Allis Chalmers 918 Backhoe

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   I just brought home a 918 AC backhoe. The hydraulics and hoe work awesome. The unit does not drive very well. First, the shuttle shift controls are backwards, I think last owner got hoses backwards some where. Second, the unit pretty much stops when I turn at the same time. The dipstick for the hydraulic reservoir is home made so I don't know if I can trust it. (Can I over fill this thing?) my thought was to retract all hydraulic cylinders and then add a crap load of oil to ensure it isn't low. Also this darn thing jumps out of the two highest gears, but seems to stay in first quite well ( holy smokes that's slow though!). So...I was hoping someone had a few pointers on these units and maybe stop me before I really damage something.
Thanks in advance! 
Bob

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Albertarider Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Bronze Level Joined: 28 Jun 2013 Location: Alberta, Canada Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote Albertarider Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Allis Chalmers 918 Backhoe Posted: 28 Jun 2013 at 10:10pm
	I just brought home a 918 AC backhoe. The hydraulics and hoe work awesome. The unit does not drive very well. First, the shuttle shift controls are backwards, I think last owner got hoses backwards some where. Second, the unit pretty much stops when I turn at the same time. The dipstick for the hydraulic reservoir is home made so I don't know if I can trust it. (Can I over fill this thing?) my thought was to retract all hydraulic cylinders and then add a crap load of oil to ensure it isn't low. Also this darn thing jumps out of the two highest gears, but seems to stay in first quite well ( holy smokes that's slow though!). So...I was hoping someone had a few pointers on these units and maybe stop me before I really damage something. Thanks in advance! Bob

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Eric B Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 09 Feb 2012 Location: British Columbi Points: 965	Post Options Post Reply Quote Eric B Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 1:48am
	Welcome to the forum.....I see you joined today! For the moving part of being slow....first check to make sure there's enough oil in the forward reverser shuttle transmission, if the oil doesn't look very clean it's probably time to change it. I've never owned a 918 backhoe (only 816's) so I'm not sure if the 918 has the same shuttle trans. Generally there's a screen behind a hexplug that faces forward on the bottom of the shuttle trans., if you drain the oil (drain plug faces to the back) you should also pull the hex plug and wash out the screen. If there's restriction where the oil pick-up is you don't get proper pressure to the clutches and in turn slippage. However, you could have a different problem.... try the cheaper options first. The hydraulic system is generally sealed and will build pressure in the tank as the machine warms up....so you need to leave some room for expansion of oil in the tank. If the system is low on oil (or a restricted pick-up screen) cylinders start jerking movements as the pump is starved for oil. Re: the higher gears jumping out.....I've never heard of an easy fix. Hopefully you came across the machine for a reasonable price.....and you have to use patience accordingly.
	Currently- WD,WC,3WF's,2 D14's B. Previously- I 600,TL745,200,FL9,FR12,H3,816 LBH. Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal!

Calvin Schmidt Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 11 Sep 2009 Location: Ontario Can. Points: 4530	Post Options Post Reply Quote Calvin Schmidt Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 6:10am
	The 918 is built on a one ninety tractor and is completly different than the 816 and 715 which are both componant tractors. I've had a 715 and 715B since 1977. The power director on the one ninety has a gear added to reverse the one clutch pack to make it a reverser similar to the I 60-600-615 which were based on a D-15 tractor. As for the transmission jumping out of gear, that will be the same fix as the farm tractors. Lots of parts still available for one-ninety tractors.
	Nothing is impossible if it is properly financed

Gary Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Location: Peterborough,On Points: 5893	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gary Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 6:52am
	You probably should get one of these. Gary 918 Service Manual http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Allis-Chalmers-918-Tractor-Loader-Backhoe-Service-Manual-/160701202764

orangeman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Points: 1841	Post Options Post Reply Quote orangeman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 8:44am
	Excellent advice provided above. I have some service bulletins that were issued out for the 918. Good luck Long live AC!!!

Coke-in-MN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Location: Afton MN Points: 41932	Post Options Post Reply Quote Coke-in-MN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 6:32pm
	Last 918 I looked at also jumped out of 4th when trying to road it . The 918 is a 1 1/2 yard loader and a large tractor , lot more than most people will ever use as it is not as nimble in handling as the 715, 816 size tractors. It is industrial but based off the farm tractor, yet careful on gears in trany as they may be just for that trany. AC dealer near me had a AC forklift - used gears from farm tractor as he was not Industrial dealer , looked right but did not work.
	Faith isn't a jump in the dark. It is a walk in the light. Faith is not guessing; it is knowing something. "Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."

Ages Cat Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Location: Hutchinson, MN Points: 696	Post Options Post Reply Quote Ages Cat Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 29 Jun 2013 at 10:27pm
	I have a service manual for sale on E-Bay.

Albertarider Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Bronze Level Joined: 28 Jun 2013 Location: Alberta, Canada Points: 3	Post Options Post Reply Quote Albertarider Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 12:47pm
	This is so awesome you guys. Thanks for all the advice! I will methodically go from easiest test outs to (uhg) the tear down part later. I bought the unit for $3500 and it starts/ runs very smooth. The backhoe operates extremely well. The reason I bought it was to save some money installing my water line and gas line to my shop (quoted to be $9500 or so, but if repairs get too carried away...well...I am totally prepared to go to $9500 ( including original purchase) as in the end I'll have a big bad unit! Thanks again, I will keep you posted.

Coke-in-MN Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Location: Afton MN Points: 41932	Post Options Post Reply Quote Coke-in-MN Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jun 2013 at 2:55pm
	Again unsure if you have dealer by you but Hrec U Lift in MN handled those tractors also and can be source of infor or parts , they also have shop in ND or Northern MN
	Faith isn't a jump in the dark. It is a walk in the light. Faith is not guessing; it is knowing something. "Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."