Backhoe Backhoe stabilizers

[jimmyj]

I've been doing searches but can't seem to find what I'm after.

Now that I'm about to start using my backhoe, I am not sure exactly how to "park" the tractor.

Can anyone give advice re a subframe hoe.

-what is the best position for the FEL, flat on the ground or curled down?
-how much down pressure on the ground on the FEL?
-how much should the rear tires be on the ground? In other words how "far" down do I put the BH stabilizer arms?
-is it "normal" when pulling with the bucket of the hoe on a big stump to actually move the tractor forward or back?

Any tips or direction to a thread about this would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[dillo99]

I tend to put the fel down but flat - if you point it down you will put a lot more force on it. This may be okay but I prefer not to do that.

My manual says that the stablizers should be firmly on the ground but should not lift the rear wheels. In practice, I find that this does not work too well - the tractor will just pull along. I suppose some of this depends on soil conditions. So...I just crank them down until the rear wheels are actually off the ground. You still get some movement especially with something like a stump. also, it depends a lot on how you use the hoe. Using the curl circuit will generally cause less pull of the tractor especially if you can do it in a way that creates downward pull instead of laterally pull - for example, get the bucket under a root rather than pulling against the side of a root.

Hope that helps!

 

[two_bit_score]

Man, it's really difficult to copy a picture from a website to this site.

http://www.equiptrain.com/tlbbook.htm

Operating Techniques For The Tractor-Loader-Backhoe
Official training text of the International Union of Operating Engineers since 1996

Industry standard for TLB training since 1983

Now over 300 photos and illustrations for easy comprehension

Specific new information on the One Call system and its limitations

Expanded utility chapter includes operator guide to avoiding utility damage

Detailed examination of the "physics of operation" covering never before published information

Question and answer examination for each chapter

Used by dozens of Training programs throughout North America



This book is a good overview of operating techniques for the tractor loader backhoe. It's a good investment.

 

[jimmyj]

Thanks. I am officially an idiot. Never thought to read the manual!

 

[radioman]

By parking , I am not sure if you mean just before you start the job or leaving the tractor there for the day ? If just for the night, I usually put the boom down with bucket resting on ground in case my daughter finds her way to the tractor and play with controls she not supposed to. If you mean before you start using the BH, I find it varies with the ground you are on. I find that its much more stable and more holding power with stabilizers pushing down in ground as far it will go just before it lifts tractor off the ground. When using the parking brake for a single point of digging like a stump or single hole, You can use more pulling power before it moves the tractor. The FEL position makes a difference. Flat on the ground is better for stresses on tractor and preserving lawn, but angled gets a much better grip and less movement.

Using a subcompact is a whole new ballgame compared to the big boys as they have weight and more hydraulic power to its advantage. It's just a matter of using your machine until you find a balance that works best for you. Remember, let hydraulic and angles do the work for you, not you trying to hold the machine back. try curling bucket more before tractor pulls you in. try taking less depth bites. remember, tractor is doing the work for you, and it never gets tired so even if you not getting full buckets, you are getting it done. The more you use it , the better you will be.

 

[LBrown59]

-is it "normal" when pulling with the bucket of the hoe on a big stump to actually move the tractor forward or back?

Thanks

Yeah.

 

[Opti-Mist]

Here are some thoughts on setup and operation of the backhoe.

FEL bucket flat on the ground, apply downpressure to transfer weight to the bucket. This provides the longest most stable operating platform.

Stabilizers set down far enough to transfer the weight from the rear wheels to the stabilizer pads. This provides the widest stance and the greatest digging depth.

Digging is like scooping dirt with a spoon. Move the bucket so it slices through the dirt as that results in the least resistance to filling the bucket. It takes practice but you'll become proficient.

It is possible for the hoe to pull the tractor towards the trench when the load against the bucket lip becomes great enough. Generally it will be caused by a change in the material being excavated, such as rocks, roots, etc. Yes, jacking up the tractor even more on the stabilizers can help, but not really all that much if you are a skilled operator. Obviously a stump can be an exception and I'm inclined to horse it just as much as the next guy, but should really keep trying to dig around the stump to break as many roots as possible, even if it means repositioning the rig a number of times.

A "Park" position was developed to satisfy legal issues. In this position the backhoe digging elements are fully extended and the bucket is resting on the ground. Stabilizers are resting on the ground. Loader bucket is resting on the ground. All circuits have hydraulic pressure neutralized. Key removed from the ignition. Now when the kids play operator and wiggle the control levers, nothing can move.

Have fun playing in the dirt!

 

[digger2]

Another thing that i find helpfull in keeping the tractor from "jumping around" when using a hoe is loading the rear tires.Makes the machine heavier
while lowering the COG.I too when i first started "hoeing" used to raise the machine up further than needed feeling it got a better "plant" on the ground
but after some thought realized i was not only losing depth capacity but also reach by a very small amount.And raising the tractor more than you need to also raises the COG.......not a good thing...............Digger2

 

[CurlyDave]

I have just been reading that loading tires is not recommended for a backhoe.

Moving the rear end around with the hoe is a part of normal operation. I frequently use the hoe to reposition. If the tires are loaded they are too heavy to do this.

 

[tommu56]

Another thing to help from pulling tractor around while digging is hard is to dig on the face of the holepulling up.

This that you are pulling up with the teeth right below the tractor.

I go in and scoop loose dirt from previous cycle at the bottom pulling toward me, the when I get to the face keeping the bucket level or tipped up a little I rake the face with the teeth the dirt falls to the bottom as it is loosened, and scooped up in next cycle.

tom