Yesterday was not my day!

[pokey1416]

It started out fine, simple task list; remove BH92, install 3PH, and attach ballast box. Told the Mrs. I’d be done in an hour - tops so I could work on her list (for me).

I wanted to be able to move backhoe around in garage and I didn’t want to build a dolly, so I used three 8,000 lb. car skates and did not attach them to each other. [mistake 1]

Wanted stabilizers in the up position so I have more room. [mistake 2]

As you can see it came off just fine.

However I notice that there was only one point of contact on the skates. Thought I’d install some blocking to spread out the point load.

I proceeded to give it a little push and noticed that the skates were kind of rotating around the point load axis. I remember that little voice that said “HEY STUPID - this isn’t going to end well.” [Mistake 3 always listen to that voice of reason]

I reassured myself (extinguished that voice) by preplanning my escape and actions should something go wrong (steel toe boots on - check, escape route clear - check and most importantly IF it tipped DO NOT TRY AND STOP IT - check). [Probably only smart thing I did all day]

Gotta push it just one more foot and all of a sudden the support point on the skate on my side came off and I saw 2,000 lbs of steel heading my way. Scrambled out of the way as she went down!

I cussed a little, ok a lot, and started to use my rational head! Got out the off road jack and thought I’d be smart and set it back on a couple pallets. [Mistake - hell I don’t remember how many now]

Got it upright on the pallets but now had to jack it up enough to reposition pallets further underneath.

Tried that (after swatting away that “HEY STUPID” voice) and guess what? IT TIPPED OVER AGAIN!

Went in the house, slammed down two beers - uprighted AGAIN and assessed the damage (cracked step).

Going to reattach tomorrow to check for any unseen damage. Of course, it’s cocked sideways in the garage now so I have to empty the other side of garage to back the tractor in square to BH. I debated all night about whether to post this but if it keeps even one person from trying the same bonehead move, it’s worth the ridicule.

Dealer is sending service truck out after harvest to weld step for me. I’m posted to wall of shame.

I’m not telling anyone else so let’s keep this on the down low, eh?

 

[SidecarFlip]

Good luck. One of those HF roll around cherry picker / shop cranes would be nice for you to have... Never try to wheel anything around. I set my stuff off in the barn and call it good.

 

[pokey1416]

Hey Flip that’s a great idea. I have one of those..... oh oh here comes that voice again.

 

[armylifer]

To me this sounds like an excellent argument in favor of having a separate machine for each job.

 

[85Hokie]

I cussed a little, ok a lot, and started to use my rational head! Got out the off road jack and thought I’d be smart and set it back on a couple pallets. [Mistake - hell I don’t remember how many now]



Went in the house, slammed down two beers - uprighted AGAIN and assessed the damage (cracked step).

Two favorite lines ...... I cussed a little! and slammed down two beers!!!

Brother - sorry to hear of the frustration, but then again - if we didnt make mistakes, we would never move forward!!!

I saw this last night on the Messicks channel and figured it was a good time to post :

These guys make your mistake just a little boo-boo compared to theirs!!!

 

[pokey1416]

Two favorite lines ...... I cussed a little! and slammed down two beers!!!

Brother - sorry to hear of the frustration, but then again - if we didnt make mistakes, we would never move forward!!!

I saw this last night on the Messicks channel and figured it was a good time to post :

These guys make your mistake just a little boo-boo compared to theirs!!!

Thank you Thank you ... that was just the pick-me-up I needed. Now I think Flip is onto something. I’m going to use my hoist tomorrow to push the BH back 10 feet. Stay tuned for updates!

 

[Nicfin36]

I doubt you did anything to it other than the step and perhaps some scuffed paint. Those things have to endure so much stress, a mere tipping over shouldn't do much to it.

 

[bx tractorjoe]

Ahh well at least the concrete broke its fall instead of you..

 

[pokey1416]

I doubt you did anything to it other than the step and perhaps some scuffed paint. Those things have to endure so much stress, a mere tipping over shouldn't do much to it.

yeah I see a paint scuff but damn these things are tough!

just embarrassing. Being a contractor, I’m suppose to do the right thing. Let’s not even talk about how long it took me to install the 3PH. The WSM’s, the operators manuals - nothing tells you what connects to where. I think I’ve got it but if one of you farmers sees something wrong please let me know.

 

[armylifer]

I am not a farmer and my little tractor is nothing like yours but I don't see anything wrong. Now I have tractor envy!

 

[BXHoosier]

Ouch! At least the hoe was the one that got banged up and not you. Could you have backed the tractor close enough to it to hook up the hoses and use the stabilizers to stand it back upright?

 

[pokey1416]

Ouch! At least the hoe was the one that got banged up and not you. Could you have backed the tractor close enough to it to hook up the hoses and use the stabilizers to stand it back upright?

Maybe, I was afraid it would tip into a hose or damage the tractor. Once I got it to it’s almost tip point I had to use tractor and forks to give it a little down force, to fully upright it. I had a floor jack on that side too, so it didn’t slam to the ground.

I could leave it where it’s at for the winter I guess. Has anyone used an extended hose before? I could stay back a little and still have hydraulics to work the stabilizers.

 

[bx tractorjoe]

I would get 2 pallets and stick 2 or 3 2x6s under them and get some swivel casters under the 2x6s.. i put my bx23s backhoe on one of my old carts. Much smaller then yours though

 

[SidecarFlip]

The one I have from Harbor Freight will lift an entire Bridgeport milling machine, no issue so I know it will lift the backhoe and it has casters so you can lift it and position it at the same time, on pallets or whatever. Very good investment and not all that expensive to boot.

 

[Tughill Tom]

It's all good, your unharmed, Metal can be fixed. As far as those dolly's go, Iv never had any luck rolling anything but what they were designed for and even then they'll go wonkey.

When I take my BH off it gets set on 3- jack stands and stays there, yes in the way but much easier to reinstall.

 

[pokey1416]

Well Flip solved my problem - my hat is off to him. Got out my engine hoist and lifted bucket so I could place my pipes (that I move safe’s with) underneath. Then lifted attachment end just a smidge and rolled her into place. Easy - Peazy!

Drank some beers but not out of frustration but, celebration. Thanks everyone for your input. This OTT family is the best.

 

[xrocketengineer]

There is nothing like a story with a good ending!

 

[nbryan]

My BH77 did a lay-itself-down on my gravel-floored hoop shelter once. There was lots of room and nothing else got in it's way on the way over, and the shelter is big enough that I just used a chain and my pallet forks to lift it back onto the 8x8 beam piece I use to sit it up on for storage.

 

[JimmyJazz]

You would think Kubota would offer or provide a suitable stand of some sort with purchase given the potential liability issues. I am sure there are a lot of inexperienced knuckleheads such as myself buying their products that would not have come out of that as well as you. That thing could cause some pretty serious injury in my opinion. Lucky you weren't hurt.

 

[JimmyJazz]

One more thought. I bought a 2 ton Titan brand gantry crane last year. I think it was around $800 including delivery. I feel its well made ,weighs about 400 pounds, and is very handy. I have used it a lot more than I expected. You might consider a gantry crane to aid in moving that backhoe. Mine is orange if that makes a difference.