After finally conquering the swing problem, I now have another serious problem. I used the backhoe a few times this past summer and all was well. Saturday I took it out of the barn to dig a few holes and found it impossible to remove the safety boom-lock pin. Normally I just pull back on the boom control to take the pressure off but this time it failed to work. I put a floor jack under the bucket and lifted the boom and then was able to remove the pin. However, when I lowered the jack the boom came down a few degrees, then held the position. When I moved the boom control down it went down fine but it failed to return so I used the jack to lift it back and put the pin in.
When I move the boom control to the down position with the pin in place I can hear the hydraulics straining and I can see the boom straining against the pin so I assume that the problem is not in the boom cylinder.
I then decided to make a final test to see that the cylinder is OK. I swapped the hose from the dipperstick control with the boom control and I was able to both lower the boom and raise it again by manipulating the levers. Conclusion: something is wrong with the control valve. The cylinder is OK.
I plan on disassembling the valve body in a few days but would like any thoughts on the problem before I dig in. All input is appreciated.
When I move the boom control to the down position with the pin in place I can hear the hydraulics straining and I can see the boom straining against the pin so I assume that the problem is not in the boom cylinder.
I then decided to make a final test to see that the cylinder is OK. I swapped the hose from the dipperstick control with the boom control and I was able to both lower the boom and raise it again by manipulating the levers. Conclusion: something is wrong with the control valve. The cylinder is OK.
I plan on disassembling the valve body in a few days but would like any thoughts on the problem before I dig in. All input is appreciated.