8 Safety
BH6000_SR (Rev. 7/14/2006)
Never put backhoe into service unless backhoe
manufacturer's sub-frame has been installed and
adjusted.
Be sure that backhoe is properly mounted,
adjusted, and in good operating condition.
Make sure all safety decals are installed.
Replace if damaged. (See Safety Decals section for
location.)
Make sure shields and guards are properly
installed and in good condition. Replace if damaged.
A minimum 20% of tractor and equipment
weight must be on tractor front wheels with back-
hoe in transport position. Without this weight, trac-
tor could tip over, causing personal injury or death.
The weight may be attained with a loader, front
wheel weights, ballast in tires, or front tractor
weights. When attaining the minimum 20% weight
on the front wheels, you must not exceed the Roll
Over Protection Structure (ROPS) weight certifica-
tion. Weigh the tractor and equipment. Do not esti-
mate.
Clean all dirt, trash, and grease from operator's
platform and steps.

OPERATION

Do not allow bystanders in the area when oper-
ating, attaching, removing, assembling, or servic-
ing equipment.
Before operating, make sure stabilizer pads are
lowered firmly to the ground. Stabilizer arms pro-
vide support for the backhoe and support for the
backhoe mounting brackets.
Consult local utilities before working. Know
location of all underground cables, pipelines, over-
head wires, and other hazards in working area and
avoid contact.
Keep bystanders away from operator, stabilizer,
and maximum bucket swing areas.
Do not operate or transport equipment while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Operate only in daylight or good artificial light.
Always comply with all state and local lighting
and marking requirements.
Do not allow riders. Do not lift or carry anybody
on the power unit or attachments.
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
from being run over or crushed. Keep foldable
ROPS system in “locked up” position at all times.
When operating controls, always sit in backhoe
seat.
The only time the backhoe may be operated
from a position other than the operator seat is dur-
ing backhoe attachment and removal. Operator
must:
• Read Mounting Kit Manual instructions on
attaching and removing backhoe and use
extreme care.
• Always stand between rear tire and backhoe
stabilizer arms or along side of tractor to avoid
being trapped should the boom swing control
be accidentally activated.
Always dump spoil at least two feet away from
opening.
Use extreme care when working close to fences,
ditches, other obstructions, or on hillsides.
Be careful when swinging loaded bucket on a
hillside. Always dump spoil on uphill side of back-
hoe to minimize the possibility of upset.
Never leave equipment unattended with engine
running or with bucket in raised position. Always
engage swing and boom transport locks, relieve
system pressure by operating controls, and
remove ignition key before leaving equipment.
Do not use backhoe for craning; it is primarily
designed for digging. Mechanical failures such as
hose rupture will cause a load to drop suddenly.

TRANSPORTATION

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
from being run over or crushed. Keep foldable
ROPS system in “locked up” position at all times.
Never exceed 20 mph (32.2 km/h) during trans-
port.
Always comply with all state and local lighting
and marking requirements.
Never allow riders on power unit or attachment.
Do not operate or transport on steep slopes.
Do not operate or transport equipment while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
SAFETY RULES
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!