Line Boring Bushings

cantcitfromyhse · Jul 6, 2004

I just bought my first backhoe/loader. It's a 1986, JD 310C. I was able to get most of the problems fixed pretty quick. But, I have an awful lot of slop in the pins/bushing on the backhoe. Some look like the permanent bushings have significant wear.

I am having a guy come over to let me know what it is going to take to get the worst bushings fixed. I thought that I would have to have the bushing air arced off and new ones welded in. But a friend mentioned that I may be able to get the bushing bored out larger and use oversized pins. Anyone have any experience with this procedure? Any ideas on a price tag for this operation? How do you know how large you can bore out a bushing? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

I am only using this for landscaping an don't expect to do any major hole digging.

Kyle_in_Tex · Jul 6, 2004

First, I'd look online or call my dealer to see how much the new bushings are. Line boring is nothing more than opening up the inside diameter bigger and then you have to buy new pins. I just bought a new metal bushing with grease grooves the other day and it was only about $10 bucks at JD. It was not a big one but it was about 1.5" OD and 1.25" ID X about 2" long.
Maybe you can determine if all are sloppy or if a strategic couple of pairs can be replaced. If the pins are worn out, you'll need to replace those two.
Its probably got a lot of time on it and who knows if it got regularly maintenanced.
Grease is cheap!....Kyle

JimR · Jul 6, 2004

Your best bet is to replace the bushings and pins. Opening them up will remove the grease groove. Why spend money on a half fixed repair. Go with new bushings and pins and eliminate any future problems.

Kyle_in_Tex · Jul 6, 2004

Yes, I should have clarified, if the pins are worn, they should be replaced too!

cantcitfromyhse · Jul 7, 2004

Thanks,I'll talk with the JD guy today. I've been visiting him a lot lately.

Overall the machine is in pretty good shape. I've replaced all of the fluids and filters, voltage regulator, and starter relay. All pretty easy. I like the way JD puts removable covers, or doors, all over the place. Makes it real easy to get at the most needed areas.

Actually I just looked at JDparts.com and talked with a few guys around the office. It turns out what I am looking at is the boss on the dipper stick. One guy told me not to worry about that too much or worst case have it bored out and put a sleeve in. Any thoughts? I'll attach a picture of the boss.

I know from the inspection report that almost all of the pins and bushings are shot. So I have a guy coming over next week to look it over and give me a quote. I was planning on rebuilding the backhoe this year and reworking the loader next spring. Just trying to spread out the pain.

Thanks for the advice. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
- Kirk, in CT