Greasing my backhoe

[ridgecrest]

Where I work I am the predominant user of our backhoe, an older Ford model. Even though vehicle/equipment maintenance does not fall under my departments responsibilities I was told last week that it would now be my duty to keep the backhoe greased and, furthermore, that it hasnt been greased in who knows how long.

My questions are: How do I find all the fittings? What kind of grease should I use? What sort of problems will I most likely run into?

As you may imagine, since the upkeep on this piece of equipment has been overlooked for some time, it isnt in exactly great shape. But as far as I can tell everything is in working order. I have only been at this position for the past couple of months and didnt know until last week that no one looked after the backhoe. Are there any other things about it I should check or look into? Thanks for any advice.

 

[TedLaRue]

It's not rocket science to find the grease fittings, but it is best to be methodical so you don't overlook any of them. Everywhere there is a pivot pin (joint) there will (should!) be a fitting. Don't forget about the swing (left to right) pivot.

Your biggest problem is going to be getting grease into those zerk fittings.

(1) They may be filled with compacted grease/dirt.
(2) The backhoe part may be at an angle which makes it hard to get grease into the fitting.

To solve (1), you could get one of those devices that allows you to force grease into the fitting with a hammer (pretty widely available, for example The Zerk Zapper Tool), or you could remove the fitting and clean it with a solvent, maybe with the help of a thin wire to scratch out some of the compacted grease, or you could remove the fitting and replace it with a new fitting.

To solve (2), try repositioning the hoe in a way that is likely to leave the joint loose, and then try pumping grease into it. If you still can't get it to take grease, go back to (1).

If you keep the backhoe fittings greased on a regular basis, you're less likely to have problems with plugged fittings.

If your grease gun gets stuck on a fitting that won't take grease, simply unscrew the grease gun hose/pipe on the grease gun end to relieve the pressure, then remove the hose/pipe from the fitting.

 

[DJ54]

See if they have an operator's manual laying arounf for it somewhere. It will show you where all the fittings are, beyond the obvious ones.

I like to carry a small flat bladed screw driver in the truck tool box, for cleaning out compacted grease. For the ones that still will not take, fill the hole with penetrating oil, then screw the fitting back in. With a good lever type gun, it should force the fluid through, with grease following. If they are horizontal, make like a half dam with grease at the openeing, with a dab on your finger. Spray in the penetrate, then quickly screw the fitting back in.

Once you have them all accepting grease, give all a shot before starting for the day. We always did this, while the machine was warming up in the morning. When you're done, you're all ready to go.

It's nice to have one of those combo boxes of different style fittings, to replace broken fittings, in the tool box too.

 

[davygp38]

I realize you don't want to spend your own money on this, but I got a grease gun fitting kit from Northern tool. that has every kind of adapter you could think of. Extensions, 45s,90s, and the one that is a life saver, an injector. The injector fitting lets you force grease into a fitting that is broken. I was out in a field greasing my small disc, and I ran into a fitting that was broken, I forced grease into the hole, capped it with a 1/4-20 bolt, and finished the job. that kit was only $30, the hammer ram that cleans the fittings is $40. Trust me you will need the 45 to do a back hoe. Next thing I want is a cordless grease gun.

 

[daman1]

Plenty of posts here on what type of grease is good for this type application try a search...

 

[jinman]

I believe Ford and New Holland recommend NGLI Grade 2 Lithium EP grease. Most very cheap greases are grade NGLI 1.5 and not suitable. Tractor Supply and most any place that sells grease with have an EP Lithium grease that is a bit more expensive. There's no need to spend big bucks on special high end greases, but it is is important to get the NGLI grade 2.

As indicated, you should grease your backhoe and loader often, especially the main pivots that take the most wear. There are three fittings on the backhoe bucket that I grease twice a day and the boom pivot gets greased once each 8 hours of operation. Other places like my dipper pivot at the boom only get greased once every two days. I concentrate on the places that take the hardest beating when in use.

I also am very meticulous about the front axle center and wheel pivots. My tractor's Op Man'l says these get greased every 250 hours. I do it every 100 hours. I also grease the universal joints on the driveline every 100 hours. It's such a simple thing to crawl under there and do the job. It also gives me a chance to look for problems or leaks. Besides, you will never regret over-greasing your machine except when you touch something and get grease on you. Just wear the grease with pride. It means you maintain your machine well.:thumbsup: