Boom Lift log

Replaced spark plug

2009-04-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

replaced NGK BPR6ES 7131 spark plug with an identical new one.

Total $2.09

Engine manual

2009-04-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

Located online from manufacturer's website:

http://www.honda-engines.com/Engines_owners_manuals/ownersmanuals/37Z5F602.pdf

Making the machine safer

2009-04-11T05:40:00.000-07:00

When I bought the boom lift the seller warned me to be extra careful to make minute moves with the levers because the thing can swing wildly, and dangerously. He was right about that. I found it difficult to control the movements, and I was very nervous about using it.

I started to look for ways to slow the motion down. I considered buying valves that would restrict the flow of the hydraulics, but couldn't find any, and I can't say for sure whether it would work. Well, one day it occurred to me to slow down the motor itself. So I throttled down the Honda motor to a high idle, and the machine has been a pleasure to use ever since. When I push the controls all the way, the boom moves at a slow, safe speed. It's also much easier to fine-tune the position of the bucket now that it doesn't go flying with every touch of a lever.

I emailed an engineer friend to brag about my simple solution (The previous owner never thought of this, so I was feeling proud of myself.) This started a series of emails from him explaining why this would never work. That's engineers for you. It's working fine all the while he's telling me it can't work.

As long as the engine remains in good working order, and can run at high idle under a load, I'm good.

Ordered new controls -- fixed gas tank leak

2009-04-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

The gas tank on the Honda motor started leaking recently, making the machine too dangerous to use. It was the plastic nipple that screws into the bottom of the tank, and attaches to the fuel line. Well, it was actually the surface that the nipple seals against. It had rusted, preventing a good seal. Removed, cleaned, replaced. Fixed.

Then I ordered the controls that operate the machine from the bucket. The old ones are crumbling. New ones were cheaper than expected, at $34.33 each (including shipping!). I bought three for $102.99. One of the three old ones is still unbroken. I'll keep it as a spare.

Parts were purchased from Baum Hydraulics. Part no E206301 SKU 00113650.

Total maintenance cost to date $540.72. I had to buy some closed-end wrenches to remove a stubborn nut, but I don't count the price of tool purchases if the tool is intended for general use, since I'd probably buy it for other purposes at some point anyway.

Since my last post I've washed and painted nearly the entire house using the boom lift. I've made many repairs, glazed windows, and re-hung shutters. The lift has more than paid for itself, as I'm into it for $6540.72, and a professional painter (if you can FIND one!) would have charged $25,000 or more for the job.

Motor oil change

2008-03-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

Changed motor oil in Honda motor. Took one quart of Quaker State 10W-30

Pictures

2007-12-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

Taken today...

Finally ready to work

2007-12-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

Latest repairs:

Second cylinder is installed.

I replaced two more hoses that had deteriorating skin. These seem to be the last of the bad hoses. I pumped out all of the old hydraulic oil I could, and replaced it. I used a five-gallon can of oil, plus what was left of the gallon I previously bought. It now has about six gallons of oil, and seems to need a little more, so we'll call it a seven-gallon system. The old oil looked like it was emulsified (mixed with water).

Bought two new hoses from Voorhies ($38.12 plus tax= $41.36)
Bought a five gallon container of "Tractor" hydraulic oil from NAPA ($31.49 plus tax = $34.17)

Total maintenance cost to date $437.73

Second cylinder repaired

2007-11-22T16:44:00.000-08:00

After another three weeks in the shop, the second cylinder is finished, and in my possession again. It's Thanksgiving week, and no time to install it now.

Cost:$147.10

Total maintenance $362.20

One cylinder fixed. One to go

2007-10-19T13:10:00.001-07:00

I posted this on TSBB:

You remember the boom lift I bought? Well, it worked fine before we bought it, then worked great while I was getting the feel for it in my driveway, and learning how to use it, but the first time I actually put it to work on a job, the top cylinder started leaking like crazy. I guess the seals were so old and unused that a little bit of activity was all it took to make them fail.

Well, after three weeks in the shop (for a one-day job!), I finally got the cylinder back this week. Since I have Friday afternoons off, I set to work today, installing the thing back in place. I'm a small, out-of-shape, handicapped, middle-aged weakling, so I had to use my brains to lift the heavy part into place, because my back and muscles weren't up to the job. I hoisted one end with a rope, tied it off, and hoisted the other, then repeated until it was in place. All this for a job that a real man could do by just picking the thing up and putting it in place.

Well, it was finally installed, and I pulled the cord on the Honda motor. That darned thing is a creampuff. It always starts on the first pull.

I was told to fully extend the cylinder a few times to flush out any air bubbles before putting it to work. This required me to use both cylinders, because I had to maneuver around some obstacles. Well, I'd lift it up, and it would come right back down. I repeated, with the same results. I assumed it was because of air that hadn't bleeded yet, and continued to operate the machine. Then I saw the flood of hydraulic fluid... from the OTHER cylinder!!! Janice was right. She said if one had failed, the other would soon follow. I knew she was right, but I hoped to get some use out of the thing before spending yet another $150 to repair the second cylinder. Now I'll have to wait another three weeks before I can replace that upstairs window that's been haunting me for so long!

Pish!!! Well, I knew I was buying a fixer-upper. I was just hoping to use it for a while before putting a lot of work and money into it!

One thing we had hoped to use it for was viewing parades. The Sugar Cane Festival parades were a few weeks ago, but we had to sit on the roof, because the man lift was pooched. Maybe we can have it ready for the Christmas parade.

Picked up cylinder

2007-10-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Cylinder repair complete. They said the piston was scarred and needed to be polished down.

They also said that the system will bleed air automatically, through the tank. If the cap is vented, it will allow air to escape. If not, leave it off.

They said to fully extend the cylinder back and forth a few times to flush the air out before using it.

Cost: $154.64

Total maintenance to date: $215.10

First maintenance

2007-10-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

10/4/07

Today I replaced the two short hydraulic cables near the base controls -- the ones that pass through the removable steel cover.

I bought them at Voorhies hose room on St. Peter St. for $14.80 each ($32.12 with tax). They are made to order. It took about five minutes. The technician at Voorhies gave me advice on bleeding the air from the lines. Said the best place (if you don't know where the air is) is at the point where the oil is returned to the reservoir.

I also replaced the oil filter. It is a NAPA Gold 1259 filter. Same as the old one. ($9.64).

Also bought a gallon of hydraulic oil ($7.99), and placed one quart in the new filter. And bought a filter wrench ($8.49).

The Cylinder is still in the shop. They told me they started work on it today.

Total spent today: $ 60.46