Backhoe Kubota backhoe 3PH bushing egg-shaped!

[Anonymous Poster]

Hi,

Last fall when using my B2910 with 4690A backhoe I noticed a "clicking sound" that was sort of like you might expect to hear if the bushing that is used in the top-link attach-point was missing. But it was not missing...and each time I removed the hoe the bushing slid out real easy...IF I remember correctly. I know at the beginning it did.

I took the hoe off for the winter and for some reason checked it out later and could not find the bushing. I could not imagine how I lost it, but it was not there. So I ordered a replacement. I could not believe that I lost it, but somehow I did...been there, done that...you know how that goes.

With the great weather we have had yesterday and today, in the low 70s, I decided to put the backhoe back on, even though I will probably take it back off again before I use it. I wanted to see if I remembered how to do it I guess. I remembered, but it probably took more than 30 minutes to get it on...first time sometimes takes longer...when you are older than you once were anyway... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I go to install the replacement bushing in the upper hole of the backhoe...and what do I see? Well, the bushing is still in there and will never fall out because it is nicely egg shapped. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

So I did not lose it afterall. I did not try to knock it out...can do that later or perhaps just take that piece of the backhoe off, as it is held on by two bolts, and get the dealer to fix it.

Question is, anyone else out there with a Kubota 3PH backhoe have a similar problem? The replacement bushing does not fit very tight around the pin...I can see the same thing happening with it also.

Shouldn't a bushing bore be pretty close to the diameter of the pin that goes inside it? I did not measure it, but I bet there was at least 1/32, maybe even close to 1/16 space between the pin and the bushing, with the pin resting against one side of the bushing.

The bushing that is beat oval has about 1/8 inch showing on one side of the pin at the long side of the oval.

Am I the only one to experience this? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[GregJ]

I just removed and reinstalled my BH this last weekend and I was noticing that my bushing seems to be getting looser. I've had it off and on about a dozen times so far. I also have the clicking sound you refer to when I really work it hard. The BH has no movement and seems very solid on the tractor, but I wonder too why there is that much tolerance in that bushing. It does make it easier to remove the pin when its on the tractor. Could that be why?

Greg

 

[Anonymous Poster]

<font color="blue"> I wonder too why there is that much tolerance in that bushing. It does make it easier to remove the pin when its on the tractor. Could that be why?
... </font>

Greg,

After thining about it, my guess is that ease of getting the pin in and out must be the reason. Doesn't seem like a good design though...wonder if all 3PH backhoes are like this?

I used my backhoe a lot last summer/fall and the bushing is beat up enough to never fall out on its own. It is oval front to back, rather than up/down. That seems strange as the notch in the backhoe "arm' that goes onto the other hardened pin at the heavy duty top link bracket should not allow forward/backward play. Maybe there is slop at that point?

Perhaps there is supposed to be a bushing on BOTH pins? My backhoe came from the dealer with only a bushing for the upper pin. I better check this out...anyone know?

[ps... looks like only one bushing is shown in the parts book for the backhoe...the one for the top pin...]

 

[Mikemas]

Bill,
I don't think I have enough time on my 4690A to have the wear on the bushing yet, but I expect it will happen and have a theory about it. I purchased my backhoe used from the owner of an L3010. I had to change the mast ear and mounting brackets to fit on my B2710. Although the backhoe had low (25) hours, I also had to replace the mast ear bushing that the top link pin slides through. The bushing in the original mast ear was enlongated and could not be reused. I think the bushing is used like a washer to take the beating and wear instead of the mast ear, which would be in direct contact with a hardened top link pin. (the bushing is alot cheaper and easier to replace) Mine also has a little play in it which will clunk a little under heavy use. I think it does that to let us know when we get a little too aggressive with the dipper/curl stick. I will research with my dealer, etc. and let you know if I find anything out of the ordinary.


Mike