Tractor Loader Backhoe User Guide

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Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013
H.E.T.C
T L B Operator
Learner guide
© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

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Purpose of the Guide

MA Skills Centre/ Transmex industry guides are designed to assist you in complying with the occupational safety and
health rules and regulations of South Africa.
This book is aimed at alerting you to the rules concerning powered industrial Tractor Loader Backhoe training. It is
designed to be used along with the operator manuals for the specific types of powered industrial Forklifts that you operate
to develop a more complete operator training program.
It should help you understand your responsibility to provide such training, while at the same time offering sample training
outlines to assist you in meeting the minimum requirements of the standard. If there is any confusion between the
regulation and this guide, the regulation should be followed.

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Introduction
The Tractor-Loader-Backhoe (or “TLB” as I’ll call it here) is a highly versatile, productive piece of equipment. It’s ideal
for most of the trenching that’s done on a building site. It’s perfect for loading soil and heavy objects into a truck. It
handles light demolition well. And, of course, it backfills trenches and does minor grading much faster than could be done
by hand.
What You Need to Know
This book isn’t a technical manual. And it doesn’t cover any particular type of TLB. The various manufacturers have all
the technical manuals you’ll need on the equipment they manufacture and sell. Nor does this book recommend one brand
of TLB over any other. They’re all good. What this book does is explain in the most concise and direct way possible what
you should know for safety productivity of the TLB. Without this information, you would not be aware of the potential for
accidents, and the safety hazards that can cause
serious damage to people or property.
I’ve written this book for both the beginning and the experienced operator. It begins with the basics, of course. But there’s
plenty of useful information in later chapters for even veteran operators. And I’ve never met an operator who couldn’t
learn a little more or get rid of a few bad habits. Certainly I haven’t stopped learning about the TLB. In fact, during the
writing and illustrating of this revised edition, my own knowledge has been stretched into new areas of understanding, and
that information is presented in this book for all to learn from. This highly technical information has been distilled into
easy to understand terms, and generously illustrated for your ease of understanding and for safe operation of these
machines in the future.
Steps toward Your Goal
As you read through the first chapters, you may feel that my descriptions seem to cover a series of unrelated subjects and
procedures. Be patient – and learn these important principles as they are presented. As you read further, you will notice
that each bit of information becomes a part of a larger process.
Later sections of this book emphasize the more technical aspects and difficult job situations, such as: tight work space,
working around utilities, precision excavation and many more complicated tasks. Although many jobs do not demand the
highest degree of operating skills, mastering the machine provides safety as well as the necessary skills to do precision
work.

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General
The modern tractor-loader-backhoe is the most versatile machine on today’s construction site. It can dig trenches,
carry heavy materials in bulk, transport large objects, and work the earth in whatever way required for all modern
construction, demolition or excavation projects. It has become a common sight on city streets as well as in rural
locations.
Like any piece of complicated machinery, the TLB requires a skilled operator who is proficient in the
use and control of the machine’s various functions.
Becoming a skilled TLB operator requires a thorough understanding of the machine’s capabilities, the principles
behind its operation, and thousands of hours of practice.

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machine. Depending on the operator’s skill,

however, this awkwardness can be minimized
and even made to work to their advantage.
One way operators can do this is by
understanding the
TLB’s weight distribution.
Weight Distribution
The TLB consists of three major components:
1) the tractor itself, which houses the

diesel-powered engine, the hydraulic pump
and the cab;
2) the front loader assembly; and
3) 3) the backhoe assembly, mounted on
the rear.
Because of the flexibility of these

components, particularly the backhoe itself,
how the machine’s seven tons are distributed
frequently plays a major role in the planning
and completion of many jobs.
The primary step toward this understanding between man and machine is in learning the TLB’s dimensions. The
TLB is generally more difficult to maneuver than other types of heavy equipment because it is over-long, over-high,
and over-wide.
Depending on the make and model, the TLB usually has an overall length of twenty-three feet with the boom drawn
in. With the boom extended, the machine may stretch out to a length of thirty-five feet or more. It is at least twelve
feet high with the backhoe in transport position. With the two stabilizer arms lowered, the TLB takes up ten feet
from side to side. In short, the TLB can be an awkward machine. Depending on the operator’s skill, however, this
awkwardness can be minimized and even made to work to their advantage. One way operators can do this is by
understanding the TLB’s weight distribution.

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Weight Distribution
The TLB consists of three major components:
1) the tractor itself, which houses the diesel-powered engine, the hydraulic pump and the cab;
2) the front loader assembly; and
3) the backhoe assembly, mounted on the rear. Because of the flexibility of these components, particularly the
backhoe itself, how the machine’s seven tons are distributed frequently plays a major role in the planning and
completion of many jobs.
Approximately one-third of the total weight of the TLB is in the two-ton backhoe assembly, whose main components
include the boom, the crowd (or stick), the bucket and the stabilizer units (see Fig.1-2).
Because of its location high above the ground and far behind the wheelbase, the TLB’s weight transfers the entire
machine’s center of gravity upward as well as to the rear, when compared to other machines. This, in turn, makes the
machine lighter on the front end and somewhat top-heavy. The positioning of this weight when maneuvering around
a job can be a constant source of trouble for even an experienced operator, since each job presents different demands
and hazards.

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The high weights involved in operating heavy equipment bring with them the unbending laws of physics.”

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Universal Forces and Principles
Operating a TLB, or any other type of heavy equipment, is a construction trade that is unique in the industry. This is
because of the great weights involved with the equipment and the materials being handled. The high weights
involved in operating “heavy” equipment bring with them the unbending laws of physics.
If we were to look at a TLB in operation strictly from a physics viewpoint, it would be: a very HEAVY
MACHINE… MOVING around the job site… and moving very HEAVY materials.
The weight of a working TLB can vary from 14,000 to well over 25,000 lb. That’s 7 to 12 tons of
machine and materials, working and moving through a busy job site, all day, every day.
In order for this to be accomplished with safety and productivity, the operator must understand the UNIVERSAL
FORCES AND PRINCIPLES that govern weight and movement.
UNIVERSAL FORCES AND PRINCIPLES apply to operating the TLB in the following ways:
1. There are physical forces and principles that act on a TLB.

2. These forces have both a constant and a variable effect on the machine.
3. These forces have a strong effect on the control and safety of the machine.
4. These forces can and must be limited, controlled and counteracted by the operator for safety and control.
In order for you to safely move both machine and materials, you must first understand the
UNIVERSAL FORCES AND PRINCIPLES and how they relate to operating heavy equipment.
General Operations
FILLING THE BUCKET
Control the bucket attitude throughout the digging

cycle to keep teeth at the proper angle for best
penetration. This will minimize dragging and
scraping the bucket through the ground.

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When digging in hard-packed soil, bucket

penetration can be increased by applying down
pressure with the boom while crowding in and
curling the bucket. If the crowd action “stalls” it
may be necessary to apply lift occasionally uring
the digging cycle to correct the bucket depth.
To obtain a cleaner trench and

avoid the buildup of material
directly in front of the backhoe,
crowd out and completely
curl the bucket while starting to
lift it from the excavation.
In this way, excess material will
fall back into the excavation.
DUMPING THE BUCKET
To dump the bucket at the end of the digging cycle, lift the
bucket clear of the trench while crowding it out and swinging
it to the spoil pile.

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As the pile is approached, dump the bucket. When the bucket is empty, the dipperstick and bucket are in
position to resume digging upon return to the trench. IMPORTANT:
Avoid constant jarring or hammering-type contact between the spoil pile and the loaded bucket, as this may
cause premature wear to the backhoe pins and bushings
TRENCHING BETWEEN A BUILDING AND OPEN EXCAVATIONS
Start the trench at the building. Trench out halfway to the excavation. Then start trenching from the excavation
to the first trench. Dig toward the first trench until there is just enough room to move the unit out between the
two trenches
Position the unit so the backhoe swing post is over the centerline of the trench connection. Dig with the backhoe
at extreme swing positions, and in as close to the stabilizers as possible. Pile the spoil on the opposite side of the
trenches.

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Position the unit forward with the lift and crowd levers so the two trenches can be connected. Pile the spoil on
the opposite side of the trench.
General Operations
SIDE SLOPE EXCAVATING OR
TRENCHING
Dig with the backhoe uphill whenever

possible.

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Level the backhoe on slopes with the stabilizers to dig plumb trenches, or use the backhoe or loader to cut a
level slot for the uphill wheel and stabilizer. Pile the spoil from the slot on the low side.
When on the side of a steep slope, cut a level surface along the uphill side of the trench with the loader.
Pile the spoil of the cut downhill. When digging, pile the spoil of the trench uphill.

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Dig field trenched progressively. As soon as one trench is completed, have the workmen lay the tile. Start the
next trench, using the spoil to fill the previous trench.
MISCELLANEOUS
When finishing straight walls or bellholes in sandy soil, use a platform under the rear tires and the stabilizers.
The platform distributes the load over a larger area and lessons the possibility of a cave-in. The platform also
tends to keep the unit from creeping rearward if hard digging is encountered.

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FINISHING STRAIGHT WALLS
Finish the far wall by crowding out while forcing the bucket down from the boom. Actuate the bucket (curl out)
to keep the bottom of the bucket vertical.
To finish the near wall, lift up and crowd in. Keep the edges of the bucket horizontal.

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BACKFILLING
Backfill by lifting the bucket over the spoil pile and then crowding in. Pull both the crowd and lift levers for
smooth, even backfilling.
IMPORTANT: Do not backfill by using the swing circuit and dragging the bucket sideways. Doing so can
cause damage to the dipper stick boom swing cylinders or mainframe.
Major Components
Figure 1

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Typical components of tractor loader backhoe in (Figure 1) some may have additional attachments used to
perform specific tasks. The tractor loader backhoe should be inspected by the operator prior to being used.
.
 Cab: The cab is used to protect the operator from falling hazardous objects and sunlight
 Backhoe: Digging effectively with a backhoe requires practice, like learning to drive a car. The hardest
part of learning to drive is usually paying attention to all of the different things going on. It takes a lot of
concentration to achieve operational tactics.
 Stick:
 Bucket: Consists of 2 buckets refer figure1) loader bucket with bucket cylinder 2) backhoe bucket with the bucket
link that gives the buckets ability to dig and load.
 Boom: Consists of a boom cylinder that gives mobility of the backhoe to different directions, lower and raising it
respectively.
Stabilizer Legs: These legs are crucial to backhoe operation because they take the brunt of the weight when a
backhoe is digging. Without the stabilizer legs, the weight of a heavy load or the downward force of digging
into the ground would strain the wheels and tires, and the whole tractor would bounce constantly. The
stabilizers keep the tractor steady,
 minimizing the jostling effect of digging with the backhoe. They also secure the tractor so that it won't
slip into the ditch or hole
 Loader: It is operated from the operator station/cabin. Operating the loader is relatively simple because it
only dumps, raises and loers. The main loader control is a joystick on the right-hand side of the operator.
If you pull the joystick back toward you, the first sets of hydraulic rams push out to lift the arms up.
When you push it away from you, the arms lower. To dump out the bucket, you move the joystick to the
right. To scoop the bucket in, you move the joystick to the left.

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 Tractor: The core structure of a backhoe loader is the tractor. Just like the tractors that farmers use in
their fields, the backhoe tractor is designed to move easily over all kinds of rough terrain. It has a
powerful, turbocharged diesel engine, large, rugged tires and a cab with basic steering controls (a
steering wheel, brakes, etc.). Backhoe cabs are either completely enclosed or have an open canopy
structure to give the operator protection

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Work site procedure.
Work site procedure.

Job site safety
Everyone is responsible for their for their self and the other person
Job site is every ones responsibility. When performing operation with tractor loader backhoe, the operator of the
machine and those assisting him on the ground needs to work together as team.
Work place checklist
 Take time to walk around, asses the site and ensure the following. If you observe any hazard that may
impact on the safe operation of the machine notify your supervisor?
 Pedestrians and vehicular traffic
 Power lines ,overheads and obstructions
Operator awareness factor

KNOWLEDGE KEY FACTOR
Emotional level Operator under stress may not be able to stay
focused
Working condition Many activities occurring simultaneously can
distract an operator
Fatigue &hunger Working too many hours.
Weather Appropriately for the weather to prevent
stress on the body
Physical health Health problem affecting their machine
Other people Approach or talk to the operator before or
after work.
For safe operation
 Never take anything for granted

 Face the machine when climbing on and off
 Keep the machine clean
 Clean mud and grease from shoes
 Avoid loose clothing and jewellery
 Wear protective equipment
 Never operate machine without protective
 Keep all safety devices in place and working
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 Plan ahead
 Leaner beforehand about the work area
 Approach and enter the pile with a level bucket.
 Loaders with 1-lever control, ease lever back and toward you to lift and rollback the bucket.
 Loaders with 2-lever controls, ease both levers back to lift and rollback the bucket.
 The lift and rollback of the bucket will increase efficiency because...
Work area is inspected and prepared according to site operational requirements

Prior to work in the worksite, the safety personnel or operator shall inspect the work area for all the
potential hazards that may pose a danger to personnel, environment and equipment: during the inspection
process the following things shall be checked:
 Underground cables
 Overheard cables
 Pipes, large rocks, explosives (especially in mining areas)
 Uneven surfaces
 Slippery areas
 Falling rocks
 Unstable ground
 Flammable solids and liquid hazards
Examples of warning Labels

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Operating procedures
The purpose of the various controls is explained in accordance with their designed use.
The TLB is fitted with controls that enable the operator to do the various tasks that it does from the
operator station. The TLB has controls on different sides. The operator shall use all the controls in a
manner that is consistent with the manufactures design, regulations to ensure safety and less strain on the
working components of the machine.
Functions of the various controls are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications.
 Steering: directing the machine to go straight, turn left or right
 Brakes: bring the machine to a stop
 Park-brakes: arrest the machine from moving when it is switched off or is on neutral
 Loader joystick: control the bucket to do work
 Backhoe controls: control the backhoe to dig, swerve and dump
 Accelerator: increase machine velocity
 Clutch: for changing of gears

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Examples of Controls
Operator compartment Gearshift controls
Figure 3
Boom
Dipper Stick
Stabiliser cylinder Bucket Link
Wheel Nuts Bucket
Boom safety lock

Stabiliser Legs

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CAUTION
To avoid the possible injury, observe the following safety rules BEFOREOPERATING the backhoe:
1. BE SURE area is clear of underground utilities or other hazards.
2. POSITION barricade around work area.
3. PROVIDE adequate front end weight to counter-balance tractor at all times. 20% of the total tractor, loader
and backhoe weight must be on the tractor front axle.
4. Keep bystanders a safe distance away
DIRECTIONS: The terms right, left, front and back shall be determined from the position of the operator when
seated in the operating position on the backhoe.
ENGINE SPEED
The speed at which the backhoe operates is partially dependent on engine RPM. Use a moderate engine speed to
start and increase it as your experience permits.
Refer to “SPECIFICATIONS” for hydraulic flow volume requirements. When powering from tractor systems
with higher output, reduce engine RPM to obtain acceptable backhoe operating speed.
Control Handles
Boom Swing Right Hand stabilizer
Left Hand Stabilizer Crowd Bucket

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CONTROLS
The backhoe has two major control levers plus the stabilizer control levers. These controls are located on the
control panel directly ahead of the operator. See Figure 2. The following is a list of the controls, with the
function of each, reading from left to right.
1. Boom/Swing: Push lever forward, the boom moves down, away from the operator. Pull lever back, the
boom moves up, toward the operator.
The Boom/Swing Control Lever has an added “float” function. A detent or stop should be felt when the lever is
pushed forward to move the boom down. Pushing the lever forward more will overcome the detent and cause
the boom to float, or move down or up freely, depending on the forces acting on it. When the lever is released it
should return to the center, neutral position.
Move lever to the left, the backhoe swings to the left. Move lever to the right, the backhoe swings to the right.
By moving the lever to one of the intermediate positions, the boom can be swung left or right at the same it is
being raised or lowered, performing the two operations simultaneously.
SWING LEFT AND LOWER the boom by moving the control lever forward and to the left.
SWING LEFT AND RAISE the boom by moving the control lever back and to the left.
Swing lock
Boom safety lock

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SWING RIGHT AND LOWER the boom by moving the lever forward and to the right.
SWING RIGHT AND RAISE the boom by moving the lever back and to the right.
2. Left Hand Stabilizer: Push lever forward, the LH stabilizer lowers. Pull lever back, the LH stabilizer raises.
3. Right Hand Stabilizer: Push lever forward, the RH stabilizer lowers. Pull lever back, the RH stabilizer raises.
4. Crowd/Bucket: Push lever forward, the dipper stick moves out, away from the operator. Pull lever back, the
dipper stick moves in, toward the operator. Move lever to left, the bucket curls in. Move lever to right, the
bucket extends out. By moving the lever to one of the intermediate positions, the dipper stick can be extended
or retracted at the same time the bucket is being loaded or dumped.
EXTEND AND LOAD the bucket by moving the lever forward and to the left.
RETRACT AND LOAD the bucket by moving the lever back and to the left.
EXTEND AND DUMP the bucket by moving the lever forward and to the right.
RETRACT AND DUMP the bucket by moving the lever back and to the right.
The two operations of the boom lever, combined with the two operations performed by the bucket and dipper
stick control lever, provide four simultaneous operations from the two levers, keeping cycle time to a minimum.
In general, the direction of movement of a control lever corresponds to the movement of the operating member.
Machines Safety
To avoid possible injury, observe the following safety rules WHEN SERVICING the backhoe:
1. ENGAGE safety locks as shown in Figures 1 & 3 before servicing the backhoe.
2. DO NOT oil, grease or adjust the backhoe while it is in motion.
3. DO NOT change any backhoe relief valve settings.

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They are factory set for best performance and safety.
4. ESCAPING FLUID under pressure can have sufficient force to penetrate the skin and cause serious injury.
Be sure to relieve all pressure before disconnecting lines. Be sure all connections are tight and that lines, pipes
and hoses are not damaged before applying pressure to the system.
5. FLUID ESCAPING from a very small hole can be almost invisible. Use a small piece of cardboard or wood
- not your hands - to search for suspected leaks.
6. SEE A DOCTOR AT ONCE if injured by escaping fluid. Serious infection or gangrene can develop if
proper medical treatment is not administered immediately.
7. PROTECT YOUR EYES - Wear safety glasses. Guard against injury when driving connecting pins or
performing any repair in which particles can chip from work piece or striking tool.

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BEGINNING OF SEASON
 Remove all protective covering.

 Check hydraulic hoses for deterioration and replace, if necessary.
 Lubricate all grease fittings and oil handle linkage.
 Check hydraulic system for loss of fluid and, if necessary, fill to proper level.
 Tighten all loose bolts, nuts and setscrews.
 Inspect bucket teeth and, if necessary, sharpen or replace them.
 Operate the backhoe slowly for a short time before
 Placing the unit under full load.
Bleeding Backhoe Hydraulic System
If the hydraulic hoses have been disconnected from the backhoe or tractor, all trapped air must be removed after
the hoses are connected. Start tractor engine and operate backhoe through all movements fully, several times, to
purge the system of air.
Hydraulic System Hoses
Oil leaks in the pressure side of the system can be located by carefully inspecting the external area of the
hoses and fittings.
Check the return side of the system for leaks by examining the oil in the reservoir. If air is being drawn
into the system, the oil will contain air bubbles and appear to foam.
When tightening connections, always use two wrenches.

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IMPORTANT: Do not over-tighten fittings. Make them just tight enough to eliminate leaks.
NEVER use teflon tape on pipe thread fittings. Always use a paste-type sealer.
Hoses on any backhoe are very severely worked and will fail in time. Examine them regularly and replace any
that show signs of failure. Pay careful attention to the routing of hoses so they can move fully and freely
without kinking, and cannot be pinched or cut by any part of the backhoe.
Hydraulic System Reservoir
On PTO pump contained systems, maintain the reservoir oil at the proper level by looking at the dipstick. The
Dipstick/breather cap is located directly behind the right hand foot pad on the backhoe. When checking oil
level, the backhoe should be extended to full reach with the bucket rolled back and resting on the ground. All
cylinders are retracted except for the boom cylinder. Do not overfill; oil may be forced out of the breather cap.
Fill with:
SAE 10W40 engine oil with API “SF/SG” classification in northern climates.
SAE 40W engine oil with API “SF/SG” classification in southern climates.
Change oil every 200 hours or more often if necessary.
Change oil every 200 hours or more often if necessary.
If the tractor system supplies the hydraulic power, service according to the tractor instruction manual.

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Temporary safety signs are explained in relation to their use and placement.
In all places where the TLB works should have warning signs in place, temporary or permanent to warn the
operator of the arising situations and potential dangers. They are also used to warn people in the work place of
the potential dangers that they can be exposed to. Below are some of the safety signs that the learner must be
able to interpret their meaning.

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Transporting

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1

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

Purpose of the Guide

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

What You Need to Know

Steps toward Your Goal

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

machine. Depending on the operator’s skill,

The TLB consists of three major components:

1) the tractor itself, which houses the

Because of the flexibility of these

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

The TLB consists of three major components:

2) the front loader assembly; and

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

Universal Forces and Principles

1. There are physical forces and principles that act on a TLB.

Control the bucket attitude throughout the digging

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

When digging in hard-packed soil, bucket

To obtain a cleaner trench and

DUMPING THE BUCKET

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

TRENCHING BETWEEN A BUILDING AND OPEN EXCAVATIONS

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

Dig with the backhoe uphill whenever

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

FINISHING STRAIGHT WALLS

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

© MA Skills Centre / Transmex

Tractor Loader Backhoe Learner Guide 2013

Work site procedure.

Work site procedure.

Work place checklist

Operator awareness factor