• Thank you for visiting HeavyEquipmentForums.com! Our objective is to provide industry professionals a place to gather to exchange questions, answers and ideas. We welcome you to register using the "Register" icon at the top of the page. We'd appreciate any help you can offer in spreading the word of our new site. The more members that join, the bigger resource for all to enjoy. Thank you!

The JLG 40F Boom Lift Dilemma

Grovecomm

Active Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
36
Location
Chicago, IL
Jonesy, you certainly have ambition. Your cable tray looks great. I see your electric cable cost $1000, do you have any idea what the hydraulic lines are going to be? Makes me wonder if it's worth rebuilding my early 40F.
 

OFF

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
1,047
Location
Alberta, Canada
Occupation
HD Mechanic
On the subject of the swing brake, is there a way to release it so that the boom can be turned by hand? We have an intermittent problem with the proportional valve for the swing motor and sometimes it refuses to swing to the right. It goes left no mater which way you push the control. Today one of the guys got it jammed in a narrow yard and now I think that I'm going to have to release the brake so I can turn it. What a mess! Any ideas? Model is 40F, about 1978.

There's no easy way to release the swing brake. No "quick release" or anything like that. If it's got the external disc brake with caliper setup, you could just de-adjust it. But be warned, gravity is unstoppable. The counter weight will always seek the lowest point. Fun ride as long as there is nothing in your way.
 

OFF

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
1,047
Location
Alberta, Canada
Occupation
HD Mechanic
The 12 volt motor on my emergency hydraulic pump appears to be shot. Has anyone replaced one or had it rebuilt?

Any automotive electrical rebuilder (starters and alternators/generators) will be able to rebuild your pump motor for you

RPM I believe is 1400 on low, 2400 on high. The solenoid pulls the governor linkage onto high engine.
 

Jonesy

Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2014
Messages
18
Location
Perrysburg, OH
Grovecomm...I have no idea what the hydraulic lines will cost. I have a local guy who does that kind of thing. I have five lines off now. Two of them are the two long ones to the basket cylinder. I think I'll take the first five lines to him and see what I'm in for dollar-wise.
 

Grovecomm

Active Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
36
Location
Chicago, IL
I have a John Deere 310 backhoe/loader that has had several hydraulic lines break, even short, small diameter hoses are painful in the pocket book. I can't imagine what replacing everything on the 40F will cost. Keep us posted please.
 

Jonesy

Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2014
Messages
18
Location
Perrysburg, OH
Rough estimate on all hydraulic lines: My supplier says that the two 40' lines (approx.) will run about $350 each. So, that's $700 for the pair. If there is another 80 ft. of lines & fittings on the lift, that would put me at about $1500 or so, for the whole thing. He told me there are 4 or 5 levels (quality, durability, PSI rating) for hydraulic lines. He rates the stuff he uses at about a 4. I am personally not well versed in hydraulic hose applications, therefore, I bow to his expertise. He has a mobile enclosed trailer completely devoted to hydraulic lines & fittings. He does a lot of work for the railroad. I guess I'll trust his judgment for now.
 

Jonesy

Member
Joined
Apr 19, 2014
Messages
18
Location
Perrysburg, OH
Hydraulic lines...continued: As I recall, my hydraulic line guy told me he liked to use Weatherhead hose, double steel braided under rubber, with fittings that actually bite into the first steel braid. He said they will not come loose, and are not 'flared' on the hose end so that they won't get 'hung-up' when you're sliding them through things. From what I can tell, a 3,000 PSI working pressure is what I need to achieve. Does anyone have an argument against any of the above?
 

Grovecomm

Active Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
36
Location
Chicago, IL
I'm considering replacing my 30 HP Wisconsin VH4D engine with a new Kohler CH940-2002 engine. My VH4D needs almost $4000 in repair after the oil pump gear split in two, destroyed the remaining gear train and starved the engine of oil until it seized. I believe the hydraulic pump spool piece bolt pattern difference will be the biggest problem, possibly requiring a new spool piece to be made or modified. I would appreciate thoughts or alternatives. Thanks all.
 

OFF

Senior Member
Joined
Sep 30, 2009
Messages
1,047
Location
Alberta, Canada
Occupation
HD Mechanic
I'm considering replacing my 30 HP Wisconsin VH4D engine with a new Kohler CH940-2002 engine. My VH4D needs almost $4000 in repair after the oil pump gear split in two, destroyed the remaining gear train and starved the engine of oil until it seized. I believe the hydraulic pump spool piece bolt pattern difference will be the biggest problem, possibly requiring a new spool piece to be made or modified. I would appreciate thoughts or alternatives. Thanks all.

sorry to hear about the death of your Wisconsin :(

That Kohler certainly has the HP you need. Not sure if the lighter weight would effect the balance of the machine. If it does, you can always add counter weight to make up the difference. I'm sure your spool piece will need need some mods, no big deal if you know the right people. The other alternative would be an air cooled diesel like Deutz, Hatz, or even a Lister. Let the adventure begin!

The bonus with a diesel powered manlift is fuel economy.
 

Grovecomm

Active Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
36
Location
Chicago, IL
Thanks OFF. Are there any other advantages to diesel? This is only a hobby machine for 40 acres in WI for trees, roof repairs, small crane, etc., I don't think fuel economy will be much of an issue for me. Will diesel fuel age issues, cold weather starting, etc., be more of an issue than spark plugs and a carburetor???? I can buy that Kohler engine for around $2000, do you have any idea what diesel would cost? These are all homework issues for me prior to purchasing.
 

oceanobob

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
751
Location
oceano california
Occupation
general contractor
I was curious to learn what tires I should be installing on my machine (a 40)? It has 15 inch rims, the steer tires are implement (agricultural) tires and the size is 12 wide, ribbed tread style with a tube. The drive tires are 15 inch rims, they are tires from a pickup with an all terrain type tread, size 11.50-15, with tubes.
*
I learned I can get the 'ag' type tires but the tire guy was nervous at first because it is a "man lift", then he called back and agreed it would be OK; he also said the pickup truck tires were definitely a poor choice. If I do the smooth ribbed implement tires at all four corners that selection may be adverse to traction....which is kind of silly since the machine is only 2wd and has a four point frame.

Any suggestions?
 

lantraxco

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 1, 2009
Messages
7,704
Location
Elsewhen
I was curious to learn what tires I should be installing on my machine (a 40)? It has 15 inch rims, the steer tires are implement (agricultural) tires and the size is 12 wide, ribbed tread style with a tube. The drive tires are 15 inch rims, they are tires from a pickup with an all terrain type tread, size 11.50-15, with tubes.
*
I learned I can get the 'ag' type tires but the tire guy was nervous at first because it is a "man lift", then he called back and agreed it would be OK; he also said the pickup truck tires were definitely a poor choice. If I do the smooth ribbed implement tires at all four corners that selection may be adverse to traction....which is kind of silly since the machine is only 2wd and has a four point frame.

Any suggestions?

I think I would be looking for something used on a 4wd backhoe front axle? Designed to carry mucho weight with a good traction tread.
 

Grovecomm

Active Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2013
Messages
36
Location
Chicago, IL
I have a John Deere 310, 4WD loader/backhoe. When I replaced the front tires they turned out to be the same tire used on large skid-steers. Skid-steer tires are quite popular and may work on your JLG40????? Just a thought.
 

oceanobob

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
751
Location
oceano california
Occupation
general contractor
The so called ag implement tires size 12-15 are in the tire shop - these ones are ribbed and are likely going to be similar to the ones on the machine's steer axle. There is some thought the bias ply of the tires allows them to last longer (in respect to storage degradation, uv, etc).
As to the drive axle, I may look around and try the used 'pickup truck all terrain' tire once again. I note a typical farm tractor drive tire tread is available in this size, but on parking lots this could wear perhaps, so the old school military mud snow tire could be the solution for the drive axle.

The load capacity ratings of the tires (ag vs pickup) aren't that much different. Foam-fill could be a recommendation but with the four point solid frame, some tire 'mushing and flexing' helps to cross uneven surfaces.
 

kenmiller

Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2012
Messages
19
Location
Montana
I've read in this form before about good sources for new Racine controllers for my 40f but now I can't find them. Can anyone help with some good suggestions?
 

George66

New Member
Joined
Sep 14, 2014
Messages
4
Location
Lafayette, Indiana
@ Jonesy, ..Hello, ..yes, my joystick problems have been resolved, only by cutting new ones out on the machine lathe, ..I checked around everyplace I could to find these, ..near to impossible it seems to find an exact replacement, ..other than switching to newer styled stick units, I really wanted the originals, so , that is what I did on mine. The springs, were an easy fix, NAPA auto had the exact springs there, but I went with a slightly larger o.d. on the coil, that made them a little stiffer to move, but not bad. Sticks are back in and working good. Thanks OFF, and Willie59 on your inputs , next thing I think I may need is a cap and rotor, points and condenser, getting I little tough to start. Good luck on your rebuild, these things are only getting older and tougher to get things for. G
 

oceanobob

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 13, 2010
Messages
751
Location
oceano california
Occupation
general contractor
I got some tires:
-for the steers I got the same size 12.5-15 implement tires. New ones are American Farmer, old ones Armstrong. The new ones are huge - feel like they could be used on a lunar rover. Would never guess these are the same size designation.
-for the drives I replaced these with some 10.50-15 all weather pickup truck tires. Same as what was removed.

New tubes in all. Can't install rims and tires yet as I am looking for some wheel bearings on the steer.

Anticipating there may be some rake to the rig.
 
Top