Backhoe Outside Storage

[MikeR 2018]

I am planning to get a compact tractor soon, along with FEL, Grapple, Rotary Cutter, Box Blade, and (maybe) a backhoe.

I want to get an equipment shed built for everything but the equipment will be stored outside until I can prepare the site and a driveway to the site (using the tractor), as well as save up money to get the shed built.

Im concerned about storing everything outside for a few months to a year (worst case). I could cover some things with tarps, and I can get a little fabric quonset hut for the tractor for about $300.

My biggest concern is the backhoe. I have read that you should not store a BH outside because the hydraulic cylinders will get pitted. I could hold off on buying the BH but there is a $1,000 rebate when I get it with the tractor.

What is your opinion on storing this equipment outside of a building for a year or less?

 

[747driver]

I have kept my tractor and implements outside for 2 yrs. now. The tractor,bushhog and woodchipper get tarps over them. Don't have a backhoe. But my box blade stays on the tractor most of the time, grader blade and pallet forks just stay uncovered. I am in the process of getting our pole barn built this week, so everything under the tarps will be inside next week !! I would think as long as you can keep the BH off the ground and tarped it will be ok. Alot of construction BHs stay outside uncovered. Enjoy your new toys !!

 

[Thomas]

Least cover attachment but let the air circulate,also keep attachments off the ground...plastic bag or sort cover disconnect ends.

 

[strantor]

I bought my brand new tractor a couple of months ago, and was also concerned about storage. It is a 2017 model and It didn't occur to me until a few days after I bought it and I drove past the dealership at night, and saw the tractors all sitting in the parking lot, that my tractor has been sitting out in the weather for probably a whole year before I ever bought it. I went home and looked at it real close, all over, and it looks just fine. No rust, no pitting of cylinders, no fading of paint. I wouldn't want to leave it sitting in the sun for 10 years, for fear of the plastic getting all cracked, but I'm pretty sure these things are meant to be left outside in the weather (probably not for their entire life though). I wouldn't be too worried about it. As far as the backhoe is concerned, I don't know how it's arranged, but if you can store it with all the cylinders retracted, then there should be no problem. If not, a liberal application of grease to the exposed rods will help. At least put it under a tree if you can.

 

[TractorNH]

I have a 1970 Case backhoe loader that's spent it's entire life outside in the weather and it has no pitting on the cylinders. If you're that concerned about the cylinders pitting then as Strantor said, store them fully retracted if possible. You could also spray the chrome portion weekly with WD-40.

Be careful with tarps, sometimes they are worse than leaving something uncovered. They can trap moisture underneath and it can't escape and allow the implement to dry out whereas untarped they get wet when it rains but they dry off quicker too.

 

[AVIVIII]

You shouldn't have that much trouble. Get a big canvas tarp if you're that worried.

When we store the excavator for long periods, we make sure the cylinders are all retracted as much as possible, never had a problem.

 

[Einthewoods]

Apologies if I missed it, but what part of the country are you in? Freezing rain concerns? Hail? Feet of snow? UV concerns?

 

[MikeR 2018]

Apologies if I missed it, but what part of the country are you in? Freezing rain concerns? Hail? Feet of snow? UV concerns?

Good question. I should have told you. I am in central PA. It can be very wet and it usually has 3 days of clouds before and after each rain. We get snow and ice in the winter, but nothing like Buffalo NY.

 

[oldballs]

I store all attachments outside and only cover the tiller with a canvas tarp. All are stored on wooden pallets however over a gravel base. There is some fading of the paint jobs, but it doesn't affect their utility. The rusty working/digging parts shine right up when put to work. I spray the mold board plow and the potato plow with Fluid Film which helps a bit, but probably doesn't make much difference anyway. Two tractors are stored in a ShelterLogic unit...and the other is either in the garage or covered with a tarp outdoors. Been doing this for about 10 years.

Sometimes, my method varies with the season or the weather.
Cheers,
Mike

P.S. That is a cheap blue plastic cover over a canvas tarp covering the tiller which is also sprayed with Fluid Film.

 

[Quebecguy]

My backhoe stays outside every winter. When I take it off the tractor in the autumn I cover the exposed cylinder rods with grease and then clean them off before use in the Spring. Any old grease will do - even what you removed when you cleaned your wheel bearings!