Backhoe Operating a backhoe

[leslie428]

To all those who have worked with a backhoe, please help. I have now ordered by backhoe hydraulic pump and will be shortly installing it on my JM 284 LE. I have read the manual, etc. but really what I am looking for is someone who has used this backhoe or others and can give me some tips so I don't stress out the machinery and do an effective job making draining ditches and collection ponds. Thanks to all those that reply.

 

[RobS]

Three words: Practice, practice, practice

Start with a relatively low engine speed to keep the movements slower. Start with one movement at a time. As you get used to the controls and the movements they create, you can begin making more than one movement at a time. Try to be as smooth as you can in your control operation ("feather" the controls). The control logic in your machine will dictate the priority of movements when you attempt concurrent controls.

It's all much easier to experience than to describe. Others will surely have more tips but I can only stress practice. Besides, there's hardly more fun to be had than operating a backhoe /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[lhfarm]

I asked the same question this past spring. I followed Rob's (and others) advice, but not before I tried cleaning a driveway ditch. I had a terrible time. I regrouped, dug a couple of practice ditches - at low speed and really taking my time. After I had a few hours on the seat, I returned to the ditch, and if I do say so myself, did a pretty professional job cleaning it up.
Oh, and did I say how much fun it is? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[gizmo]

Hey, not so loud with fun stuff. My wife might hear.

 

[PineRidge]

Go easy with the control sticks. Forcing them won't make the backhoe dig any deeper or any quicker.

 

[AndyMA]

Make sure the machine is planted firmly. Front busket squarely on the ground and rear stabilizers evenly planted, just taking some of the weight off the tires so that the rear of the machine doesn't bounce around alot.

Think of the 2 levers as extensions of your arm and use them like your hands. It should become very natural if you do it that way. I always run about 1/2 to 2/3 rated PTO speed when backhoeing. Speed just makes me hit things and break equipment. Practice dragging the bucket along the surface of the ground and keeping the bottom of it parallel to the ground. This is how you dig a flat bottom trench )or anything else for that matter) I remember the first time I got on a backhoe about 25 years ago, all I seemed to do was bounch the rear end of the tractor all around. After a couple of days, much of which was spent practicing with the bucket not touching the ground, the motions all became second nature and I no longer had to think of them. The backhoe is my favorite attachment...(well short of an excavator that is). Have fun. You won't believe what you can do with a backhoe.

Andy

 

[RonL]

Leslie

One of the primary things you should keep in mind is that you should use the teeth to dig with. They are the replaceble wear item. Don't scrape the bottom of the bucket along the dirt. Use the teeth. Also, try to minimize sideways loads on the bucket. This puts enormous loads on the pins. Good Luck!

RonL

 

[Richard]

One thing I read (here I might add), fill the bucket with water and practice moving the bucket around WITHOUT spilling any water.

of course, I mastered this manouver in about 13 seconds (because there was no water left to spill)

/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif