BX backhoe swing cylinder operation

[ratman701]

Hello everyone, new member here.

I recently discovered this forum when researching a tractor purchase and appreciate all the helpful threads. It really made my decision on pulling the trigger a new BX23S much easier.

I just took delivery yesterday and of course had to go out and play a bit. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if my backhoe is operating normally or something is not right.

Specifically, my swing cylinder doesn't have any real holding pressure on it when I am not actively using the swing control.

If the controls are in neutral with the bucket above a hole (while I figure out what lever to pull to do what I want) the swing cylinder very slowly starts to move back toward center over the course of a few seconds. It also appears to not have much/any position holding force when I am not feeding the swing cylinder hydraulic fluid. If, for instance I sideswipe a root when curling the bucket the boom will sort of slide out of the way.

I would appreciate it if someone with more experience with a BX backhoe attachment could let me know if this is normal behavior.

 

[Beaudeane]

Mine doesn’t do that. Different tractor but it should hold the position u moved it to. Would make digging not so easy like that. Sounds like something not holding the fluid back the way it’s supposed to to me. Mine is a different backhoe and I’ve only ever ran 3 backhoes but they all held last position I swung the boom over to dig at. U won’t always be digging strait behind the tractor. I seldom am doing that unless I’m laying waster line, then it’s strait as I possibly can dig centered to the back of the tractor

 

[dirtydeed]

My take would be that the control sticks aren't centered on the valve linkage plates. It's a little tough to describe, but if you pull the access cover for the backhoe control valves, you'll see all of the linkages. They need to be in the centered position so that none of the valves are actuated when the control sticks are in their neutral position.

Since it would appear that your machine is new, I'd recommend you call your dealer and have them look at it and make any adjustments for you.

Best of look and enjoy a little digging.

edit, after re-thinking about your comments on swing pressure (like bouncing off a root in the trench), the swing power on our small hoes is very limited. You really do need to keep some "side" pressure on the swing circuit when cutting the side of a trench. I believe that they intentionally limit the power of the swing circuit so that it keeps operators from bending/braking things. There is quite a bit of leverage when the boom and dipper are fully extended and things could be bent/broken rather easily if the swing cylinder circuit was too strong. Seems like this can happen rather easily when you use the swing operation to back fill a hole/trench. You need to make sure to take only small bites.

 

[ratman701]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like it could be be operator error on my part rather than a genuine problem but if it continues to seem like there is a real issue I will take a look at the linkage.

 

[crmorse]

If your tractor is new I'd also suggest checking all of your hydraulic fittings, particularly the Quick Disconnects (QDs) on the back where the BH connects. Mine arrived from the factory just barely finger tight. I had a lot of lack of power issues until I discovered that and tightened them up myself.

Mine was dripping fluid about 1-3 drops/sec so if that is it you'll probably see wetness below the connectors.

 

[ratman701]

If your tractor is new I'd also suggest checking all of your hydraulic fittings, particularly the Quick Disconnects (QDs) on the back where the BH connects. Mine arrived from the factory just barely finger tight. I had a lot of lack of power issues until I discovered that and tightened them up myself.

Mine was dripping fluid about 1-3 drops/sec so if that is it you'll probably see wetness below the connectors.

Thanks for the tip. I will do that before I fire it up again.