while trying to reconnect the backhoe, the boom suddenly swung right with no foot on the pedal. (has this ever happened to anyone before?) The pictures show the result. the lines are pulled tight and cannot be disconnected. the controls are resting directly on the seat. I don't have another machine to lift hoe up. Any ideas.
Could you use an engine crane or hydraulic jack to lift the hoe enough to disconnect the hoses? John
That is a mousetrap, I would find a wrecker to assist on this since you have no other equipment around, I would park behind the backhoe and hook up at the tower with the first line, the second line i would hook to pull the tractor back after putting the loader in float and raising the tower, you will have to bleed off the boom cylinder, have cribbing ready as well as chain and binders to support you movements while you upright the tower, then i would find out what is causing the swing spool not centering before starting the tractor, this is not something to mess with with out extra help and thinking it threw,i have had several close calls going to customers to help them rehook after this happens, expect the unexpected to be safe.
Sheepfoot is right - Having been a wrecker operator, a wrecker with a good operator would be a good investment - I tend to try and do things myself. You could jack and or lift and block as you go, but you are going to spend a lot of time - spend the money for the wrecker and you will most likely be money ahead. John
Been there done that. That being said you can set yourself up for a severe injury or even death if you are not careful !! Do not try jacking and blocking. If you do, the the boom could go over center when it gets high enough and fall the other way. Also one of the outriggers could also let loose and compound the fall. You really need to lift it with a hoist of some kind that can handle the weight. A wrecker would be the best way. An engine hoist is what I used but I was on a concrete floor. Another option would be a Lineman's utility truck . The ones with the pole hole auger on them . My son-in law has one. He can remove the auger attachment. The boom has a cable winch on it for hoisting poles. He could easily pick up your entire unit. The next time you take the Backhoe loose from the tractor have the boom straight out and in line with the center of the machine. Also block up the frame of the backhoe with good solid blocking. Do not rely on the outriggers to support the backhoe attachment !
That is a good idea Tinkerer. I used one of those years ago to set steel on a small metal building.
Bua a new machine.
You need another piece of equipment for that fix. Wrecker, boom truck, another backhoe, excavator, something designed to lift 2 ton and do it safely at 12' high. Also you need to have a safety person there, someone to get help if things go wrong, its a little past the diy stage. If you can't find a loader, you can make a tripod out of some heavy steel and use a chain fall or overhead hoist, but be careful and use a spotter.
Get the bronco in line with the centerline of the machine, block all 4 wheels. Use the clevis holes in the outriggers, chain those forward to the front bucket. Pull on the top pivot with a power puller to draw the frame upright. Once the controls are free, lower the frame down onto the ground or onto some stout wood blocks. Use the hydraulics to align the base to the boom, disconnect and reposition tractor. Boom should be out straight, a little lift on the outriggers, back tractor under, hook the bottoms and lift the outriggers up a bit. Chain the outriggers to the bucket just in case. Clean and grease your top pins, adjust top plate with the bucket/dipper until it all lines up.