First time driving rubber tire back hoe on streets

[futuresweets10]

I have only owned my backhoe (cat 416b) for about a month and I havent had the need to drive it on any roads any major distances. I did take it on my street for a few min. just to see how it handled and needless to say it was bouncy. I need some pointers on driving it on the streets as I have to take it in for repair tomorrow morning and its an 8.6 mile drive.

I did notice that when I got going at a good speed and hit a bump the front end wanted to move around. Im scared of hitting a bump or pot hole and leaving the road. Is this something I need to worry about or is this something I am looking too much into? Do I need to rely only on the steering for turning or rely heavily on the brakes too? Any help would be greatly appriciated. Thanks

 

[RickB]

Make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage. Wouldn't be good if someone sued you and you weren't covered.

 

[John White]

If it feels un safe at that speed it probably is. Sorry to tell you but they are not designed for highway travel and when I have to take mine on the road, I keep the speed down. Doesnt take much to get them bouncing and once they start it seems to get worse until slowing back down. I dont play with the brakes when traveling.

 

[LBrown59]

Make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage. Wouldn't be good if someone sued you and you weren't covered.

A first and primary consideration .

 

[DirtyWorks]

Well, How did it go?

 

[futuresweets10]

Well, How did it go?

Ended up having it trailer'd to the CAT dealer. They had a truck in the area picking up a rental fork lift so they cut me a good deal on transporting it. I did, however, drive it on the rd today when I picked it up from the dealer. The dealer is slightly over 8 miles from my house, but the job I'm working on is about 4 from the dealer..... so I drove it to the job site. It did a lot better than I thought it would. Slow process but it got there just fine. There was only a small part of the trip that was on a 2 lane rd so I never backed up any traffic with it. Had a guy that works for me follow me in my truck.

 

[Eagleview]

Make sure your tire pressures are correct which smoothes the travel , carry your buckets in the front bucket and if it has a ride control switch (Accumulator) make sure it is turned on .

 

[Builder]

I road my LB115 constantly, my farm tractor, too. I suggest NOT having someone follow you while doing so. In my experience, it actually makes you more prone to an accident. All the BMW types who have to pass anything going under 75MPH will pass the escort vehicle and might end up hitting you in the side.

Usually our tractors are equipeed with lots of flashers and work lights. Turn all of them "on" and don't forget the SMV emblem on the back.

 

[Eagleview]

I drive my tractor on the road a lot , it never ceases to amaze me how stupid drivers are . They will follow me for ages at 40 k's per hour even when there are clear and safe passing opportunities . I succumb after a while even though I know what the dorks will do . I pull off to the side so they can pass and they go right over to the other side of the road , even over double lines . WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE STUPID ??????????

 

[Builder]

I drive my tractor on the road a lot , it never ceases to amaze me how stupid drivers are . They will follow me for ages at 40 k's per hour even when there are clear and safe passing opportunities . I succumb after a while even though I know what the dorks will do . I pull off to the side so they can pass and they go right over to the other side of the road , even over double lines . WHY DIDN'T YOU DO THAT IN THE FIRST PLACE STUPID ??????????

I know what you mean. You turn around and look at them and there they are trying to decide "should I pass, or not pass??? ". Then when they finally decide to pass, it's on a blind hill or curve. :confused2:

Buddy of mine was roading a small Kubota and had a chase vehicle. Dope in a car passed the chase vehicle and passed it, then tried to slide into the spot occupied by the small Kubota and nearly knocked the Kubota off the road.