Backhoe first time using a backhoe

[bironacad]

I bought a tractor this last winter with some attachments one of which is a hoe. This weekend will be my first time using a hoe and wanted some input from those using hoes on subcompacts. Will check in later, Thanks:thumbsup:

 

[bigtiller]

What I did was to go onto the corn field where I knew I wouldn't damage anything and dig a few practice holes. This was in the spring before planting time. After the first few strokes I was begining to wonder if I could dig a hole where I wanted rather than where the hoe wanted to. It was as if the hoe had a mind of its own.

 

[devildog1]

I replaced the two drain tiles that were rooted up along the west side of house. Used my BX23TLB and it was a great tractor to work so close to sides of house,it did an amazing job digging down 5' to 6' and opening trench about 50'.Just go slow and you'll do fine.
DevilDog

 

[Raspy]

You'll have fun playing with it and will soon learn what its limitations and abilities are.

Once you get in the groove and just run it like you do your own hands and arms, it will become easy and just an extension of you. I like to run mine and am amazed at how much dirt it will move in short order!

You'll have to come up with some strategies to complete your projects, like, how to finish a ditch to a wall at both ends, how to keep a flat bottom and a continuous slope, how to deal with the spoils. Planning ahead for back filling, where to set your beverage of choice, RPM etc.

Have fun.

 

[crash325]

I bought a tractor this last winter with some attachments one of which is a hoe. This weekend will be my first time using a hoe and wanted some input from those using hoes on subcompacts. Will check in later, Thanks:thumbsup:

Small back hoes in general move real Quick. Set your hydraulic to as slow as it will go. Run your engine at a modest RPM, for most work 1,100 -1,200 is plenty. Even with a load on the hoe, if its moving, just let it work and don't get in a hurry. It will take a little while to get the "Touch", hang in there and be patient.

Other than that Have Fun & Enjoy.:thumbsup:

 

[BethesdaEC]

Small back hoes in general move real Quick. Set your hydraulic to as slow as it will go. Run your engine at a modest RPM, for most work 1,100 -1,200 is plenty. Even with a load on the hoe, if its moving, just let it work and don't get in a hurry. It will take a little while to get the "Touch", hang in there and be patient.

Other than that Have Fun & Enjoy.:thumbsup:

Remember hydraulic pressure does not drop with the RPM, only the volume, so the backhoe moves slower but it still has the same power.

 

[Kyle241]

Also sounds like an obvious point but if you have an audience, they are often eager to look into the hole/trench you are digging. Make sure to keep them well back until you stop your BH and tractor. It's surprising how fast it can swing and if you move the lever the wrong way, it will take a person out, permanently.

 

[Mousefield]

What I did was to go onto the corn field where I knew I wouldn't damage anything and dig a few practice holes. This was in the spring before planting time. After the first few strokes I was begining to wonder if I could dig a hole where I wanted rather than where the hoe wanted to. It was as if the hoe had a mind of its own.

This is the best thing to do. Just go and practice for awhile. Take it slow the first few hours until you get use to it. Have fun and stay safe.

 

[tshep]

If I can express this correctly...
Try to learn to scoop flat - it will take both hands at 1 time, 1 for bucket level, and 1 for boom or arm lift - but by scrapping flat the teeth dig in less, and the tractor doesn't move (not bucket-stuck and pulled by hoe).
Then, when that works, learn to purposely stick the hoe teeth, and pull the tractor to the next bite, and then go back to flat digging.
The pictures with nice arcs look good in the spec books, but flat digging, as much as possible, gets the job done quicker. Whatever you're digging for probably wants a flat bottom anyway (drain pipe, footing, etc.).

 

[richamor]

Practice, practice, practice. And have a ball! The only thing more fun than having a tractor is having a tractor with a backhoe!

 

[Qapla]

Be sure you put the stabilizers (the feet in the back and the bucket in the front) down before you dig our you will move the tractor instead of the dirt.

Otherwise, just be patient and let the bucket do the work. Remember that "bucket curl" will be the "strongest" operation when filling the bucket, but "booming in"will help with that flat-bottom.

Also, raising the dirt out of the hole will be one of the slowest operations (booming up) hoe, but "swinging left or right" will be faster then you expect.

Also, when piling the dirt, remember to put it far enough away from the hole/ditch that it does not roll back down into the area just dug out. When piling the dirt, remember you need room for the tractor to get out from where you are digging and be able to maneuver the tractor to push the dirt back in or move it elsewhere, so plan for this before digging.

Have fun and if you do not have a roof over the hoe seat, wear a hat.

 

[Army grunt]

As said in all other posts, the most important is(for me)run slow, 1000 to 1200rpm. Its easier on you an the machine
My grandsons 10&13 can run mine,It just takes pratice
Army Grunt

 

[gwdixon]

Yeah, what they all said. Obviously some very experienced backhoers on here.

You'll know you have it when the bucket moves like you want without any conscious input by your hands on the levers. The bucket will be an extension of your thoughts.

It is like learning how to type in a sense in that the words just come out on the screen without thinking about the input.

 

[Jay4200]

Remember hydraulic pressure does not drop with the RPM, only the volume, so the backhoe moves slower but it still has the same power.

Actually, that is incorrect on an open-center system. Max pump pressure IS RPM-dependent.

Running at 1200 RPMs is good advice for learning, but I know I tired quickly of a slow-moving 'hoe. I have a 9' Woods on my L4200. I usually run at 2000-2100 RPMs (~90% 540 PTO speed), and occasionally will kick it up to full blast (~2300) if I'm in a rush.

To the OP - just go do it. Start with low RPMs, and increase speed as you get better. You'll never believe when you dig your first hole, but it'll become second nature - you'll be doing 4-way feathering and running like a pro in no time.

JayC

 

[BruceWard]

Go have fun. But learn somewhere where you are unlikely to break anything.

 

[santa2u]

I don't own a backhoe attachment, but I have run them before and I love it. I only wish I could justify the cash outlay for one. I rented a trackhoe several times and it was a total blast! When my cousin first got his tractor, he seemed afraid he would break something if he got rough at all with it. He was trying to dig a hole for his outhouse and was getting absolutely nowhere. I got on his tractor and quickly dug the hole for him. So, the moral of the story is; tractors and their implements are made for heavy work, so don't be afraid to ask that of your machine. Believe me, you won't hurt it. Have fun and be careful.

 

[crash325]

One way to learn control is to set a beer on the fender or control panel. Work without spilling the beer and you are in control. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Boy am I going to hear it from the Safety Police. :laughing:

I was letting a big time operator dig out some cactus after about 2 minutes of swinging the bucket around & other fun actions, he says here you do it. :laughing:

Go some place safe, dig away. If someone close is good with a back hoe, have him dig while you watch. Only time and trying different things really improve your skills. I had a friend that was fast with the back hoe, but his only depth control was 4' deep. He dog almost 400' while I went to pick up water pipe. Then I took over and brought it up to 2' with a flat bottom. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[wedge40]

One way to learn control is to set a beer on the fender or control panel. Work without spilling the beer and you are in control. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

bottom. :thumbsup::thumbsup:

Where I come from spilling beer is alcohol abuse and definately frowned upon.

 

[DAY]

Another use for that beer is to drink it while reading a BOOK about the TLB- I'm surprised no one has mentioned that.
I have a copy of "Operating Techniques for the Tractor-Loader-Backhoe", by Gary J. Ober, pub 1982. I'm sure there are lots of others. Not only does it teach the basics, it covers lots of arcane situations, like carrying a log with the hoe on a side slope, crossing a trench using the bucket, stabilizers, and hoe, and loading the TLB onto a trailer, without ramps.

Also, there are some really scary You Tubes, that will make you forget about beer!

 

[Qapla]

... I rented a trackhoe several times and it was a total blast! ...

Let's not confuse the OP. There is a difference in using a "back-hoe" and a "track-hoe".

While they both dig in a similar fashion as far as bucket control, the moving of the dug dirt is a bit different. When dropping the dug dirt from a backhoe, the operator must turn his head/body to see where he is putting it. When using a track-hoe, the entire cab along with the digging arm moves so the operator is always able to see what is happening with the bucket without turning his head/body.

A track-hoe also allows for greater freedom in where the dug dirt is piled while digging.

I hope I said all the so it is understood.