Backhoe first time using a backhoe

bironacad · Apr 20, 2011

I bought a tractor this last winter with some attachments one of which is a hoe. This weekend will be my first time using a hoe and wanted some input from those using hoes on subcompacts. Will check in later, Thanks:thumbsup:

bigtiller · Apr 20, 2011

What I did was to go onto the corn field where I knew I wouldn't damage anything and dig a few practice holes. This was in the spring before planting time. After the first few strokes I was begining to wonder if I could dig a hole where I wanted rather than where the hoe wanted to. It was as if the hoe had a mind of its own.

devildog1 · Apr 20, 2011

I replaced the two drain tiles that were rooted up along the west side of house. Used my BX23TLB and it was a great tractor to work so close to sides of house,it did an amazing job digging down 5' to 6' and opening trench about 50'.Just go slow and you'll do fine.
DevilDog

Raspy · Apr 20, 2011

You'll have fun playing with it and will soon learn what its limitations and abilities are.

Once you get in the groove and just run it like you do your own hands and arms, it will become easy and just an extension of you. I like to run mine and am amazed at how much dirt it will move in short order!

You'll have to come up with some strategies to complete your projects, like, how to finish a ditch to a wall at both ends, how to keep a flat bottom and a continuous slope, how to deal with the spoils. Planning ahead for back filling, where to set your beverage of choice, RPM etc.

Have fun.

crash325 · Apr 20, 2011

bironacad said:
I bought a tractor this last winter with some attachments one of which is a hoe. This weekend will be my first time using a hoe and wanted some input from those using hoes on subcompacts. Will check in later, Thanks:thumbsup:

Small back hoes in general move real Quick. Set your hydraulic to as slow as it will go. Run your engine at a modest RPM, for most work 1,100 -1,200 is plenty. Even with a load on the hoe, if its moving, just let it work and don't get in a hurry. It will take a little while to get the "Touch", hang in there and be patient.

Other than that Have Fun & Enjoy.:thumbsup:

BethesdaEC · Apr 20, 2011

crash325 said:
Small back hoes in general move real Quick. Set your hydraulic to as slow as it will go. Run your engine at a modest RPM, for most work 1,100 -1,200 is plenty. Even with a load on the hoe, if its moving, just let it work and don't get in a hurry. It will take a little while to get the "Touch", hang in there and be patient.

Other than that Have Fun & Enjoy.:thumbsup:

Remember hydraulic pressure does not drop with the RPM, only the volume, so the backhoe moves slower but it still has the same power.

Kyle241 · Apr 20, 2011

Also sounds like an obvious point but if you have an audience, they are often eager to look into the hole/trench you are digging. Make sure to keep them well back until you stop your BH and tractor. It's surprising how fast it can swing and if you move the lever the wrong way, it will take a person out, permanently.

Mousefield · Apr 20, 2011

bigtiller said:
What I did was to go onto the corn field where I knew I wouldn't damage anything and dig a few practice holes. This was in the spring before planting time. After the first few strokes I was begining to wonder if I could dig a hole where I wanted rather than where the hoe wanted to. It was as if the hoe had a mind of its own.

This is the best thing to do. Just go and practice for awhile. Take it slow the first few hours until you get use to it. Have fun and stay safe.

tshep · Apr 21, 2011

If I can express this correctly...
Try to learn to scoop flat - it will take both hands at 1 time, 1 for bucket level, and 1 for boom or arm lift - but by scrapping flat the teeth dig in less, and the tractor doesn't move (not bucket-stuck and pulled by hoe).
Then, when that works, learn to purposely stick the hoe teeth, and pull the tractor to the next bite, and then go back to flat digging.
The pictures with nice arcs look good in the spec books, but flat digging, as much as possible, gets the job done quicker. Whatever you're digging for probably wants a flat bottom anyway (drain pipe, footing, etc.).