Backhoe Kubota BH90

[Meyers3521]

Hello to everyone,
I'm new here and have a question about a BH90 backhoe. I bought the tractor about 6 months ago and this is my first winter with it. Absolutely love the tractor but today I started it and let it idle for roughly 10-15min and then tried to engage the backhoe hydros to lift the out riggers. If you were sitting on the attachment it would be the left side. The outrigger would go down but it felt like the stick was "stuck" trying to get it to go back up. The right side works fine. Then I tried the dipper (left side of controls) and same result. It would go down but not up. Now it is stuck like this and I need the loader to move firewood. It is literally about 3 deg here and has been dropping into the negatives. Could it be frozen due to temps. It's stored in doors but not heated. Any ideals would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Mark

 

[KennyV]

It is rather common for the control valves to freeze... NOT on the hydraulic oil side but rather on the side with the spring centering and detente mechanism... once the oil warms up a bit, it will thaw the ice blockage... the moisture is from condensation and there is not a lot that can be done about it...

 

[Meyers3521]

Ok. Thanks for putting my mind at ease. Was thinking it could be something major.

 

[shatter42580]

I have had my hydraulics slow until warm but never had a control valve freeze. I will keep this in mind on my backhoe too.

 

[BeezFun]

If you do a search you'll find many threads about the FEL control valve freezing on certain models. There is a mod that involves drilling a small hole in bottom of assembly to let water drain, that helps. Also taking it apart and lubricating can help. I had that problem on my FEL valve when I bought it, the dealer sent the field service truck out and they did the mod to fix it. If you have power close, you can also use a hair dryer to warm it.