Smooth, light handling of the controls will result in the
most efficient backhoe operation.
Operate the backhoe control levers to become famil-
iar with their speed and movements. The engine
speed and the size of the hydraulic system will deter-
mine the speed of cylinder operation. When powering
from tractor systems with higher output than required,
reduce engine RPM to obtain acceptable backhoe
operating speed.
Swing the boom several times to practice controlling
the speed of swing. Do not operate the swing more
than 45° each way for the first few times, then gradu-
ally increase the arc.
IMPORTANT: To avoid damage to the backhoe, do
not slam swing unit into the rubber bumpers.
The boom “float” function may be used during digging
to eliminate down pressure when cleaning the bottom
of a trench. The primary purpose of the boom “float”
function is to protect the operator from serious injury
in the event that the backhoe or tractor hitch would
fail.
This dual operation of controls will speed and simplify
the digging operation. Normally the two or more
movements will not be equal or even simultaneous,
but as the pressure within the cylinders changes, and
the resistance on an operating member of the hoe
lessens, it will begin to move. It is balancing the force
of one member against the other.
NOTE: Actuating the bucket is the key to powerful dig-
ging. Operating the crowd and bucket controls simul-
taneously will insure a full bucket and prevent waste
motion and time.
Transporting the Backhoe:
IMPORTANT: To prevent serious damage to the trac-
tor, read and follow the instructions on the following
decal:
Location: Right Side of Boom
10
It is not difficult to become an efficient operator.
Control lever operating decal is located on back of the
control panel. Study this decal. It will assist you in
becoming familiar with the controls.
Best results are obtained by digging near the center
of the swing arc so material can be dumped on either
side.
As the operator becomes more familiar with the oper-
ation of the backhoe, it will be common practice to
operate two controls at one time. For example; with
the bucket extended and the dipperstick extended,
the lift control and crowd control can be operated
together to bring the bucket toward the operator with
down pressure on it. As the dipperstick approaches
the operator, the crowd and bucket controls can be
operated to close the bucket and trap the material. At
the end of the stroke, the lift and crowd controls are
operated to move the load up and away from the
operator to save time in clearing the excavation.
Location: Back Of Control Panel
