Backhoe Backhoe Usage

[JVPSKI]

I just bought a Wallenstein GX720 backhoe with manual thumb. I have never used a backhoe and would like to know the do/don'ts and other helpful backhoe usage comments.

I will let the group know how the backhoe performs at a later time. Thx

 

[Egon]

There are buried utilities out there that should be located prior to the start of digging.:thumbsup:

 

[s78wingrider]

I don't know what kind of hoe you have or what your doing with it, but if your working around trees, like digging out and moving trees to build a road, be careful not to hit cylinder on top that controls bucket when moving trees out of the way! I did and bent cylinder shaft! (still going to school!), costly mistake!

 

[Mousefield]

Take your time in learning how to use it. Safety should be at the top of your list. Read your manual, it should have tips in it on how to use it. Greasing it frequently is a good idea; make sure you find all the grease nipples. Enjoy and happy digging. :thumbsup:

 

[lakngulf]

Mouse' has become an expert with that backhoe, but we need to ask the homeowner what shape those flower pots were in after Mouse' was finished

 

[newbury]

I JUST (5 minutes ago) got off my ride working on digging up some stumps, pics later maybe.
As you can see from my avatar (today) I use it to pick up sticks around the yard.

like said - call 811 for utility inspection, CYA, in Va it's the law
look up the greasing threads
dig holes and fill them in for practice.
Go to some of the web sites and watch others on how they do it. I think everything attachments may have a tutorial.

Be CAREFUL not to stress it on the curl when it's close in, has bent rods.

Keep it under cover, don't led the clay cake up.
NOONE within swing range plus a fudge factor.
Be careful of clothing catching on a handle when moving around.
Practice taking it on and off.
And USE it!! You paid for it enjoy the ride!

I LOVE digging up a stump after having done some by hand.

 

[Mousefield]

Mouse' has become an expert with that backhoe, but we need to ask the homeowner what shape those flower pots were in after Mouse' was finished

OK I did it. :laughing: Nudged the grey one in pic #2. It was right at the corner of the stairs. He moved it towards the house after that, as you can see its now just behind the backhoe bucket. It was plastic and just cracked the rim but no real damage.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

JVPSKI while we do not have our thumb yet I used my first backhoe a few weeks ago.

I get better each time I work it. The only warning I could share is if you use it to strip lower limbs before you dig a suckered out stump may sure and not lift the backhoe off the ground then have the limb break.

Swinging from a limb by your tail and have the limb break when you are about 6" off the ground can be painful at least to the operator I found.

So far the other stuff is coming along. I did learn our hoe bucket has a "power dig" pin setting and that helped cutting roots.

Of you are digging up trees and pushing them out with the FEL pretty high be very careful they go forward and not side ways because they could flip you. Make sure you are pushing in the direction they tend to lean and that they will fall BEFORE your FEL starts sliding down lower on the tree because your front wheels are now in the hole you just dug.

Make a hole or two in an non traffic area and refill them helps with learning the controls I found.

Best of luck. You are going to love the thumb I am sure for piling/loading stuff.

 

[JVPSKI]

Thanks to all for the good suggestions!

 

[spo307]

when learning remember small speed= small problems. big speed= big problems

 

[JoelD]

Same advice as others, grease frequently and use often.

I've found my thumb to be invaluable when cutting trees and picking up and placing rocks.

Good luck and have fun.

Joel

 

[jimmyj]

Don't use the hoe without the stabilizers/outriggers down. And remember how gravity is enhanced the further out you have the bucket....

For example, if you have a big giant stump in the bh bucket, and you want to drive the tractor a bit forward with hoe way out back, and you lift the outriggers, well, the tractor will tip back and do a wheelie. (How can I tell you I know this.....)

Seriously, keep the outriggers down firm.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I was told the outriggers also will save you from braking your rear end parts too.

 

[tommu56]

On our smaller machines dig on the face of the trench pulling up.
We dont have much weight to keep from pulling tractor back when trying to dig pulling toward your self the tractor will slide back over the trench, pulling up pulls against the stabilizers and not slipping or sliding.

tom

 

[ElDorado]

Anyone have any hints about using the thumb? I seem to be able to do logs okay but am REALLY having issues picking up rocks! This was one the the major reason for getting the thumb. I have tried many positions on my manual thumb on my new BX-80x and am still struggling.

Thanks to all....

 

[Mousefield]

Anyone have any hints about using the thumb? I seem to be able to do logs okay but am REALLY having issues picking up rocks! This was one the the major reason for getting the thumb. I have tried many positions on my manual thumb on my new BX-80x and am still struggling.

Thanks to all....

It just takes practice. I have a 7 position thumb and sometimes I have to adjust my thumb depending on what I am trying to pickup. I have gotten good enough that I can pickup small branches and rocks, just got to get that seat time in. :thumbsup:

 

[boxygen]

Dont hook onto something with your bucket and drive to drive off and yank on it. Thats a sure way to bend a cylinder. Thats what someone told me anyway

 

[captbluewater]

I have found that before you start digging. To get used to the controls get and object like a rock about 12''round and use the controls to move the rock around back and forth and side to side without disturbing the dirt. After awhile you won't even have to think what each control lever does.

 

[newbury]

Along this thread -
How much "force" to use on the hoe?
I'm trying to break out a maple stump with some major roots. Using my ride in my sig.

Some are thick enough that I have to cut them with a chain saw. But frequently I find myself curling the bucket and the front end, with FEL dropped to ground, lifting a foot off the ground, where I HAVE TO GRADUALLY LOWER IT. I'm going to try and add weight to the front (chain on a box blade) but I am concerned about damaging the hoe.

If it's strong enough to curl are the cylinders strong enough to take it?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

If designed and relief pressures are correct the hydraulics should be the weak link. Our JD bucket has a power dig holes to use. The manual states it increases the dig power to 4600 PSI or something like that. It does help with tree root cutting. The 24" bucket may hurt however.