Operating The Backhoe Safely

In addition to the design and configuration of equipment, hazard control and accident prevention are dependent upon the awareness, concern, prudence, and proper training of personnel involved in the operation, transport, maintenance, and storage of equipment.

You can reduce the risk of accidents by following these simple precautions:

• Read the machine and attachment operator’s manual carefully. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls and the proper use of the equipment. Know how to stop the machine and disengage the controls quickly.
• Never operate tractor with backhoe attached and loader removed.  The front end weight shall be added as needed to provide a minimum of 20% of the total gross weight on the front wheels while backhoe is in transport position.
• Secure backhoe to tractor mount plates with lock pins before operating.
• Keep all shields in place and properly maintain the equipment.  Keep hardware tight and repair or replace damaged, badly worn, or missing parts
• Check the operating area to be dug for any possible overhead or underground lines such as electric, gas, oil water, etc., and extreme caution must be exercised in these areas where present.  Consult local utilities before digging.
• Operate backhoe controls ONLY from the seat except when installing, removing or when lowering stabilizers to enter the backhoe.
• Do not operate tractor and backhoe using two operators.
• Lock backhoe swing, boom, and stabilizer(s) with locking device when not in use or when transporting.
• Keep bystanders away from the maximum swing reach area and the stabilizers.
• Use your backhoe only for the jobs it was designed to perform. For example, digging, trenching and backfilling.
• Do not let children or an untrained person operate the machine.
• Do not modify machine or safety devices.  Unauthorized modifications to the machine or attachment may impair its function and safety.

Operating the Backhoe

• Do not ballast a tractor and backhoe configuration beyond the stated ROPS certification maximum machine mass.
• Operate only with stabilizer(s) down and on firm footing.  Stay clear of steep areas or excavation banks that are soft or could give way.
• Do not let anyone, especially children, ride on machine or attachment.
• Use extreme caution when operating on or near drives, walks, or roads.  Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
• Use extreme caution when working around and with branches, sticks or other objects that may inadvertently become entangled in the backhoe and contact the operator.
• When digging on a hillside, always dump the bucket on the uphill side of excavation.
• Do not let anyone work under raised bucket.
• Do not dig under the stabilizer or tractor.
• Never attempt to drive the tractor when seated at the backhoe controls unless using creeper repositioning.

Parking, Getting on and Getting off the Backhoe

• Before leaving the seat: Lower the stabilizers and bucket to the ground.
• Only enter and exit the backhoe from the approved side with provided step and handholds.
• Prevent falls by facing the machine when getting on and off.  Maintain 3-point contact with steps, handholds, and handrails.
• When parking, lock backhoe swing, boom, and stabilizers with locking device.
• Take all possible precautions when leaving the machine unattended: lock the park brake, stop the engine and remove the key.
• Wait for movement to stop before servicing machinery.
• Relieve pressure in hydraulic system by bringing attachment to the ground and rotating controls after machine has stopped.

Transporting the Tractor and Backhoe

• Lock backhoe swing, boom and stabilizers.  Curl the bucket.
• Check the local codes or regulations that may apply to tractor operation on public streets or highways, prior to transporting or traveling.  Use the SMV emblem and warning flashers as required.
• Drive carefully, especially on turns and slopes, where room is limited, over rough ground, curbs or tracks, near a ditch or excavation, and during slippery conditions while transporting.

Preventing Accidents

Unsafe operation or misuse of the backhoe can result in accidents.  Be alert to hazards of backhoe operation.