Problem getting BT601 backhoe out of storage

[Jabroni]

My BT601 backhoe has been off my BX24 and sitting on a dolly since early winter. Today, I rolled it out to use it and I ran into a problem. I couldn't attach any of the hoses. They wouldn't engage completely. It appeared that the "valve stems" on each hydraulic connector was frozen tight, while the stems on the tractor side could be depressed with a finger. I got a large C clamp and cranked down on one stem, and was rewarded with a short spray of hydraulic fluid. The darn system was under pressure which prevented the stems from being depressed. I immediately noticed the stabilizers had dropped a bit during storage. Is it possible that they pressurized the backhoe when they slumped downward? After using the backhoe, I took it off again and returned the tractor to a mowing configuration. This time, I wired the stabilizers together to prevent them from slumping. Has anyone else ever encountered this (pressurization)?

 

[PoorMansCat]

Dont have a backhoe... but what you are describing is a common occurance with hydraulic systems and quick disconnects... Next time, if you are concerned about taking a hydraulic oil bath.... simply break loose a hose connection... dont completely unscrew it, just break it loose until it starts leaking... just allow it to leak down until you can attach the quick connects.

 

[bxn]

Anything with liquid sealing surfaces I'd want to avoid scratching with clamps.
A dimple in the check ball might ruin your luck on a later day.

For the length of time it's sat you might get enough expansion from temperature. And maybe from sinking a bit where you left it.

Agree crack the line open with a few wrenches and rags over it to let the pressure down.

Might not hurt to wiggle the valves a bit first.

I store with the stabilizers down (painted with grease) but not forcing.
No roll away here. The carts do show the stabilizers tied up to avoid the droop.

bxn

 

[radioman]

I put rubber bungee on mine just in case while in storage. Do you connect the out and in hoses together while in storage? This helps to keep fluids in balance from heat/cooling of fluid. The shorter hose is just covered with plastic cap.

 

[spike23]

This happened to me before too. I keep mine on a pallet - bucket down with the stabilizers up (with a strap between them.) Somehow something must have shifted a little, I just wiggled the controls around a little to relieve the pressure.

Chris

 

[misterfixit1967]

My B20's Backhoe (BT650) was stored for a few months. I noticed some hyd on the floor of the barn and found that pressure build-up had blown the endcaps off the solenoid for the swing system. Removed the solenoid, pressed the end cap back in place and fixed it so it will never happen again - did the other solenoid too. I have pics if anyone is interested.

 

[lzicc]

What i started doing is when I take my BH off, I plug the 2 lines into each other, then when I want to connect the BH up again, just disconnect the lines from each other, connect them to the tractor. That should be enough to release any pressure. It worked for me last time, but the BH was only off for about a month.

 

[BotaBigot]

Over time, hydraulics tend to "sag," increasing pressure in lines. Got tired of hassle...put small bottle jack under BH...now it's always right where I left it when I want to put it back on...:thumbsup:

 

[Jabroni]

..................Do you connect the out and in hoses together while in storage? This helps to keep fluids in balance from heat/cooling of fluid. The shorter hose is just covered with plastic cap.

I don't, but that's a great idea. Thanks.