Backhoe Thread???

[bmwstudent]

Gauging interest in a backhoe repair thread. I just purchased a late seventies Ford 6500 backhoe/loader. It will be getting lots of repairs due to it's age and low price. It runs, drives, operates, digs, loads. It's just old and ugly but it works and I have a use for it. It has a cab and that needs repair too so it will be some metal work and mechanical work. I'm going to install teeth on the bucket and the hoe, so there will be some welding going on too. I don't want to post stuff if you guys are't into it or if mods doesn't think a backhoe thread has a place on a bmw forum. Any way let me know. I'll post some pics tonight but I promise to learn how to post multiple pics in one post.
Post up some responses to let me know if there is any interest.

[bmwstudent]

Former State of Delaware division of highway vehicle, code for barely used.

[LJ851]

I'm in, post it up.

[bmwstudent]

The dash, I have the panels off right now. It will be getting some wiring work and gauges checked for proper operation. It needs some love, it will be getting it.

[bmwstudent]

Tie rod cross tube looks a little waffled, I'll have to try and straighten that. Keep in mind this will be a repair thread not an OE 100% correct OSHA approved restoration. Anyone with experience and ideas don't be afraid to speak up and let me know wtf I'm doing wrong. Heavy equipment is not my specialty but it's not far from it. I work on Semi trucks for a living and this will be used to grade my lot. Trucks can really f-up a parking lot this will be what I use to try and grade it a bit.

[bmwstudent]

This is part of the door. It obviously needs some new metal or possibly just totally recreated, all in good time. That's all for now.

[LJ851]

Have you looked into parts availability yet? Curious if you will end up having to make/repair all your own parts.

[slammin.e28]

Ohhh interesting!

I'm down too.

[evandael]

totally in. all build threads are worth perusing.

[eurotrash]

I need to find a cheap mini backhoe for the property.

[bmwstudent]

Have you looked into parts availability yet? Curious if you will end up having to make/repair all your own parts.

You'd be surprised how in depth Ford New Holland parts inventory is. Pretty much everything is available if I want to buy it except for parts for the cab. Window glass and door metal will be used, repaired, or fabricated. The motor and hydraulic pump are common pieces found in older equipment. We also have a 57 ford 600 tractor with front end loader attachment. I can even get parts for it pretty readily. Usually whatever is worn out can be repaired or rebuilt though. Stuff like this is really made to be repaired/ maintained so there are lots of parts still available. Pic of said door to be repaired.

[Cinnabar325is]

Cool man, I remember how bumpy your lot was when I bought those body panel, haha.

[bmwstudent]

Cool man, I remember how bumpy your lot was when I bought those body panel, haha.

How are you making out welding them in? I love your exhaust clips, sounds really nice. I'm still on the fence about installing that muffler I got from you.

[Sideways87]

From experience its pointless to replace the glass in one. It was always replace one and break another!!! If your using it for grading a gravel or dirt lot the teeth on the front loader will make a good smooth grade difficult. The teeth dig in and just make ruts. Not trying to tell a man what to do just some friendly advice.

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[bmwstudent]

So, I managed to make some time for the backhoe today. Just a little basic maintenance. Replaced the fuel filters and changed the oil and filter. Service manual calls for sae 30w oil. I'm having some trouble with the power steering, it doesn't seem to be acting with the steering wheel. It's a rotary servo motor setup, something rather new to me. I've got the service manual so hopefully I can figure out what's up with it. I've only driven it twice since we unloaded it. Here is a shot of the fuel filter setup, duel filters, center bolt retainer with bottom caps. This is a common setup on smaller diesels from this era (70's), very popular on small equipment, generators, perkins motors, etc. A little research on the engine determined it is a 256 ci 4cyl ford tractor engine. Very common. Tomorrow I'll be checking the oil level inside the fuel injection pump. Typically they have a live oil feed line from an oil galley and they gravity return into the oil pan. This one has a sealed crankcase and the service manual recommends checking it every fifty hours. I'll try to do some more work on it tomorrow and get some interesting pics.