Backhoe loader is a kind of multifunctional machine, which is widely used in construction, landscaping and agricultural places worldwide. Backhoe loaders have a billion-dollar sales market worldwide. Backhoe loaders are reliable multifunctional tools that provide unparalleled performance in a variety of industries.
Whether you are familiar with backhoe loaders or not, it is important to understand the most basic safety regulations and operating specifications. In this guide, we will discuss how to operate, as well as the basic operating steps and some tips for using a backhoe safely to prevent accidents.
What is a backhoe?
The backhoe is a multifunctional industrial tractor with two main functions. As the name suggests, a backhoe loader can dig and load, with its boom and stick at the rear end, and a bucket loader at the front end. Booms and sticks allow you to excavate, from trenching to loosening soil, as well as lifting and placing materials. The front loader allows you to shovel and move the soil, such as backfilling soil and leveling many grounds, and leveling the terrain. Since the seat can be rotated 180 degrees, you can easily switch from front to back as needed.
Backhoe loaders are specially designed for small and medium-sized projects. They are widely used in urban engineering, construction and agricultural environments. Typical backhoe loaders, such as the Cat? F series backhoe loaders, have a depth of about 14 feet and have a load capacity of more than 2,400 pounds, making them stronger than them.
The backhoe loader has a compact structure, with two smaller front wheels and two larger rear wheels, so that these machines have higher maneuverability in narrow workplaces. In narrow workplaces, large special machines may be possible. It is difficult to operate efficiently. This is why you might find yourself behind a backhoe loader-they are not too big for ordinary public roads. Backhoe loaders are one of the most dependent heavy machinery in the world, helping to increase productivity and speed up project progress safely with less energy.
When operating for the first time, it is very important to be familiar with the various parts of the backhoe. Understanding the basic structure of a backhoe loader and its purpose will help you learn how to operate the loader safely. The following are the basic components of a backhoe loader, as well as their uses and functions:
The main parts of the backhoe loader
Tractor: The core of the Caterpillar backhoe is the tractor, which is an all-terrain vehicle. Because of its uniform weight distribution and heavy-duty tires, it can drive on uneven ground. Like all vehicles, the cab of a backhoe loader has operating controls such as a steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedal. Depending on the model, the backhoe may be completely enclosed or partially covered.
Front loader: The front of the tractor is a hydraulic loader bucket that can be controlled vertically. The loader can lift and move loose materials, turn over debris or remove dust. The front-end loader is compatible with different Maoshan work tool accessories for further multi-tasking.
Backhoe: The backhoe is the rear component of the backhoe loader. It consists of a boom and a stick (or bucket) attached with work tools. The stick adjusts vertically like an elbow joint. The other end of the stick or bucket is the end of the stick.
Stabilizer legs: The backhoe has two stabilizer legs behind the rear wheels. Engaging the stabilizer feet during excavation allows the wheels to rise off the ground, thereby reducing weight and reducing the burden on the tractor. The stabilizer foot is an important safety feature that protects the equipment and prevents the backhoe loader from tipping over.
How to operate a backhoe
A lot of practice is required to operate the backhoe properly and fully and safely. It takes some time to master, this is not a problem that can be solved overnight. When learning how to use a backhoe, it is important to start slowly. For snapshots of safe operations, follow the tips below to operate the backhoe:
Adjust the cab settings: first enter the cab and make the necessary ergonomic adjustments, such as seat depth and height, steering wheel inclination and pedal angle. Familiarize yourself with joystick controls, throttle and lock mechanisms for loaders and backhoes, and accessories such as lights, wipers and horns.
Test equipment: Ignite the engine to allow time to warm up. Then, test your tool. Engage and release the stabilizer feet. Gently raise and lower the backhoe arm and front loader to feel their power.
Slowly drive to your working place: raise and fix the boom, stabilizer and loader. Release the parking space and move the gearbox to the forward position. Drive forward slowly, staying only in the first and second gears. Backhoe digging opportunities produce a lot of rebound. This is normal, but if it feels too bumpy, slow down.
Park the loader and engage the stabilizer legs: drive the loader to a test work area with flat ground and no obstacles. Remember that the boom swings to the right, so you need enough side clearance as well as front, rear, and overhead clearance. Lower the stabilizer feet until the rear wheel is lifted off the ground, but keep it as low as possible to maintain stability. Next, fully raise the front wheel so that the front bucket completely clears the ground in its lowered position. If you are on a small slope, please adjust the stabilizer feet left and right as needed to ensure that the rear of the machine remains level.
Test the backhoe boom: rotate the seat so that you face back (backhoe end). First unlock the arm lever by lever or release mechanism. Using the left joystick control, gently push the control away from you and lower the boom to the ground. Pull the joystick toward you to raise the boom to perform the operation in reverse. Move the control left and right to rotate the arm accordingly.
Test the backhoe arm and bucket: Using the joystick control on the right, you can now test the backhoe arm and bucket. Pull the controls towards you to move the arm and bucket towards the cab. Reverse the operation by pushing the control away from you to send the robot arm and bucket outward. Moving the control to the left will cause the bucket to curl for digging. Moving the control to the right releases the bucket to be dumped.
Continue testing: After testing each control movement independently, you can start putting them together for fluid movement. Continue to repeat these controls gently until you can comfortably maneuver the backhoe.
Test the loader: Raise and lock the backhoe boom and arm, fix it in place, and then rotate to the front of the cab. Release the stabilizer feet until all four wheels are back on the ground. Turn the machine over so that the loader is now facing the dug hole. Put down the front bucket, drive forward, slowly push the material back into the dug hole, lift and put down the soil to backfill the hole. To fix the backfill hole, drive on it to compact the ground tightly. Turn the loader upside down and drive it back to the area with a bucket. This will help smooth the terrain.
After performing some test runs, you should have an idea of how to use the backhoe loader. Keep practicing and don't forget to read the "Operation and Maintenance Manual" regularly to fully understand the functions of the backhoe loader.
Whether you are a novice backhoe or an experienced equipment operator, it is important to always maintain the most important safety tips for the operation of a backhoe. Even people who have used loaders for many years need to undergo further training from time to time to prevent accidents.
The backhoe loader is a reliable and versatile heavy-duty machine that can be used in many situations. However, as with any machine, it is important to be familiar with how to properly perform backhoe operations. This ensures that you operate the machine as expected, which prevents accidents and unnecessary wear and tear.
