Operation 15
51861 (Rev. 6/16/2006)
Figure 6. Fill Bucket
DUMP AND RETURN CYCLE
Keep the swing-dump-return cycle as brief as possible.
Keep dipper moving outward and start boom swing as
soon as the bucket clears the excavation. Continue
extending dipper and, as you approach the spoil pile,
start to dump bucket.
When bucket is empty, dipper and bucket are in posi-
tion to resume digging upon return to the excavation.
TRENCHING AND EXCAVATING
Trenching is the most basic backhoe digging operation.
Other operations are variations of this basic function.
To maintain a level trench bottom, set bucket at proper
approach angle and while crowding dipper-stick in,
continually move bucket curl lever to maintain correc t
cutting angle. At the same time, place boom control in
the full forward (float) position and keep the bucket in
the same plane.
When handle is placed in the float position, pressure
on both sides of boom cylinder is released.
Digging near center of swing so material may be
dumped on either side will produce good results. Never
dig near stabilizers.
Continue the trench by moving machine along trench
centerline away from existing excavation. Move
machine approximately one-half the effective backhoe
reach. Moving too far will require excessive down pres-
sure for digging and hand clean-up of trench bottom.
Figure 7. Trenching
SIDE SLOPE TRENCHING / EXCAVATING
Be careful when swinging loaded bucket on hill-
side. Always dump spoil on uphill side of backhoe
to minimize rollover possibility.
When operating on a side slope, the backhoe must be
positioned using one of these two methods as shown in
Figure 8 or Figure 9.
When operating on a side slope, always place the
trench spoil on the uphill side.
Figure 8. Level with Stabilizers
When leveling with a cutout, cut a level pad for the
uphill side of the machine and place spoil on the down-
hill side as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Level with Cut Out
TRANSPORTING
Always engage swing and boom transport locks
and attach Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) sign before
transporting backhoe.
Power unit must be equipped with ROPS or
ROPS cab and seat belt. Keep seat belt securely
fastened. Falling off power unit can result in death
DB3390

CORRECT INCORRECT INCORRECT

DB3389

Level the machine on side slope using the stabilizers.

DB3388

UPHILL

DOWNHILL

Cut Level Pad

Spoil from

Level Pad

DB3387