New (to me) ARPS 90 backhoe

Jcichy71 · May 3, 2021

First Tractor... First Backhoe...

About a month ago I brought home a used ARPS 90 model 3pt/PTO backhoe. I did some light work too it, greased all zerc’s, changed the fluid and filter, had to replace two hoses. Today I started my first real project with it, just digging into a hill around my fire pit to level the ground with intentions to put in some stone and pavers.

I dug a few hours with the FEL facing uphill/backhoe facing downhill.. nothing crazy maybe 15-20 degree grade. After doing all I could I looped around and attempted to dig FEL downhil/backhoe uphill (same grade) and my bucket was sluggish at best. After I finished when I packed up the outriggers the res on the hoe even “burped” some air and fluid from under the cap.

my question is, is it normal to not perform facing uphill? Is there just air trapped in the system somewhere (and if so how do I purge) or could the old pump just not be up for the the task pushing fluid “uphill”. She digs like a son of a gun level and downhill.

thanks in advance, new to all things tractor and just don’t know what “normal” is.

mwb · May 4, 2021

I have an ARPS 70. I assume you have the PTO pump so the hoe has its own reservoir. I know the tank on mine is inclined with the pump feed low; possibly when you are facing uphill your reservoir is too level and you are sucking air. I would run the PTO pump and extend your stabilizers, dipper, etc and then check the reservoir level. Probably adding some fluid will solve your problem.

I would also check the system relief pressure - just stick a gauge on one of the lines and make it squeal. The pressure relief is on the side of the valve block; I know mine was just a little low - took five minutes to bump it up.

The user manual for your hoe is available from the Ameriquip website.

Jcichy71 · May 4, 2021

So when I fill the fluid level i do it with all the cylinders extended out or compressed? And what should the level been in the tank? I assume there should be some kind of air gap?