FIXED - Vague control feeling in BH77 Backhoe

[dexterous]

Guys,

I recently purchased my second Kubota, a brand new 2019 B2650 with the BH77 backhoe. My previous machine was a fairly new, 2017 BX23S. I purchased both machines primarily for the backhoe to do ditch work around my property so I have lots and lots of prior backhoe experience at this point.

The old BX23S backhoe felt really good but the new one felt really vague and inaccurate. Needless to say, I was very disappointed with the poor feel of the BH77. However, after watching a number of videos and reading a few things on various forums, I learned how to inspect the control linkages and I discovered why I was having the problem. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the control links inside my new B2650/BH77 with less than 15 hours were ready to fall apart!

I made this video so that everyone could see exactly why I had this issue and how I fixed it. Thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHYgzXUnQAk

 

[TedBull]

Thanks for posting the video. I will keep an eye on my linkage. When I first got my machine the BH77 felt sluggish and awkward to run. 9 hours on the machine now and it feels smooth and quick.

 

[PA452]

OP, just curious, where did you get your tractor? I'm in same general area.

 

[SidecarFlip]

I would have just added insert (nylock) nuts instead. Surprised they weren't installed in the first place.

 

[nbryan]

Checked out the linkages on my 2017 BH77 (on B2650) after seeing your post and sure enough 3 of 4 lower links were loose. The right hand pair - bucket/dipper - were very loose, I took them off easily by hand. Cleaned, thread-locked, and re-tightened, now the controls have much better feel.

Thanks Dexterous!

 

[leoric]

This actually happened to me as well. The linkage fell off as I was using it in the field. All of my linkages were loose. I also punched the last thread on the bolt so the nuts won't come off. Tightened and went on my way. I'm surprised it's so common.

 

[DeepWoods]

Ok, since I also just got my b2650hsdc with the BH77 backhoe on May 6th. I thought I would go out and check my control rod bolts. I don’t know if was done at the factory or dealer, but all the nuts were secured with red thread locker. None were loose. I do think I will add some grease where the rods go through the guides, as there doesn’t seem to be enough there.

 

[lugbolt]

The newer ones will have thread locker on them. There was a run of them that had plain nuts and no thread locker

 

[dexterous]

OP, just curious, where did you get your tractor? I'm in same general area.

From M&R in Butler. I was at the dealership the other day and showed the video to the guy who assembled my tractor and he was shocked. He said that they will be adding this to the checklist for all BH77s that come through the shop now. While it was a factory assembly issue, I am surprised that they didn’t notice it.

 

[dexterous]

The newer ones will have thread locker on them. There was a run of them that had plain nuts and no thread locker

That’s what i have unfortunately.

 

[PA452]

From M&R in Butler. I was at the dealership the other day and showed the video to the guy who assembled my tractor and he was shocked. He said that they will be adding this to the checklist for all BH77s that come through the shop now. While it was a factory assembly issue, I am surprised that they didn’t notice it.

Figured it might be that dealer. That's where I was looking at buying as well.