Whether you need to dig a hole that is too big to do with a shovel or other tool or you have a job that requires you to operate a backhoe, if you plan to use one of these machines, you need to know some basic information before getting on one. and launch yourself to use it. This article will teach you how to do it.
Steps
Step 1. Take a look at the machine you are going to operate
There are two obvious reasons to do this: one is to familiarize yourself with the machine and the other is to make sure it is appropriate for the job.
- Review the location of the operator controls and understand that the machine is operated in two directions: forward and reverse.
- Looking ahead, you will see a steering wheel, gear stick, front loader control lever, brake pedals (independent left and right brakes), throttle, and control switches for accessories such as lights, hazard lights, the horn, the emergency brake actuator, the ignition switch, indicators and other items. From this position, a backhoe looks very similar to other tractors.
- Looking back (the seat rotates 180 degrees), you should see the arm controls. There are two different configurations for the stick controls: the three-lever, which includes foot controls for balancing the bucket; and joystick controls, which operate all of the backhoe boom controls with two joysticks. In addition, you will see two auxiliary controls, either mounted in pairs to the side of the seat or in front of the arm control levers, that raise and lower the stabilizers.
- Check the security equipment. Experienced backhoe operators check safety equipment at the beginning of each shift to make sure it is in good condition. This requires a little knowledge of how safety equipment works, but even a beginner should be able to observe things like seat belt conditions, fire extinguisher load, and be able to see obvious damage, such as members in the roll-over protection system and lack of protective guards.
A backhoe will have two stabilizer arms that are firmly attached to the ground before digging begins. These should always be in an upright position before moving the machine
- Check the general conditions of the machine. Check the tires to make sure they are properly inflated and do not show any visible signs of damage, check for oil leaks, damaged hydraulic hoses, or other obvious signs of abuse or dangerous conditions.
- Look at the size of the machine. Backhoes range in size from small accessories for garden tractors, to machines weighing more than 55,000 kg with turbocharged diesel engines. You will have to decide how big you need the machine to be to do the job you have in mind.
- Check the other elements of the machine that you are going to operate, such as the air conditioning, four-wheel drive, extendable arms and the different special accessories available on these machines.
Step 2. Read the operator's manual for the machine you are going to operate
There are major differences in backhoes, from the location of the controls to the starting procedure itself and the location of the instrument panel. Obviously, this article is general in nature and does not cover all makes and models of backhoes; Each backhoe has its own characteristics that you should be familiar with.
Step 3. Get on the machine you have chosen
Sit in the seat, fasten your seat belt and look around slowly to see what the clearances are for the different parts of the machine and where the different controls are located. Avoid rehearsing with the controls, as various parts can move if you move the levers or controls, even if the engine is not running.
Step 4. Check all fluid levels before turning on the machine
Before starting the backhoe, be sure to check all fluid levels, including fuel, additives, oil, radiator, power steering, brakes, and hydraulic fluids. Do it every day before starting the engine.
Step 5. Start the engine, allowing it to warm up for a few minutes before attempting to engage the transmission or operate any of the controls
This warm-up time will ensure that the hydraulic fluid begins to circulate and warm up.
Step 6. Check to make sure all attachments are off the ground, including outriggers, front bucket, and backhoe arm
If you need to lift them in order to operate the machine, use the controls delicately until you are comfortable with them. This is especially true for the rear arm, as lifting or swinging it without the stabilizers down can cause the tractor to shake violently.
Step 7. Release the parking brake and shift the transmission forward, then drive slowly while mastering the handling and braking of the machine
It is a good idea to operate it in low or second gear while you practice driving the machine; even experienced operators only use third or high gear on very smooth flat surfaces, as the balance of the machine makes it difficult to operate at high speeds.
Backhoes are prone to swaying, which can easily get out of control and difficult to correct. Operate the machine slowly and carefully to avoid these complications
Step 8. Raise and lower the front loader bucket (if equipped) to get used to it
The control lever for this attachment is located to the left side of the operator, if seated facing forward. To raise the bucket, pull straight back; pushing it forward will lower it; if you push it towards the center of the machine blades and push it out, you will throw it away.
Step 9. Park the machine in a suitable area to practice backhoe digging
Make sure you have plenty of clearance both to the rear and to the sides of the machine, as the arm swings 180 degrees to the left and right and has a reach of up to 5.5 m (18 ft).
Step 10. Adjust the throttle to accelerate the engine to approximately 850 revolutions per minute (not very fast until you get used to the controls)
Step 11. Lower the stabilizers until they raise the rear of the tractor so that the rear wheels are off the ground
Then lower the bucket to its limit, raising the front wheels as well. You may find that you may have to lower one outrigger more than the other to level the rear of the machine, depending on whether you are on a slope or the ground is less stable on one side than the other.
Make sure that the machine is raised slightly from its wheels so that the weight during operations is supported by the stabilizers and the front bucket
Step 12. Unlock the rear arm
Do this by pulling forward (towards you and in front of the tractor) the left control lever, then pushing it away from you when it stops at the highest point, while holding the release lever (usually on the right side of the board. off the floor) with your foot.
Step 13. Find a comfortable operating setup
Backhoes have a selector switch that allows you to reverse the controls depending on whether you are left-handed or right-handed. Some people may be more comfortable with different settings. Check your operation manual to find the location on the switch and determine which setting is easiest for you to use.
Step 14. Push the left lever out after unlocking the boom, to lower the main boom or the closest section of the backhoe boom
Push the right lever outward to extend the lower arm (the outside section, with the bucket attached) away from you (this will actually lift the second arm) so that the bucket extends outward.
Step 15. Position the bucket above where you want to start digging and then push the right control lever to the right to open the bucket and scoop up dirt
Then lower the main boom so it grabs the ground. Push the left lever to lower the boom towards the ground, while pulling the right lever to drag the bucket on the ground into position to lift it. Finally, begin moving the bucket forward by moving the right control lever to the left. You will see that with practice you will begin to coordinate these movements to achieve a fluid movement of the backhoe.
Step 16. Raise your arm by pulling the left control lever
Generally, the bucket is lifted by moving the right control to your left, to keep it full as you lift it out of the hole.
Step 17. Swing the bucket to the side where you will dump the dirt you scooped out of the hole, pushing the left control lever in the direction you want the arm to go
Once you have the load on the place where you want to dump it, just push the right lever to your left and the bucket will open, allowing it to dump its contents.
Step 18. Move the back of the bucket to its starting position by pushing the left control lever in the direction you want the arm to go, then repeat the process
Practicing this operation is the basic and safe way to learn how to operate your backhoe.
Step 19. Lower the bucket to the ground when you are done operating the machinery
Make sure the front bucket is firmly on the ground each time you turn off the machine. This will prevent the backhoe from rolling, even with the parking brake on. The rear arm must be in its locked position to prevent hydraulic fluid from leaking out.
Advice
- Keep your cell phone with you at all times, in case you get into a dangerous place.
- Try to find an experienced operator to help you master backhoe operation. These machines can be incredibly dangerous for inexperienced people to operate.
- Practice digging and backfilling a small hole in a safe place and practice operating the machine in a place where there are no obstacles above.
Warnings
- Wear your seat belt whenever the machine is in operation.
- Do not let anyone be near the machine while you are operating it.
- Call the pipe locator service before digging a hole, unless you are on private property with no use for underground utilities. If you have any questions, call.