Kubota Backhoe Maintenance: Adjusting the Control Linkages (#81)

[@George-sw5fb]

I also have a BH77 (on my L3902), and the boom control had been binding/sticking straight from the dealer, which caused unintended movement while digging. I had read (and seen at my dealer) stories about BH-77s sitting at the dealership unrepaired for many months, often being returned in as bad or worse condition than they started! Your video (and many many of your others) saved me valuable time. Turned out that unlike yours, the source of the sticking was the boom control linkage rod binding against the aluminum stay. I was able to fix it by loosening the universal joint (loosening the grey/black bolt head above the joint) and rotating the gimble ring, moving the rod into a position where it did not bind. Works great now!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi George! Glad to hear you were able to fix it. The BH77 has been an awesome workhorse and my favorite tractor implement. Thanks for watching!

[@n2daair23]

It’s nice that you include the tools required for each job, appreciate the time and effort put into your vids.

[@DIYMyWay]

Thanks for the feedback and for watching!

[@houndsmanone4563]

This video is very helpful, Martin. Didn't realize how simple a fix it was until you performed the maintenance steps. Full--watch and have a fine week.

[@DIYMyWay]

Glad to hear it, Don! Yep, it’s a pretty simple fix and it really tightened up the controls so they feel like new again. Thanks for watching!

[@wesleywalker4532]

Thank you very much for your attention to detail. Your videos saved me a lot of time and frustration. Thank you again very well done video. PS I watched three others before yours. Five out of five stars easily.

[@gkk2001]

Thank you. I have not found the need to do this yet but I plan to look more closely with your helpful info. My impression, the 12 mm bolt is the most common size on the L3800 and probably many Kubota tractors. The 12 and 10 mm sockets are used just about everytime I do maintenance.

[@GrampiesWorkshop]

Good Day eh!!! That's the kind of maintenance that will make your tractor last longer and easier to use as well. It will be more enjoyable (if that's possible to operate too!!! Nice job Martin. All the best to you and your family for the New Year my friend!! Take 'er easy!!!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Mike! Yes indeed! And I wish you and your family a wonderful New Year in 2020 as well! Thanks for watching!

[@brucerenouard5672]

Thanks!

[@DIYMyWay]

Thank you, Bruce! Much appreciated!

[@GPOutdoors]

Morning DIY! Thanks for taking us along. Learned a new thing and was surprised as well how some simple maintenance and adjustments can make such a big difference in the controls. Good stuff!! You're ready to dig again! Happy New Years!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi GP! Yes indeed! Looking forward to seeing how the backhoe operates the the excess play in the controls gone. Happy New Year to you too!

[@b.p.3743]

Well... I learned something today and am ready to tighten my linkage if or when needed... Cheers!

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Brian! So glad to hear it. I was amazed at how such a small amount of play in the loose bolts at the valves made such sloppy feeling levers. Thanks for watching!

[@craigerpc]

What's interesting in that video is there was red lock tight up top, but the bottom nuts had no red lock tight.. after thought I'm sure, maybe nuts with nylon next time, cause I think they will loosen again..only a thought..Great video

[@DIYMyWay]

Yes, I thought that was interesting too. I might swap them with nylock nuts one day or just add a dab of lock-tite blue next time. Thanks for watching!

[@glevideo]

Thanks for making these videos. I have a BX-23S and would like to know if there is a way to adjust or balance the hydronic pressures in the backhoe between the right stick and the left stick. It seems the left stick control is so fast and touchy but the right stick control is slow and sluggish. The linkages on each stick is plenty tight. I have to be very careful with swinging the backhoe left or right because it will swing so fast that it rocks the whole tractor and almost throws me out of my seat. With full stick deflection on the right stick the dipper or bucket curl motion is slow.

[@craigerpc]

Thought, that black on the valve has to be the rubber valve gusset breaking down.. is my thought, just something to think of, since there's no other explanation for it being there. Maybe worth a second look at the seal. But good idea lubricating the upper part

[@DIYMyWay]

You might me right, CM. But I hope you're wrong! Thanks for watching!

[@effthegop]

I'm looking forward to this. I havent watched it yet). So far the controls and linkage look just like my smaller BT 601 on my BX. My controls are extremely sloppy and partially malfunctioning after 400 hours. I picked up some new parts and will attempt a full repair soon so I'm trying to get a heads up. Great camera work. Mine is close to the same design and most of the 'hip joint' fittings seem flat wore out. Poor design IMO. Thanks for sharing the video. I would post a video but it would be x rated for adult language. I don't have the calm temperament to do this kind of work :)

[@DIYMyWay]

Good luck with you repair and thanks for watching!

[@LouisianaTractorworks]

Thanks Martin! A lot of us grease their BH but forget to do a complete once over every so often! Happy New Year! Don't party to hard! lol Hey what's happening with the quick connect?

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi John! Happy New Year to you too! Hey, I won’t party too hard if you won’t! LOL. I’ll have an update on the quick connect soon. Bottom line is I’m going to fix it then modify it to strengthen the two inherent weak points on it. Thanks for watching!

[@lcee6592]

Maybe some compressed air (low pressure) to help clean the dirt from around the valve pistons?

[@DIYMyWay]

Good idea, CR! Thanks for watching!

[@jensimler8864]

Thanks great video. I have BH75A backhoe and dirt gets in the linkage. Any idea where I can get rubber boots like yours? Apparently Kubota doesn’t offer them for my backhoe, but they sure would help with dirt. My opening is 2 1/4 x 2 7/8.

[@DIYMyWay]

Hi Jen! Looks to me like the boots for the BH77 would fit the BH75. I’ll measure the openings and let you know. Thanks for watching!

[@milosbozovic7018]

Mine in brand New and has that much play . Left control bar hitting to one that’s moves legs and nachos goes much slower when moving to the right

[@DIYMyWay]

Well that sucks! Your dealer should be willing to fix it under warranty. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@kevlarshanahan1087]

My BH swing valve is operating much too quickly on my brand new BX23s, are there flow adjustments on those valve shown in the video?

[@DIYMyWay]

There may be. The easiest thing to do is call your dealer and see what they say about it. Otherwirse, if you don’t already have one, your best bet is to get the Work Shop Manual for the backhoe, which has detailed maintenance procedures and diagrams that may show how to regulate the flow through the boom swing hydraulic circuit. Thanks for watching!