Install of Woods BH80-X using Kubota hydraulics kit

[marks146]

I just purchased a L3240HSTC and had to have a Woods BH80-X installed rather then the Kubota BH due to the cab. When I took delivery of the unit I discovered the dealer used the Kubota hydraulics kit to install the Woods backhoe.

The backhoe feels week. The outriggers don't have enough power to pick the weight off the rear to support the unit when trenching.

Can this be attributed to the use of the Kubota hydraulics kit or could there be something wrong with the way the unit is plumbed? I have no idea how Kubota hooks up the plumbing, but I have a feeling this is where the problem is coming from.

 

[kennyd]

I think you need to express your concerns to your dealer...the "use" of the Kubota kit should have no effect on your hoe's operation, but possibly there is something wrong with the installation. Possibly the setting of the main PRV (pressure relief valve) is not at specification.

What RPM are your running at when trying the hoe?
What happens when it stops lifting? Does the engine bog down?

 

[mark2610d]

I have the same tractor with almost the same set-up. I have a woods 1015 backhoe that is simular in spec comparison (a little weaker than your bh80x), I too cannot lift the rear tractor tires off the ground UNLESS I keep the front loader lifted then raise the backhoe out riggers then lower the front loader back flush with the ground. I find that on many backhoe tasks I just leave the loader off the tractor and the backhoe will pick the rear of the tractor up nicely. Note: my woods 1015 has the same frame mount kit as your bh80x.

 

[J_J]

I wold first check the pressure at the BH. If it is close to pump setting, then the other factor is the bore of the cylinder, which when used in the formula, will determine the force for a straight push, and since the stabilizer legs are at an angle, go to the surplus hydraulics tech help section, then select cylinder force and speed, and fill in the numbers, and you will have your answers. It will give you some data to present to the dealer, or to satisfy yourself about the capability of the hydraulics.

I can already tell you that a single, 2 in cylinder, @2500 psi, will push with a force of 7,854 lbs That is enough force to lift your total tractor. If the stabilizer legs are at about 45 degrees, then you can lift about 5,554 lbs. So, if you have the pressure, and it is not being bled off somewhere, like a relief valve not set correctly, or a leaky valve somewhere, it should lift. There may be restrictors in the BH circuit. Restrictors will only slow it down, the pressure will or should be there.

If you don't have a test gage, you should get one.

 

[Jw5875]

Talk to your dealer / Installer, explain ??? that you have and keep a good relationship.

JW 5875

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I can already tell you that a single, 2 in cylinder, @2500 psi, will push with a force of 7,854 lbs That is enough force to lift your total tractor. If the stabilizer legs are at about 45 degrees, then you can lift about 5,554 lbs. .... snip snip...

The stabilizer force is less than that. It's (cylinder force) x (minimum distance from cylinder centerline to stabilizer arm pivot)/(length of stabilizer arm) It changes constantly with stabilizer position but my guess would be in the 1000lb range. Not being able to lift the tractor is not so unusual and (not knowing your level of experience) it does take some technique to make a backhoe dig. If it won't easily lift a full bucket of dirt at full extension then it really is weak.

I second the recommendation to get a test gauge. You can use a tee anywhere upstream of the attachment to feed a gauge and check the relief pressure. Your dealer should have test gauges and you can ask them if they did a pressure check when they installed the system.

 

[marks146]

All good stuff. Thanks.

I run at 2600+ RPM. My BX24 seemed to have more power at the bucket than the BH80. I can dig, but I need to really pay attention to my technique. At fill extension the lift is noticeably slower.

After a close inspection I see the feed or pressure line is attached to a block next to the right side of the rear bell using a banjo fitting. The return is going to the top of the bell-housing. I don't know the technical terms of the housing structure, but there seems to be 4 or 5 other lines coming off the place where the pressure line for the backhoe is coming from.

I've been in touch with my dealer. (a good dealer, BTW. Second unit I bought from him) and he's ordering the hose kit from Woods and will be doing the install as soon as it arrives. He agrees, the outriggers should pick up the rear, no problem.

I also have a leak somewhere on top of the bell that leaves a puddle behind, so he needs to take care of that too. This is the second leak I've had since I bought it. The first was in the power steering unit. One of the fittings leaked and made a mess out of the front of the tractor.

 

[Twinkieflyer]

I am considering the same Woods BH80X for my L3540 HSTC. In asking the dealer questions, it appears the price for install involves using my rear remotes for hydraulics. I have a couple of concerns with that, one that the remotes are cancelling type, so how do you hold them open, and they mentioned using a bungie cord.

The other is in reading here, I found you had some problems, and I wondered how it all worked out for you? Are you happy with the hoe and the install?

 

[J_J]

The rear remotes are used to power the BH. You have to hold the valve open to allow hyd flow back to the BH valve, and you do this by pulling the lever and tie it back with a bungee cord. Some of these valves have detent, and if your valve has detent, to lock the valve on, then you are good to go.

 

[Ductape]

Some of these valves have detent, and if your valve has detent, to lock the valve on, then you are good to go.

If your rear remote valve does not have a detent, I'd have them install a set of outlets at the rear of the tractor from your power beyond. I realize it may be a personal preference thing, but having to jury-rig a bungee cord to make my backhoe function over $150 in hydraulic hose and an hour in labor would be a source of irritation for me whenever I used my hoe. It's not much money if you break down the couple hundred bucks over the life of your tractor.