Backhoe/Loader FAQ

jdbower · Jul 11, 2006

The ultimate frustration! Less than an hour before I had to leave for the airport on business my 2520 was returned ahead of schedule (thanks Farmingdale Tractor!) with a brand new backhoe attached. Nothing like knowing a new toy is at home slowly losing the new toy smell and I was afraid to do much with it for fear that the diesel fumes would set off alarms at the airport.

It's occurred to me that I have no idea how to properly use a backhoe. Nor do I really know how to use a loader. I have a decent understanding of the laws of physics so I'm pretty sure I can make them do what I want, but I was hoping that someplace out on the web there was a page dedicated to teaching novices how to use these things properly. Much to my dismay I've found two types of sites. Generic sites that tell me to move things slowly because dirt is heavy and sites trying to sell me video training material at a cost of $475 an hour (one was $150 for a 19 minute video!). Short of John Deere's reasonably priced videos which may be a bit more product-specific, does anyone out there have any pointers for me?

I'm looking for generic information like "when using a loader on materials on uneven ground, it's best to approach with the bucket at a xx degree angle to the ground and to use the arms to lift instead of the bucket" or "to dig a deep hole you should use the backhoe bucket to dig but to dig a trench you should use the backhoe arm". Even if I can't find any information, it sure will be fun teaching myself.

MrJimi · Jul 11, 2006

JD, I have to laugh at your posting! I did the same thing, I bought a Case skid steer and the guy said, here's the keys go and play with it in the dirt.
I told him, I never even started one but I will buy one. I did, he delivered it and I been playing in the dirt and learning lots of stuff. I like to watch others run these things and pay good attention.
Go to a construction site and watch how they run these things and you will learn as I am. I have some land to practice on and its fun.
Now go out there and play and ( if in doubt? DON"T ) and all will work for you
Jim

XviperX2 · Jul 11, 2006

I have to agree w/ MrJimi, I am also a novice to the loader & BH. I Have had mine for about a month trial and error is a good learning tool. I am a commercial electrician, so i get to see alot of equiptment at work and get to talk to the operators. which is also a great help!! HAVE FUN and BE SAFE!!!

gordon21 · Jul 11, 2006

I clicked the link about DVD's and found the ones pertainh to construction equipment. Does anyone know of ones for the CUT crowd?? It can be any brand since the basics are the same no matter what color the hoe is.

AKfish · Jul 12, 2006

Some time ago ("lurked" on this site for a couple of years) I recall reading a number of posts regarding the best/appropriate/safest manner of using a backhoe. Seem to recall that those posts were in the "Attachment" forum. Lot's of discussion about FEL bucket placement and outrigger use; i.e. whether it was best to elevate (read lift) the front and rear wheels or to leave the wheels in contact with the ground. Good stuff. I'd be surprised if there wasn't a history of comments regarding FEL use, also. Dig a little... AKfish

slaveToHorses · Jul 12, 2006

I've owned a few. Put 300hrs on a #7 like yours. I rented some BH's and track hoes before I baught one. Always nice to learn on a rental

My advice is to practice at first with the RPM down low. That way it responds slower.

AKfish · Jul 13, 2006

I agree with slavetohorses comments -- most definitely start out slow on the RPM'S. The BH can really get your attention --- and be very hard to "finesse" if you're trying to learn while operating at anything close to PTO rpms! As a rule, I don't use either the FEL or the BH at PTO rpms. I run the hoe at 2,000 or slightly above. For FEL work, I set the hand throttle at 1300 rpm and use the foot throttle to dig or fill the bucket. AKfish

6or7dazeaweek · Jul 13, 2006

JD: Lots of good replies to your post. Safety is the biggie here. I had a good scare about 20 years ago...got laid off from G.E. and was doing odd jobs and a co-worker had a nursery and hired me to load his dump truck with horse manure. It was a good job and no strain since I had his 8N with a loader and his dump truck on site to load the stuff into. After loading the truck & making a few runs to his nursery, I felt pretty proficient and got faster at it. Backing out of the manure pile with the loader raised high and turning the wheel to get lined up with the dump truck was when it hit the fan. The rear tire came up about 12" or so before I managed to lower the FEL. That was a close call and a great learning experience for me. After that I was very in tune with what I was doing and learned that haste is not the answer.

Have fun in the dirt pile....but most of all keep the loader low when backing up.

Jon

slaveToHorses · Jul 13, 2006

yeah, that's a good point on loader work.
Don't drive around with the loader up high, even without a load, if you can avoid it. Also remember that just because you are on flat land doesn't mean you are save from a tip-over. It is amazing how fast a wheel can sink in and without any suspension to absorb the change in geometry, the tractor tips.

Also, NEVER work the backhoe controls when you are off the tractor. This is tempting sometimes but don't do it. If you mistakenly hit the wrong control, the wrong way you can get hit by the hoe. Also remember that because the hoe will swing 90 degrees, it can hit it's own stabilizers. In fact you can catch and lift your own stabilizer with the bucket! Keep your hands clear of the controls when mounting or dismounting from the BH seat.
When you are lifting the stabilzers, while on a slope, lift the uphill one first. Get back in the tractor seat and the reach back and lift the stabilizers, it's too easy to drop a tire on your foot by lifting the stabilizers while standing to the side of the tractor!

BX2230Dude · Jul 13, 2006

I've seen the John Deere video "Backhoe Loader Operation - Tips from the Pros". It's a pretty good video. While they show John Deere machines at work, nothing in the video is exclusive to John Deere (unlike their other videos

). It shows how to dig trenches, when to be precise and when to "bail dirt". It shows how to work a spoil pile and load trucks, how to lift with the backhoe, some basic tricks of the trade, etc. It's a good video for anyone who owns a TLB. My only complaint is the video should have been longer and covered more material. I still give it two thumbs up.