11, 2011

No offense taken. Its just frustrating. You would think by now they would have fixed that. It will just take some getting used to. Thank you for the info.

sunnyside360 · Jun 11, 2011

I have the 485 BH on a 4320 and have to agree with most of the above. What works best for me is to run the engine around 1500 rpm when working the BH. I rarely run the engine much faster. Things get better with experience running the hoe.

Gizmo2 · Jun 11, 2011

Probably won't make you feel any better but the 46 hoe is no walk in the park either. I could run my old #7 hoe I had on my JD650 at any RPM I wanted. But maybe I was just used to it, I did have a lot of hours on that hoe. The #7 had "L" shaped controls where the #46 has virtually straight controls and I am not so sure that has something to do with my issues. I may change them yet, make my own.

AKfish · Jun 12, 2011

Gizmo2 said:
Probably won't make you feel any better but the 46 hoe is no walk in the park either. I could run my old #7 hoe I had on my JD650 at any RPM I wanted. But maybe I was just used to it, I did have a lot of hours on that hoe. The #7 had "L" shaped controls where the #46 has virtually straight controls and I am not so sure that has something to do with my issues. I may change them yet, make my own.

Good point! The ergonomics of the controls can make a difference, too. The 8(A) - B had(s) the same L-shape and they were easier to use for the secondary function of left-right or curl; definitely.

AKfish

Gizmo2 · Jun 12, 2011

AKfish said:
Good point! The ergonomics of the controls can make a difference, too. The 8(A) - B had(s) the same L-shape and they were easier to use for the secondary function of left-right or curl; definitely.

AKfish

Especially when using the primary function simultaneously with the secondary function.