Backhoe Swing assembly play

[Emmett03]

I just bought a JD 3120 with a 448 backhoe with 1100 hours. This is my first tractor so I'm still trying to figure this all out. Yesterday I pulled a few stumps and I felt a lot of play in the back and forth swing of the boom. It rocks back and forth after I move it into position. Do you think replacing the pins will fix this? Bushing in piston? Any insight is appreciated.

 

[the old grind]

Swing pivot and cyl pivots/pins are easily taken for granted on farm/home backhoes and often under-lubed. Perhaps the PO was one like myself who greases everything else regularly and doesn't dig down to find the zerks on the messy lower bits every time. Any idea of how many of the 1100 hrs were spent digging with the hoe?

If you're new to BHs there is a learnig curve before you get too smooth with all the movements. Doesn't take much 'play' at those points to make a lot of slop at the end of the stinger, esp with boom fully extended. That said, expect some play regardless, and keep the bucket tucked whenever possible in to minimize the effect. Swing first, then reach.

There will always be some play there. At what amt of extension are you seeing/feeling 'a lot' of it, and how much is that? IMO, more than a hand-width (at half extension or less) deserves a good look at the bits mentioned.

Have you operated any other BHs to compare the experience to? :tractor: tog

 

[KWentling]

Move the swing lever and watch at the cylinder ends to see how much play it has before the hoe moves to get an idea of how much wear there is. You want to replace pins and bushings before the bushing get worn through or thin enough they crack. Repairs can get real expensive if the bores themselves need to be repaired at the machine shop.

Kim

Kim

 

[KWentling]

Move the swing lever and watch at the cylinder ends to see how much play it has before the hoe moves to get an idea of how much wear there is. You want to replace pins and bushings before the bushing get worn through or thin enough they crack. Repairs can get real expensive if the bores themselves need to be repaired at the machine shop. Same goes for the other pivot points too.

Kim