Bruce's Journal

[Baymule]

I worked for a garbage company. Those hydraulic hoses bust because of the hard life they live. Just like GB said, they flex constantly and any weak spot is quickly found and ruptures. The best fittings are the Gates brand. We used both Gates and Weatherhead. The Gates had a better clamp and grip, the Weatherhead often burst at the fitting. After we switched to all Gates fittings and Gates hose, the call outs for busted hoses went way down.

 

[Bruce]

Given I have only 55 hours on the engine so not all of that on the backhoe, I HOPE it was a manufacturing defect rather than wear and tear related. In any case, the dealer called today to say they fixed it under warranty and will bring it back tomorrow. My step-sister and her husband are visiting tonight through Sat AM so I doubt I'll be using the tractor any more this week. Then DW, DD1 and I go college touring in Canada starting early Sat afternoon and won't be back until Friday late afternoon so no tractoring for me for over a week!

 

[Mike CHS]

Those hours add up fast for awhile. Most of mine were cutting the pastures but although we have had our tractor for going on 4 years it only has 390 hours on it. Almost all of those were the first two years but relatively minor hours since we have had sheep. Mostly just topping off the tall grasses.

 

[Bruce]

Yep, I don't figure it will see nearly so many hours once I finish the pond (due to completion or rain starting to fill it).

 

[greybeard]

There's 'easy' hours and 'hard' hours when it comes to tractors and other powered equipment, and, tho hours do affect any resale value, the most important thing is how the equipment is cared for and maintained.

When using the backhoe itself, the engine becomes a constant rpm motor that is doing nothing but driving a hydraulic pump, and the only other wear & tear is on the pivot points of the boom/stick/bucket/swing. It's only when the tires are turning that wear on everything or anything else comes in to play.

If a backhoe/loader combo had nothing to do it's entire life but dig a straightline trench, (just digging and dumping off to the side of the trench) & minimum required maintenance was done, and a greasegun was used religiously on the hoe pivots, the unit would last forever. It's all the rest of the crap we do with them that wears them out.

 

[greybeard]

Yep, I don't figure it will see nearly so many hours once I finish the pond

You may be surprised just how many uses you will find for it other than your pond work. They will spoil you for sure.

 

[Latestarter]

I don't even own one and can think of a dozen things just to start with... Sorry you'll be separated from your tractor for a week or so. Hopefully there'll be no heavy rain while you're gone and you'll come back not having any further worries about tadpoles. Sure looking fwd to pictures of the pond when you're done cleaning it out, and again when it's re-filled next spring.

 

[CntryBoy777]

What????.....visitors and and a trip at such a critical point in your weather?.....priorities man!!....priorities!!.....ya have a breakdown and get it fixed....and then, announce a Delay?....just how could ya do such a thing to so many that ya call Friends?....................I guess we can do nothing, but wait......sure hope ya have a Great visit and a very safe trip.....we'll survive til ya get back, but will surely miss your updates......

 

[RollingAcres]

My step-sister and her husband are visiting tonight through Sat AM so I doubt I'll be using the tractor any more this week. Then DW, DD1 and I go college touring in Canada starting early Sat afternoon and won't be back until Friday late afternoon

Enjoy your company and have a safe trip!

 

[RollingAcres]

So Bruce, I was just wondering if you sing this song while you're on your tractor:

She thinks my tractor's sexy....
She's always staring at me while I'm chugging along...


Sorry I can't help it, this song was just on.