Backhoe Operating backhoe

Lazy · Mar 22, 2004

Hi
At what RPM do you run the engine, when operating the backhoe?

Charlie.

JerryG · Mar 22, 2004

Start out at a RPM that is comfortable for you. That may be at an idle or a little more. The higher the RPM, the more jerker it is for an one that is just starting. As you get more comfortable increase it. Most of the time I run mine at about 1200-1500 RPM.

AndyMA · Mar 22, 2004

It all depends on what I'm doing. All hoes are definately not the same. My Woods 1050 has a PTO 10 gpm pump. I usually run between 220 PTO rpm for very careful work like placing rocks to about 350 for fast quick digging. I would say that for most jobs I set up at 330 rpm on the PTO digital tach. I know some tell me that they run at rated PTO speed, but I think that with my setup I'd be too wild at that speed, the 1050 is quick enough at 350. If you are using tractor hydraulics and have a small pump, then perhaps you could run higher.

Andy

Andy

RobS · Mar 22, 2004

Like others have said it will depend on your comfort level and the task at hand. I spent quite a bit of time on my backhoe this weekend, mostly around 1500 rpm. Adequate speed and plenty of power for what I was doing.

Here's a question for the seasoned hoe operators out there...

I get pretty good at the controls when the work is directly in front of me. I needed to work off to the side in one situation and for some reason I got all twisted up in the controls. Just couldn't make that bucket work like I should have. I suppose it's like flying an RC plane away versus towards you. Any suggestions?

/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

JerryG · Mar 22, 2004

Rob,
The best thing that I can tell you is to just do it and don't think about what direction the boom in at. I had a hard time doing the same when I first started. Learning to digging to the side is just like digging in front, practice is the key. After a while you won't even think about it.

Dewave · Mar 22, 2004

I used to run 1500rpm but as I got accsutomed the controls as to how to NOT make jerking movements I speeded up. Especially when swinging the bucket from side to side, if you end the swing with a bucket tilt there will be no jerking or rattle. There are also ways to dig without dragging yourself forward or is it backward. It all comes with experience. Now I run about 2000rpm. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

PineRidge · Mar 22, 2004

<font color="blue">Start out at a RPM that is comfortable for you. That may be at an idle or a little more. The higher the RPM, the more jerker it is for an one that is just starting. As you get more comfortable increase it. Most of the time I run mine at about 1200-1500 RPM.
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I agree with Jerry and most of the time I work the backhoe at 1500 RPM.

Knute · Mar 22, 2004

Hmm, good advice. I wish I'd seen this thread last week. I rented a tractor with a BH on Friday and figured this out by trial and error (aka bounce and jerk).

John

RayBee · Mar 22, 2004

Lazy: ...This isn't aimed at you ,but a newbie should'nt think about reving up the engine over 1000 rpm, untill he masters the feel of the controls ( all of them ) ,then he'll be ready to ease into (12-1500 rpms) /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif ...RayBee /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
And remember to let go of the controls if all goes haywire.