Backhoe Broken Backhoe

[shaley]

Does this machine have boom float position. Let me make sure I've got the terminology correct. You have a boom that is attached next to the machine base and then a dipper stick or sometimes called a crowd and then the bucket. So do you guys dig with the boom in the float position (supporting no weight) while pulling the dipper in and curling the bucket or are you putting down force with the boom when you dig. Just curious on how everyone uses their BH.

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Isn't it strange how this has showed up on different brands of backhoes? )</font>

Yes, it is strange, Jerry. Not only that, but the TC55 is a top-of-the-line NH utility tractor. You would expect the cylinder to take a lot of pressure.

I read your comments in the Kubota thread and your point is well taken, in that an experienced operator might never be in the situation that causes these cylinders to bend. For example, if I operate my loader incorrectly, I can also cause damage to my tractor or loader cylinders. I'm also not sure there is the same type of operation going on here. The only thing for certain is that there are a lot of reported dipper cylinders going bad on a lot of different tractors. This is not brand specific.

 

[JerryG]

Sometimes experience is costly. If it is something that was caused by the manufacture, they should pay. But, if it was caused by lack of experience, the new owner should pay.

 

[NH55]

I agree with you but for me I guess I expect to run into some resistance when digging. If that resistance is too great I back out and move around. I guess to figure out if the resistance is too great you have to tax the equipment a bit. If that can cause a failure in the blink of an eye than I see it is a manufacturing issue.

I was out of state at the time and both dealers I called for a replacement said hydraulics would never do that.

If it turns out to be operator error it's a $450 lesson each time it happens.

 

[jinman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Sometimes experience is costly. If it is something that was caused by the manufacture, they should pay. But, if it was caused by lack of experience, the new owner should pay. )</font>

I agree, Jerry, with qualifications. With so many people having related problems, how can the manufacturer gather evidence which proves faulty operation. Also, if this can be done within the normal range of movement, then there is certainly an argument for the problem being the design rather than the user. It is far cheaper for the manufacturer to warrant and replace the parts than to monitor each operator and gather specific operational technique information. In this instance, the operator has concrete evidence of failure without any evidence of abuse. It falls to the manufacturer to replace the parts because the warranty says they will. When the warranty expires, then it's the owner's responsibilty to prove faulty design or reach for his own wallet. That's just the way the system works, right or wrong.

NH55: I'm just discussing the philosophy of the warranty issue. I'm not inferring in any way that you did anything wrong. I sure hope you have a better run of luck with your next cylinder.

 

[NH55]

Jim,

No Problem -- I think it's an interesting issue and discussion. I'm glad I'm not the only one it happened to /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif.

I talked to the dealer this morning and they say it is covered under warranty. I'll drop it off tomorrow.

 

[JerryG]

<font color="blue"> I talked to the dealer this morning and they say it is covered under warranty. </font>
Good for you, that they stepped up and covered it. That is what 99% of the companys will do. They will even do it more than once. (to all) But, we will continue to see this happen to all brands. It will not be resolved.

 

[dicker]

Hi

This is in a response to the possibility of lack of experience causing cylinders to bend.

In my case, it was the exact opposite. I had had the tractor for two months, and my neighbour, seeing my difficulty in removing a particularily large stump, offered to help. He operates backhoes for a living. He is the one who bent the cylinder. If fact, while apologizing, he mentioned that maybe he was a little too rough with it.

Richard

 

[JerryG]

Commercial backhoes are not the same as compact hoes.

 

[dicker]

I agree with you, however, that is a completely different issue. I was responding to your inexperience comment.

Richard