BUSH HOG BH950 (01) PDF Document

To ensure safe operation of your tractor with the BUSH HOG BH950 backhoe, please follow these precautions:

1. Read the tractor operator’s manual to learn how to operate your tractor safely.

2. It is recommended that the tractor be equipped with a Rollover Protective System (ROPS) and that a seat belt be used for all operations.

3. Add wheel ballast or front weight for stability.

4. Move wheels to the tractor manufacturer’s widest recommended settings to increase stability.

5. For better stability, use a tractor with a wide front axle rather than tricycle front wheels.

6. Move and turn the tractor at low speeds.

7. Before dismounting, servicing, or repairing, stop the tractor engine, place the transmission in park (or neutral), engage the parking brake, lower loader arms to the ground, cycle all hydraulic controls to relieve pressure, allow all moving parts to stop, and remove the ignition key.

8. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as protection for eyes, ears, lungs, head, hands, and feet. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry.

Observe the following safety rules when operating the BUSH HOG BH950 backhoe:

1. Do not operate the backhoe unless it is rigidly attached to the tractor or skid steer loader.

2. Know your controls. Read this operator’s manual and the one provided with your tractor. Learn how to stop the tractor, engine, and backhoe quickly in an emergency.

3. Provide adequate front-end weight to counter-balance the backhoe at all times. 20% of the total tractor, loader, and backhoe weight must be on the tractor’s front axle.

4. Ensure the work area is clear of overhead or underground utilities or other hazards.

5. Position a barricade around the work area.

6. Keep all bystanders a safe distance away.

7. Operate from the backhoe operator’s seat only.

8. Allow only one person to operate the backhoe at any time.

9. Disengage safety locks before attempting to operate the backhoe.

10. Never dig with the backhoe unless the stabilizers are properly set.

11. Do not dig under stabilizers or the tractor. Soft ground can cause cave-ins.

12. Keep the bucket away from the stabilizer area to avoid damage.

13. Always swing the bucket uphill to dump when on a hillside and keep the loaded bucket low.

14. Set brakes and block wheels when operating on hills to avoid runaway.

15. Watch for overhead wires. Do not touch wires with any part of the backhoe.

16. Never allow a person to work under a raised bucket or lift a person with the backhoe.

17. Use the backhoe only for digging, not as a battering ram.

18. Always lower the bucket and stabilizers to the ground, shut off the engine, and apply the parking brake before getting off the unit or when not digging.

19. Never leave the tractor unattended with the engine running.

20. Do not attempt to raise the tractor off the ground or move it using the dipperstick or bucket.

The BUSH HOG BH950 has two major control levers and stabilizer control levers located on the console ahead of the operator. The terms right, left, front, and back are determined from the operator’s seated position.

Engine Speed: Start with a moderate engine speed and increase it as you gain experience. If powering from a high-output tractor system, reduce engine RPM to achieve acceptable operating speed.

Controls (from left to right):

1. Left Hand Stabilizer: Push the lever forward to lower the stabilizer; pull it back to raise it.

2. Boom/Swing:

• Boom: Push the lever forward to move the boom down and away from you. Pull it back to move the boom up and toward you. This lever has a “float” function; pushing it further forward past a detent allows the boom to move freely. When released, it should return to neutral.

• Swing: Move the lever to the left to swing the backhoe left; move it to the right to swing right.

• Combined Movements: You can move the lever to intermediate positions to swing and raise/lower the boom simultaneously (e.g., forward and left to swing left and lower).

3. Crowd/Bucket:

• Crowd (Dipperstick): Push the lever forward to move the dipperstick out, away from you. Pull it back to move the dipperstick in, toward you.

• Bucket: Move the lever to the left to curl the bucket in. Move it to the right to extend the bucket out.

• Combined Movements: Similar to the boom/swing lever, you can use intermediate positions to perform two operations at once, such as extending the dipperstick while dumping the bucket.

4. Right Hand Stabilizer: Push the lever forward to lower the stabilizer; pull it back to raise it.

Generally, the direction you move a control lever corresponds to the movement of the operating member.

To avoid possible injury, observe the following safety rules WHEN OPERATING the BUSH HOG BH950 backhoe:

1. DISENGAGE safety lock pins (Swing Lock Pin and Boom Transport Lock Pin) before attempting to operate the backhoe. Store the lock pins in the angled tubes located at the rear right-hand side of the backhoe, below the foot platform.

2. OPERATE from the backhoe operator’s seat only.

3. LOWER the stabilizers until the rear of the tractor is totally supported by them. The rear tires should remain touching the ground, not be lifted off it. This provides the widest stance and lowest center of gravity.

4. DO NOT dig near the stabilizers.

5. DO NOT touch overhead wires with any part of the backhoe.

6. DO NOT attempt to raise the tractor off the ground or move the tractor forward or backward using the backhoe dipperstick or bucket.

7. DO NOT lose stability by swinging the bucket downhill when positioned on a slope.

8. DO NOT lower the backhoe boom using the “float” function, as it will freefall and could result in injury or damage.

Improper transporting methods can cause serious damage. To avoid injury and damage, follow these rules:

On the Tractor:

1. ALWAYS engage both safety locks (swing and boom transport) before transporting.

2. TRAVEL SLOWLY over rough terrain, on hillsides, and around curves to prevent tipping.

3. DO NOT drive the tractor near the edge of a ditch or excavation.

4. Use accessory lights and an SMV emblem when traveling on highways, as required by local regulations.

5. Before leaving the operator’s seat, position the backhoe for transport: raise the boom, crowd the dipperstick in, swing to center, and raise the stabilizers.

On a Truck or Trailer:

1. Lower the backhoe boom so the bucket rests firmly on the bed of the truck or trailer.

2. Apply restraints to the TRACTOR ONLY. Do not chain down the backhoe or the backhoe attaching kit.

3. Block and secure the tractor only.

Filling the Bucket:

Control the bucket attitude throughout the dig to keep the teeth at the proper angle for best penetration. In hard-packed soil, apply down pressure with the boom while crowding in and curling the bucket. If the crowd action “stalls,” apply lift occasionally to correct the bucket depth. To get a cleaner trench, crowd out and completely curl the bucket while starting to lift it from the excavation.

Dumping the Bucket:

At the end of the digging cycle, lift the bucket clear of the trench while crowding it out and swinging it to the spoil pile. As you approach the pile, dump the bucket. Avoid constant jarring or hammering contact between the spoil pile and the bucket.

Side Slope Excavating or Trenching:

Dig with the backhoe uphill whenever possible. Level the backhoe on slopes with the stabilizers. When on a steep slope, cut a level surface along the uphill side of the trench with the loader. Pile the spoil of the cut downhill. When digging, pile the spoil of the trench uphill.

Finishing Straight Walls:

To finish the far wall, crowd out while forcing the bucket down with the boom, keeping the bottom of the bucket vertical. To finish the near wall, lift up and crowd in, keeping the edges of the bucket horizontal.

Backfilling:

Backfill by lifting the bucket over the spoil pile and then crowding in. Pull both the crowd and lift levers for smooth backfilling. IMPORTANT: Do not backfill by using the swing circuit and dragging the bucket sideways, as this can cause damage to the dipperstick, boom, swing cylinders, or mainframe.

At the beginning of each season, perform the following maintenance on your BUSH HOG BH950:

1. Remove all protective coverings.

2. Check hydraulic hoses for deterioration and replace if necessary.

3. Lubricate all grease fittings and oil handle linkages.

4. Check the hydraulic system for fluid loss and, if necessary, fill to the proper level.

5. Tighten all loose bolts, nuts, and setscrews.

6. Inspect bucket teeth and, if necessary, sharpen or replace them.

7. Operate the backhoe slowly for a short time before placing the unit under a full load.

If hydraulic hoses have been disconnected, all trapped air must be bled from the system. Start the tractor engine and operate the backhoe through all movements fully several times to purge the system of air.

For PTO pump systems, maintain the reservoir oil at the proper level using the dipstick located behind the right side of the foot platform. To check the oil level, the backhoe should be extended to full reach with the bucket rolled back and resting on the ground. Do not overfill.

Recommended Fluid:

• Northern Climates: SAE 10W40 engine oil with API “SF/SG” classification.

• Southern Climates: SAE 40W engine oil with API “SF/SG” classification.

Changing the Oil:

Change oil every 200 hours or more often if necessary.

1. Extend the backhoe to full reach with the bucket rolled back and resting on the ground.

2. Turn off the tractor PTO and shut down the engine.

3. Unseat the breather cap and remove the drain plug from the left rear underside of the reservoir using a 1/4″ hex wrench.

4. Drain the oil and replace the drain plug.

5. Refill the reservoir with 7 gallons of fresh oil.

6. Reseat the breather cap, start the engine and PTO, and cycle all backhoe functions several times to remove air.

7. Re-check the oil level with the backhoe in the same extended position. If the level on the dipstick is below the “ADD” line, add oil to bring it up to the “FULL” line. Do not overfill.

There are two types of bucket teeth for the BUSH HOG BH950:

• Bolt-On Tooth Points: When worn, these can be replaced by removing the nut and bolt that connect them to the cutting edge. Install the new tooth and replace the hardware if necessary.

• Roll-Pinned Tooth Points: When worn, drive out the roll pin using a hammer and punch. Install the new tooth using a new roll pin and a hammer.

Periodically check that all bolts and nuts are tight, referring to the torque chart in your manual. Also, check all pivot pins for cotter pins, washers, and retainers, replacing them if they are missing.

Proper lubrication is essential for the operation of your BUSH HOG BH950.

Grease Fittings:

• Lubricate all parts with grease fittings using a good quality chassis lube type grease.

• Clean fittings before using a grease gun.

• Lubricate all grease fittings at least twice daily: once at the beginning of operation and again approximately halfway through the workday.

• To access fittings, lower the stabilizers to the ground and lower the boom so the bucket rests on the ground.

• IMPORTANT: Before greasing the boom to swing frame pivot, raise the boom and install the transport lock pin.

Oil Locations:

The following locations should be oiled with SAE30 oil:

• All Control Handle Linkages

• Seat Bracket Pivot

Avoid excessive greasing, as dirt can collect on exposed grease and increase wear. After greasing, wipe off any excess grease from the fittings.

Follow these steps for removal and storage of the BUSH HOG BH950:

1. Install the swing safety lock pin.

2. Stretch out the boom, dipper stick, and bucket. Lower the bucket to the ground so that it rests solidly.

3. Raise the backhoe operator’s seat to the raised position.

4. Place suitable blocking under the backhoe frame to support it adequately.

5. Detach the backhoe from the tractor mechanically only, not hydraulically at this point. The backhoe can still be hydraulically moved to release connection points. Move the tractor a few inches away from the backhoe.

6. Gently lower the backhoe onto the blocking. Leave the stabilizers outstretched and firmly in contact with the ground for added stability.

7. The hydraulic system can now be disconnected. Make sure the tractor PTO is disengaged and the engine is shut off before disconnecting the pump or hydraulic lines.

• On PTO pump systems, remove the pump from the PTO shaft. The system should remain complete.

• On systems that tap into tractor hydraulics, these lines can be disconnected. Be sure to mark the lines to prevent mix-up during reattachment and cap the ends to keep them clean.

8. Slowly drive the tractor forward and away from the backhoe, ensuring all parts clear each other.

9. For long-term storage, coat exposed lift, swing, and stabilizer cylinder rods with grease.

10. Lubricate all grease fittings and oil all handle linkages.

If your BUSH HOG BH950 fails to operate when started initially, check the following potential causes and corrections:

If your BUSH HOG BH950 loses power after operating satisfactorily, consult the table below for potential causes and solutions.

IMPORTANT: Tractor lower links must be kept free of lifting forces at all times after installation by keeping the tractor quadrant lever in the lowered position. Tighten all hardware to the torque requirements specified in the torque chart.

WARNING: To prevent bodily injury, do not operate the backhoe unless Link Weldments are properly installed and adjusted. Failure to do so may result in the backhoe being thrust upward, crushing the operator against the cab or ROPS.

1. Use a hoist to raise the backhoe mainframe so the boom pivot pin is approximately 17″ off the ground.

2. Back the tractor close to the backhoe. Connect the tractor lower link arms to the lower link mounts (position “C”) using two L-pins, two cotter pins, and two wire form cotter pins. If the tractor has a Category II hitch, install two bushings in the lower link arms.

3. Attach upper braces to the backhoe with a 3/4″ x 7-1/2″ bolt, flat washers, lockwasher, and nut. Do not tighten yet.

4. Install the bushing that most closely matches the diameter of the tractor’s upper link pin into the hole of the upper bar. No bushing is needed for Category II tractors.

5. Secure the upper bar between the upper braces using a 3/4″ x 4-1/2″ bolt and hardware. Use the hoist to align a hole in the upper bar with a hole in the upper braces.

6. Attach the RH and LH lower link weldments to the backhoe mainframe using 7/8″ x 2-1/2″ bolts and hardware.

7. Align the link weldments with a hole in the upper bar/brace assembly, as close to the tractor as possible. Use a 3/4″ x 6″ bolt and hardware. You may need to readjust the connection from Step 6.

8. Remove the backhoe from the tractor.

9. Install the connector bar to the RH and LH lower link weldments using a 1/2″ x 1-1/2″ bolt and hardware.

10. Tighten all hardware at this time. Check your installation carefully to ensure all members are correctly installed and securely fastened.

11. If using an optional PTO Pump Kit, proceed to that section before mounting the backhoe.

12. Connect hoses from the backhoe control valve to the tractor hydraulic system as described in the “Hydraulic Hook-Up” section.

To hook up the BUSH HOG BH950 to a closed-center system, the backhoe must be converted for closed-center operation because there must be no flow through the control valve when levers are in neutral. This requires several devices:

1. A flow restrictor in the pressure line.

2. A main relief valve in the backhoe control valve with a pressure setting higher than the tractor system pressure.

3. A closed-center plug installed in the backhoe control valve to make it a non-circulating (demand type) system.

4. A low-pressure surge relief valve in the return line to protect the backhoe valve seals and tractor system from back pressure surges.

Hook-Up Procedure:

1. Remove the “port C” plug from the backhoe valve.

2. Install the closed-center plug inside the port.

3. Re-install the “port C” plug.

4. The pressure hose from the tractor connects to the backhoe’s main relief valve input.

5. The return line from the backhoe connects to a surge relief valve, which then has a surplus flow line that connects directly to the tractor’s hydraulic reservoir. This line bypasses other tractor functions.

For John Deere Tractors: Use the reservoir plug. Remove the plug, drill it with a 37/64 drill, and tap it for a 3/8 NPT pipe. Screw an adapter into the plug, securing it with Locktite. Obtain a separate plug from your dealer to use when the backhoe is removed.

For other tractor makes: Use a filler plug, drain plug, or another port that goes directly into the hydraulic reservoir. Do not rely only on the remote coupler return.

Specifications may vary depending on the tractor model and are subject to change. Tractors must be equipped with ROPS and a seat belt for better safety.

Use the following recommended torque in Foot Pounds (Newton Meters) for American fasteners. Use 75% of the specified value for plated fasteners and 85% for lubricated fasteners.

Use the following recommended torque in Foot Pounds (Newton Meters) for Metric fasteners. Numbers on bolt heads indicate the ASTM class. Use 75% of the specified value for plated fasteners and 85% for lubricated fasteners.