3 hours ago
Background on the John Deere 110
The John Deere 110 backhoe loader is a compact workhorse often used by small contractors, landscapers, and homeowners. John Deere (founded in the 19th century) is well known for reliable agricultural and construction equipment . While the 110 is not a full-size heavy-duty backhoe, it still sees real work — digging, lifting, and loading — and is expected to handle common digging tasks. Its modest size and versatility make it a favorite for tight‑access jobs.
Problem Description
Several operators have reported that the backhoe swing or dipper pins on the JD 110 develop play over time. The “bushing” seems loose, but surprisingly, in many cases, there is no traditional replaceable bushing pressed into the bore. Instead, the joint is constructed simply — often just a welded tube or sleeve — so when it wears, there are no standard replacement bushings from Deere.
Why the Design Is Frustrating
Here are a few bushing‑style or pin‑replacement parts that may be relevant for repair or rebuild:
Loose bushings on a John Deere 110 backhoe loader are a known design limitation because many of these joints were not designed with serviceable bushings. While cheaper than heavy construction machines, fixing the issue properly still often requires line-boring or a custom weld-in sleeve. Short-term fixes exist, but for long-term reliability — especially if the machine does real work — investing in a proper rebuild is often the best value.
The John Deere 110 backhoe loader is a compact workhorse often used by small contractors, landscapers, and homeowners. John Deere (founded in the 19th century) is well known for reliable agricultural and construction equipment . While the 110 is not a full-size heavy-duty backhoe, it still sees real work — digging, lifting, and loading — and is expected to handle common digging tasks. Its modest size and versatility make it a favorite for tight‑access jobs.
Problem Description
Several operators have reported that the backhoe swing or dipper pins on the JD 110 develop play over time. The “bushing” seems loose, but surprisingly, in many cases, there is no traditional replaceable bushing pressed into the bore. Instead, the joint is constructed simply — often just a welded tube or sleeve — so when it wears, there are no standard replacement bushings from Deere.
Why the Design Is Frustrating
- The original design lacks a serviceable bushing: instead of a pressed-in bronze or steel bushing, the 110 uses a welded sleeve that easily wears under load.
- This design means that once the joint wears, correcting it requires line boring (machining out the worn sleeve and re-boring to size) or a custom repair.
- Some repairers and forum veterans suggest using 1040 steel (or similar) to weld up the worn area, then bore it out and install a new, hardened pin for longevity.
- Replace with Dealer Parts
- Some suggest getting new pins from John Deere — often much cheaper than line boring.
- The dealer-supplied solution may only work if the bore is not severely worn, otherwise the new pin will quickly wear the same as before.
- Some suggest getting new pins from John Deere — often much cheaper than line boring.
- Line Boring / Re‑Sleeving
- A line borer can weld in a new sleeve, bore it precisely for a new pin, and restore the joint to near‑original spec.
- According to experienced mechanics, this is the most durable and long-term fix, especially if the machine will continue heavy use.
- A line borer can weld in a new sleeve, bore it precisely for a new pin, and restore the joint to near‑original spec.
- DIY Weld / Rebuild
- One owner proposes removing the worn sleeve, welding in a new piece of 1040 or similar steel, then reboring for a good fit.
- After re-boring, using a new hardened or heat-treated pin from Deere helps improve longevity.
- One owner proposes removing the worn sleeve, welding in a new piece of 1040 or similar steel, then reboring for a good fit.
- Temporary / Budget Fixes
- Small weld repairs with stock material may get you by for a while, but experts caution about repeated wear or potential cracks due to thinning material.
- If you plan to keep the machine lightly used, a short-term fix might be acceptable — but for serious use, spend up for proper repair.
- Small weld repairs with stock material may get you by for a while, but experts caution about repeated wear or potential cracks due to thinning material.
Here are a few bushing‑style or pin‑replacement parts that may be relevant for repair or rebuild:
- John Deere Arm Bushing AT122209 — fits the 110 and other models; useful when replacing or upgrading worn pins.
- John Deere Backhoe Bushing U42736 — an aftermarket-style bushing that may suit some repair strategies.
- John Deere Backhoe Bushing T187115 — another option for re-bushing joints if you decide to modify the sleeve.
- After‑market Boom‑to‑Arm Bushing — generic replacement for backing up the boom‑dip joint; ensure compatibility and dimensions carefully.
- When welding in new material, make sure to choose steel with good weldability and avoid weakening the structure by using undersized or low-quality filler.
- After machining, maintain tight tolerances but allow enough clearance for lubrication and movement.
- Check for cracks or fatigue around the joint after repair — repeated welding or over-boring can risk structural integrity.
- Consider upgrading to a heavy-duty pin if your machine is used heavily — this can prevent repeated rework.
Loose bushings on a John Deere 110 backhoe loader are a known design limitation because many of these joints were not designed with serviceable bushings. While cheaper than heavy construction machines, fixing the issue properly still often requires line-boring or a custom weld-in sleeve. Short-term fixes exist, but for long-term reliability — especially if the machine does real work — investing in a proper rebuild is often the best value.
