Backhoe Backhoe Usage

[JoelD]

Same advice as others, grease frequently and use often.

I've found my thumb to be invaluable when cutting trees and picking up and placing rocks.

Good luck and have fun.

Joel

 

[jimmyj]

Don't use the hoe without the stabilizers/outriggers down. And remember how gravity is enhanced the further out you have the bucket....

For example, if you have a big giant stump in the bh bucket, and you want to drive the tractor a bit forward with hoe way out back, and you lift the outriggers, well, the tractor will tip back and do a wheelie. (How can I tell you I know this.....)

Seriously, keep the outriggers down firm.

 

[Gale Hawkins]

I was told the outriggers also will save you from braking your rear end parts too.

 

[tommu56]

On our smaller machines dig on the face of the trench pulling up.
We dont have much weight to keep from pulling tractor back when trying to dig pulling toward your self the tractor will slide back over the trench, pulling up pulls against the stabilizers and not slipping or sliding.

tom

 

[ElDorado]

Anyone have any hints about using the thumb? I seem to be able to do logs okay but am REALLY having issues picking up rocks! This was one the the major reason for getting the thumb. I have tried many positions on my manual thumb on my new BX-80x and am still struggling.

Thanks to all....

 

[Mousefield]

Anyone have any hints about using the thumb? I seem to be able to do logs okay but am REALLY having issues picking up rocks! This was one the the major reason for getting the thumb. I have tried many positions on my manual thumb on my new BX-80x and am still struggling.

Thanks to all....

It just takes practice. I have a 7 position thumb and sometimes I have to adjust my thumb depending on what I am trying to pickup. I have gotten good enough that I can pickup small branches and rocks, just got to get that seat time in. :thumbsup:

 

[boxygen]

Dont hook onto something with your bucket and drive to drive off and yank on it. Thats a sure way to bend a cylinder. Thats what someone told me anyway

 

[captbluewater]

I have found that before you start digging. To get used to the controls get and object like a rock about 12''round and use the controls to move the rock around back and forth and side to side without disturbing the dirt. After awhile you won't even have to think what each control lever does.

 

[newbury]

Along this thread -
How much "force" to use on the hoe?
I'm trying to break out a maple stump with some major roots. Using my ride in my sig.

Some are thick enough that I have to cut them with a chain saw. But frequently I find myself curling the bucket and the front end, with FEL dropped to ground, lifting a foot off the ground, where I HAVE TO GRADUALLY LOWER IT. I'm going to try and add weight to the front (chain on a box blade) but I am concerned about damaging the hoe.

If it's strong enough to curl are the cylinders strong enough to take it?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

If designed and relief pressures are correct the hydraulics should be the weak link. Our JD bucket has a power dig holes to use. The manual states it increases the dig power to 4600 PSI or something like that. It does help with tree root cutting. The 24" bucket may hurt however.