BH removed from B7500

[Anonymous Poster]

After reading much here and elsewhere I finally decided to attempt removal of my BH from my new B7500 ( 14 hrs). The instructions were somewhat useful and more that a little insufficient. For others who have not attempted it here are a few things to keep in mind. I almost busted my PTO pump when I lowered the stabilizers (as instructed) after disconnecting the top link. The huge top link connector came down on the pump and dinged it pretty good before I saw what was happening. After a few choice words I lifted it up to clear the pump and proceeded. The other little bit of advice comes from trial and error. I tried to remove the pump from the PTO spline as instructed. Nowhere did it say how to do this. I thought there was a set key to loosen and almost removed the shroud covering the PTO to get at it. At the last minute I noticed a spring loaded button where I assumed the set key was which when depressed allowed the pump to come off easily. My last thoughts were if this is the easy part I can't wait till I try to put it back on. Anyway hope this helps some new B7500 folks out there who have not yet taken off their BH yet.

 

[B7500]

You'll have even more fun putting it back. Trust me I just did mine for the first time. Still, it is a good feeling knowing you can do it and it opens up your machine for all those wonderful impliments your doing to want to buy. Good luck and let us know how you make out.- Terry

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I am a little apprehensive about reversing the process. However taking it off did give me the opportunity to try out my box blade. Man it really works great. In just a few passes on my lot it already looked good. I am sure I'll learn how to use it better but I am impressed at how well it works. Still I miss my BH already and see a few jobs I want to get at. I think I'll wait till this weekend when I am fresh to try that job.

 

[GregJ]

My first attempt at putting it back on took me about 2 hours and a full library of choice words. After having it off several times now, I took it off yesterday - (5 minutes) and got it back on in 15 minutes. I take it off and on all the time. Here are my steps.
1. Incredibly important to line up straight when backing up to the hoe. I have even stretched a piece string out, like a runway stripe to help me back up. Sounds easy, but the whole tractor has to be straight.
2. Back up with just enough room to install the pto pump.
3. Shut off the engine and install the pump.
4. Start the engine and raise the hoe with the stabilizers high enough to clear the top link. BTW, I never lower it like the instructions. I suppose that's a safety thing, but it sure is easier to line up with the top link close to the right height.
5. Back under the top link and lower it onto the bottom pin. Make sure you have the top pin out and the lower arms in the down position. You can reach back and guide the lower arms into position as you back up.
6. Put the top link pin in.
7. Manually raise the lower arms into position and while adjusting the height with the stabilers put the lower pin in, one side at a time. If you aren't aligned straight, you can use the swing on the boom to move the BH sideways. I usually use a little WD40 to help slide the lower pins in.
8. Finally tighten the swaybars. This usually takes me the longest. Mine are really stiff.

After a little practice, it really isn't a bad job.

Hope this helps,
Greg

 

[chrisjbell]

<font color="blue"> After a little practice, it really isn't a bad job.
</font>

Oh yeah? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I don't think it'll ever be one of my favorite pastimes /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif, but you are right about it getting easier. And those were good instructions - the hint about hooking up the PTO pump to allow you to use the BH hydraulics to line it up is probably one of the keys to making it easier...

 

[GregJ]

Last night I had to take the BH off and on again. I have said it takes about 15 minutes in previous posts. I decided to time it.

1 minutes to back up straight
1 minute to hook up pump
1 minute to back under top link
1 minute to drop top link on pin and put top pin in
4 minutes total for both bottom link pins
2 minutes total to tighten the sway bars

10 minutes all together!
I have to admit that everything lined up and it went on easier than ever before. Now, if I had read this post right after I attempted to put it on the first time (2 hours), I would accuse the writer of having a severe drug problem. The truth is, I learn something each time I take it off and on and it really is getting easier all the time. I don't hesitate to pop it off now to use my chipper, forks or 3pt trailer hitch.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Greg, will try to put it back on again this weekend. My goal for the first time is one hour with minimal verbal abuse seeing how the next day is Sunday and all. Will print out and follow your suggestions. I did have one question about shifting the boom to align the bottom pins. The instructions said to place the swing lock pin so I did it. Obviously one must remove the pin to move the BH as you suggested. Is this one of those instances where the instructions are misleading??

 

[GregJ]

Stongbow,
Your 1 hour goal is probably reasonable. I might suggest that you make sure your wife and neighbors are nowhere is sight as well. As far as the boom lock, I am sure that I am breaking some rules by swinging the boom to help with the alignment, but it is a minimal adjustment that takes place. The manual does strongly recommend no side pressure on the boom, but after using mine heavily since September, I find that nearly impossible to not periodically put side pressure on the bucket. I can't see any problems with it, as long as the pressure is within reason.

One more thing that I just thought of that I really fought in the beginning was the fact that you can simply lift the lower links when the 3pt lever is in the down position. As long as both links are lined up right, you can just lift them into position. I was trying to align the hole with the stabilizers. If you lift and use the stabilizers, the combination will help things line up.

Good luck and let us know how ya do.

Greg