Back Hoe Removal

[tsteahr]

When I remove the BH from my GC2410 for a afternoon, I generally don't lower it to the ground after I unhitch from the tractor. I usually just leave it perched on three point like a tripod. It makes reattachment one less step.

Is this a bad thing to do? Am I putting undue stress on the stabilizer seals just leaving them sit? Should I always lower the BH to the ground?

 

[ray66v]

If your going to leave it off for a while I would put some blocks under the center to help support it.

Otherwise, I would not worry about it.

 

[irvingj]

When parked like this, only downside is that the steel shafts on the outrigger pistons are exposed to the weather. I haven't yet had any problems with that, but I'm thinking of setting it down on the ground with the outriggers withdrawn next time I park it.

It does, however, make it somewhat easier to hook up, since it's already at the right height-- at least in theory!:laughing:

 

[ray66v]

When parked like this, only downside is that the steel shafts on the outrigger pistons are exposed to the weather.

Not if you leave it inside a building.

 

[irvingj]

Show-off!

But yes, Ray, I wish I had enough room in the garage.... too many cycles!!:laughing:

I am gaining, though. Finally got ceiling heater installed, piped, & tested- I now have HEAT! Also have been pecking away at covering the walls with plywood (OSB board). With a lot of white paint around, it's beginning to look pretty good!

 

[ray66v]

Show-off!

But yes, Ray, I wish I had enough room in the garage.... too many cycles!!:laughing:

I am gaining, though. Finally got ceiling heater installed, piped, & tested- I now have HEAT! Also have been pecking away at covering the walls with plywood (OSB board). With a lot of white paint around, it's beginning to look pretty good!

Don't feel bad, I have been building what is know by my friends as the garage mahal, and I still run out of room. :thumbsup:

 

[tsteahr]

Ok, Thanks guys. I like the 6x6 post idea. I'll cut a hunk to length and use it to take the load of the stabilizers. I have a dolly I made that I use when I store it for a long period of time, like over the winter.

Nice having heat in the garage.:thumbsup: I wish I could but from the floor to the peak of my garage ceiling is a good 25'. (The shell was set up to make a room with a cathedral ceiling above the garage, but the floor joists were never installed.) Radiant floor would be the only viable option but it's a little late for that now...:laughing:

 

[ray66v]

Nice having heat in the garage.:thumbsup: I wish I could but from the floor to the peak of my garage ceiling is a good 25'. (The shell was set up to make a room with a cathedral ceiling above the garage, but the floor joists were never installed.) Radiant floor would be the only viable option but it's a little late for that now...:laughing:

What? You have the ideal set up for a radiant tube heater.

I'd hang it at about 15' above the floor. And you will get very economical gas bills.

 

[rayban1]

tsteahr, do you have pics of dolly you made for back hoe? I am getting ready to build one for my gc2410. Any others who built one also thanks Ray.

 

[tsteahr]

tsteahr, do you have pics of dolly you made for back hoe? I am getting ready to build one for my gc2410. Any others who built one also thanks Ray.

I don't have a pic at the moment, but I'll post one the next time I put the BH on the dolly. The dolly is nothing fancy. Just some casters from Harbor Freight, some 2x6 to form a rectangle and carriage bolts at the corners. It's not as nice as the BXpanded one for the Kubotas but it got the job done. I have been trying to help Harry (BXpanded) to put one together for the Massey GC. He has promised me one. I'll post some pics when that one finally comes together.

 

[rayban1]

I have also talked to Harry at bxpanded.com, sent him some pics and specs of my gc2410tlb back hoe, nice to hear other gc owners are asking him to build one . Hopefully he will do it.

 

[BXpanded]

The first Production GC BH Dolly was sent out last week for an independant evaluation. I hope we'll have the results in a few days and know if we are "Good to Go!"

Thanks guys,
Harry
BXpanded

 

[rayban1]

Great news Harry, put me down for one. I have been waiting for one for awhile. thanks Ray in Seattle.

 

[henrysMFGC2310TBL]

I left my BH without support and it lowered itself onto the ground and what a pain it was to get it up and into position. The hoses are not long enough to reach when the BH is on the ground. I have a wooden box that I rest it on and it is at least close enough to hook up the hoses.

 

[ray66v]

The hoses are not long enough to reach when the BH is on the ground.

Some people have made short extension hoses for this purpose.

There is not enough room to leave them in the circuit all the time, but they sure are handy when you need to reach out to connect. :thumbsup:

 

[rtdiggr]

For me, i put the stabilizer arms up. I am not sure keep consistant pressure on the cylinders is the best idea. It could be weeks or months before you use it again.

Shane

 

[ray66v]

For me, i put the stabilizer arms up. I am not sure keep consistant pressure on the cylinders is the best idea. It could be weeks or months before you use it again.

Shane

For long term storage you are better off with the cylinders retracted, and the pressure off of them.

Even when up, there is pressure on the stabilizers. A bungee chord between them, reduces the effect of gravity substantially.

The weight of the hoe, divided between both cylinders, is going to produce a fraction of the pressure they were designed for. And, If you put blocks under the center when you take it off, you only need enough weight on the stabilizers to keep it from tipping.

I bought a TLB, and have decided to be very stubborn about using it for anything else.

I am glad I almost never take my backhoe off.