Correct Position For BX24 FEL Bucket When Using Hoe

[x703jko]

What is the correct position of the FEL bucket when supporting the front of a BX24 while using the hoe?

Should the bucket be in the fully dump position or should it be level?

It seems that the only way to effectively raise the front of the tractor is to have the bucket in the dump position. But then, does that put too much stress on the bucket cylinder, especially when the hoe may have a tendency to pull the tractor backwards (even with the stabilizers deployed)

 

[KeithInSpace]

I would not ever consider having it in full dump. That is way too much strain on everything and does not meet the intent of lowering the FEL when the BH is in use.

I personally put the bucket in full curl and completely lower it once in position. This gives you a very small amount of bite from the triangular portion of the bucket, at least. More importantly, it gets you off of the front wheels and stabilizes the front of the machine from rocking when reaching right or left with the BH.

I have used the front edge of the bucket as a "stop" by driving it into the ground if using the BH on a slope (FEL end pointing downhill), but the bucket is still essentially flat.

I've seen folks operating their machines with all 4 wheels a foot off the ground...that is quite silly and dangerous in my opinion. Stabilize the front with the FEL either flat or in full curl, then get the back wheels an inch or two off the ground (or whatever is flat with the FEL) with the stabilizers and you're good to go.

 

[Grrrr]

That is an interesting question and I have seen it done both ways.

Just typing backhoe into Google images shows it being done both ways.

It probably depends on each different job rather than one hard and fast rule.

I think if you have it in full dump it may be more stable because it would dig in more. But then it would be more strenuous on the loader arms and mount.

Does the manual or your dealer say anything?

 

[Jimbrown]

I put mine in the full dump position that is the way my dealer instructed me to do it. It also helps greatly to reduce dragging the whole machine around with the back hoe. My manual says " When possible the loader bucket cutting edge should be lowered vertically into the ground surface to assist the stabalizers in not allowing the unit to shift."

 

[Egon]

Operators of Industrial hoes will have the bucket cutting edge straight down.

What does your manual or dealer say?

 

[x703jko]

Ok...three votes for dull dump position and one for flat or full curl....

I was instructed to have the bucket in full-dump....

While digging a very long trench this past weekend (before I had my little SUDT mishap (see other posting)) and after the mishap was corrected yesterday, I crowded in hard enough a few times to drag the tractor back a few inches (yes, the stabilizers were down). When that happened I thought to myself..."is this a wise thing to do???"

Anyone else want to add their wisdom?

 

[jeffmazz]

There are many different opinions on this subject. Mine is......on level ground you use full dump.....on unlevel ground you keep the bucket level.

 

[638]

If I can drive off of the end of the trench, I always use the full dump position. That helps to keep the hoe from draging the tractor backwards. Draging the tractor backwards puts a lot of stress on the outriggers. If I have to use the hoe to set the back of the tractor off of the trench, then at that position I set the bucket flat on the gound so that it will slide as the tractor piviots around. This seems to work for me.

ron

 

[KeithInSpace]

And here I was all Mr. Cool-going-to-offer-some-sound-advice guy. Been doing it wrong this whole time? Of course my total and complete experience with backhoes is 7 months...perhaps I'll try the dump thing and see if that helps to keep me in one place. Really don't think you should get the front wheels more than a skitter off the ground, but nobody has suggested otherwise.

Guess I got the wrong mental image from the get-go.

This is why I love this place...

 

[TalonDancer]

FWIW Here is what my BH90's manual has to say about the use of stabilizers and loader bucket.

"Placing the Stabilizers...

1. Lower the stabilizers and remove the weight of the backhoe from the rear wheels. However, one or both rear tires should remain in light contact with the ground. This will give the backhoe the widest possible stance and the lowest center of gravity.
If the rear wheels are raised too high, digging depth will be reduced and undue stress will be exerted on the backhoe frame components.
If the slope is unusually steep,...

2. The loader bucket should be lowered to give the backhoe unit a "tri-pod" stance. With the loader bucket in ground contact, front tire bounce will not be a factor in overall control. When possible, the loader bucket cutting edge should be lowered vertically into the ground surface. This will assist the stabilizers, not allowing the unit to shift, while excavating. However on a slope, the bottom of the bucket should be used, and only the side that contacts uneven terrain. Too much loader down pressure, on a slope, will restrict the unit from being correctly leveled and will place an undue twist though the loader bucket and lift arms."

Apparently these instructions assume that the FEL bucket is over relatively soft dirt where the "cutting edge" can actually dig in. I've been doing a lot of backhoe work while quarrying a pad for water tanks into a limestone slope. Early on the FEL was over deep soil, so I pointed the cutting edge down as per the instructions. This held the tractor fairly well. But as I got deeper into the rock face, the whole tractor is now sitting on a limestone ledge covered by 1/2" or less of soil (think dirty concrete slab). I now lower the FEL bucket as flat as possible and barely take the weight off of the front wheels. Even so, I really have to be careful when I snag a hard spot because the BH90 can slide my L3240 anywhere it wants to

Talon Dancer