Question for all backhoe owners

[Deezl Smoke]

Have you tried loading a trailer with your backhoe yet? With only one machine keeping up with the trailer and hauling then returning to dig is highly inefficient. Using the plywood is much easier, if you need to move the dirt to another place in the yard then use the fel to scoop up the dirt off the plywood and transport it.


Once you have enough seat time you should be able to scoop up the dirt off the grass without damage then rake the remaining dirt into the hole. That is what I do 90% of the time and it is easier than jockeying a trailer around. I have a 7 ton dump trailer and heavy truck to pull it with and have a tractor I could pull it with along with the separate backhoe. Even with this combination it is far easier to use the fel for transport if on site. If you need to transport off site then the trailer or dump truck is needed.

^^^ Best advice given right there. ^^^

I too have a B2650 with a BH77. I changed the plumbing over to cat control pattern and really like the machine. But I will tell you that if you plan too much on no damage to your grass and yard, you will be disappointed as a new backhoe owner. If you just must remove soil from one or two of the projects, maybe try dropping your loader bucket to the side of the hole and put a block under the lip of the bucket to tip it up a small bit. Then fill the bucket and when full, pick it up with the loader and move the soil. That is if you bought the quick attach option.

Otherwise, your out riggers and tires will damage the yard enough to make soil removal of no real value IMO. And as always, "call before you dig" if you do not know where your utility lines and pipes are.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Otherwise, your out riggers and tires will damage the yard enough to make soil removal of no real value IMO. And as always, "call before you dig" if you do not know where your utility lines and pipes are.

I agree that your outrigger and FEL (lowered to prevent movement) is going to do more damage to the lawn than your FEL used to push the dirt back in the hole. If you don't have the experience to know when your bucket is level, use a spotter to direct you. You wont damage the lawn enough that it will be noticeable after a couple of rains.
PS: you wont be able to scoop up all the dirt in a pile regardless of what you use, so plan for at least a small amount being left at the dig site so you will have to put it back in the hole. I dig all over the place with my B26TLB and never use anything to put the dirt on. I pile it next to the hole, then when backfilling, I use the hoe's bucket to rake most of it back in the hole especially if the hole is deep. Then I finish up with the FEL, back dragging to smooth it out. I also find that tipping the FEL up slightly and using the heel of the bucket when going forward works pretty well also, maybe even better than back dragging.

 

[CurlyDave]

Plywood is your friend.

I would pile the dirt on ply and get a couple of extra sheets to set the backhoe on. Especially under the outriggers. Scrap ply works just fine, or OSB.