I cannot get the handle on this yard hydrant to budge back down, no matter how hard I push. I thought maybe some of the mechanism there might be rusted up so applied some penetrating oil, let it sit overnight, but that didn't help at all. It is stuck tight in that up/open position. We have other hydrants like this on the property but have never encountered this problem with any of those, or even this one before. Any comments/advice appreciated.

 

Sounds like the rod may be stuck. Loosen the packing nut on the rod and see if the rod moves then. You might take the top bolt out of the handle pivot and see if eveything else moves. Or the bolt just above the square bolt then hold the whole thing to the side off the rod and make sure everything moves. If it does then it is for sure the downrod stuck. Could be the washer at the bottom is coming apart and jamming the rod.

 

Okay, loosened the packing nut and the other bolts suggested but the handle still wouldn't move. Then tried loosening the square nut and then the handle would at least push upward. But cannot move the handle downward, so it SEEMS the rod itself must be stuck, tight . Any further suggestions appreciated.

 

Ok if the wheel looking thing in front of the rod is an adjustment for the flow of the water it restricts the handle. Is it free to move? If so it appears you will need to remove the whole head and pull the rod out of the pipe it is threaded into. They sell replacement rods and also kits to repair theses faucets. You will need to measure the rod after you get it out to buy the correct one. That is if you need to replace the rod. May just need a new rubber washer on the end.
You need to be sure to hold the outside pipe well as you unscrew the faucet head so the pipe does not turn so as to not break the pipe attatched to the undergroung fitting.
You could try removing the packing nut and spraying a rust busting type stuff in to free it up. If the square bolt is removed you might be able to twist the rod to free it up.
Either way the thing will need repaired or replaced. Replace the parts or the whole thing. Your choice.
Might think about lubricating the others you have as they are all probably about the same age.
Here is a youtube video that explains it pretty good...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_Yh-iw7CAQ

 

Dumb question probably: Should I need to shut off the water supply before trying to remove the packing nut? Would rather not have to.

 

Yes, although you may have a cut off valve for the exterior spigots.