PTO Backhoe Conversion? Please Help!

kenstrac · Nov 7, 2009

waggy5 said:
Hi, I am fairly new to posting and the correct "ways" to post questions; but anyways, I am trying to figure out if I have to do any type of work to the existing valve system on the backhoe that goes to the operating levers. I have hooked into one set of remotes and "opened" my hydraulics to allow fluid to flow into the BH valve. When I do this the system will not allow fluid back to the tractor and dead-ends. After blowing one of the lines I new something was not quite right, so before I go any further I was looking for help and new by browsing the vast knowledge here on the net I would get some great advice. Thanks. When I hook up my Split-Fire woodsplitter in the same maner the fluid flows back and forth properly. By the way, the Split-Fire is one heck of a machine! I modified mine by adding 4" to the top and replacing the far end with a heavier end with "wings" to aid in the spliting function. I am able to split up to 4 cords per hour with the help of two other people.

What line did you blow ?
was it one of the functions dipper-stabilizer-swing if so you might have a valve that is not in the neutral position.
Try using air to test the system instead of using your tractor hyd. before you damage it, I would test it while it's mounted on the tractor be careful air can still have enough pressure to move a function and put the return line in a bucket to catch any hyd fluid that will be in the system.
If it's a closed system air will not go through the valves when they are all in the neutral position and will flow through in an open system.

J_J · Nov 7, 2009

waggy5,

What exactly were you doing when the hose blew.

You never did say if you had QD's on the BH lines. I am thinking that the valve should have gone into relief. Just what pressure do you have on your pump. Do you have a hydraulic gage.

waggy5 · Nov 8, 2009

I put a QD on the infeed and the return and plugged them into appropiate tractor remotes (i.e. same set of remotes). With the tractor idling I then bungeed the remote lever down/open. Every hydraulic line on the backhoe acted as if it had pressure. The first line to blow went to the dipper. As soon as this happened I un-bungeed the remote. I replaced the blown hose with a new one. I tried it again, no broken hoses, but each and everyone hose acted as if it had pressure to it. There are no gauges on the BH. I am trying to determine what type of BH it is. No luck yet. I do know that it is at least 20 years old.
Of note: The BH does work if you hook up the pto pump. It just does not have much ripping/pulling power even at 540 pto speed. Also, the hydraulic oil gets extremely hot when feeding off the reserve tank and, finally, it is very difficult to hook up the pto pump to the tractor. For these reasons I am trying to figure out how to convert to remotes. I am going to put a QD back on the infeed and then just run the return into my tractor sump this week and will report back my findings.