Backhoe Backhoe operation tips for learners.

[MacTractor]

I think you will find that the learning curve is different for everyone. I would think it is like flying. There are some who climb into the plane and sol within 10 hours and other who never will solo. You either have the "hands and feet" or you do not.

I think operating equipment like this is very simular. You just reach the point where you just do the right movements with your hands to get the results you want from the BH. You don't think about it you just react and do it. Some people never get to this point and they need to think to do the task even if they have done it many times before.

I hope I won't look like to much of a dork when figuring it out. I will take the advice from one of the posts and do it in the back yard where no one can see me.

Cheers,

 

[ragkar]

You might try 'grading' yourself. Every time you take a scoop and the bucket is full, you get a 100%. Less than that, well better next time.

 

[txkevin]

I also found that my backhoe makes my dog bark like crazy, but the FEL doesn't. Dumb dog.

Thats not barking, its cheering!

 

[txkevin]

OK here is the thing. Words can only be limited help.
Someone .... someone who knows what they are doing needs to post some video of good Backhoe technique that shows the arm / bucket movements as well as the control movements and interraction.
So, if anyone ever has time, I would love to witness a standard of how it is supposed to be done in the most efficient and effective manner.

Who is up for the challenge... with my sincere thanks in advance to be sure!

 

[RichT]

It was pretty easy for me when I learned at 18. The old guy (probably all of 40) I asked about teaching me to run a 580 Case said, "Take it down there in the field. Pull a lever. If it doesn't do what you want it to do, turn loose of that lever and pull another one."

and I thought I invented this scientific approach...

 

[Charlesaf3]

Great...so you are getting paid to work that backhoe these days?

Good point, it appears its just the new form of video game don't tell the gf!

 

[boxygen]

A couple of months ago when I was clearing the spot to build my garage, I dropped a few trees to make room. While I was limbing and bucking them, my girlfriend hopped on the backhoe and dug 4 stumps in one afternoon! When I met her, she was from the city and wore lipstick. Now she wears carharts and says the tractor is hers! She picked up all the controls very quickly. When I first got the tractor, one of the first things on the list was to dig all the rocks sticking out of the "lawn". I would sit in the seat in front of the steering wheel and she would sit in the backhoe seat. I would back up the the rock, she would put the stabilizers down and dig the rock up and we would move on to the next one. It was very efficient but I had to put a stop to it because she was having all the fun!! For some reason, she hasnt offered to buy diesel or make a payment, though. But what I learned is that you just never know who is going to take to what.

 

[txkevin]

The Backhoe definately gets easier with time. First stump took about 2 hours and it was the first time I have ever used a BH. Second stump took about 1 hour. Third took about 15 minutes.
I know I am far far away from being a good operator and digging a clean and smooth sided hole, but it is relatively easy to become proficient at basic useage.