I need some advice on backhoe operation.

[Harry]

When I'm backhoe digging in an area, I don't want to dig up much with the bucket. I lay the bucket flat and raise up the front wheels off the ground. The down riggers are always going to dig up the area. I also have turned the bucket with the open area facing down so it digs in when lifting the front wheels off the ground. I've been told that's not recommended but it does stabilize the tractor better. It also can twist the fame under heavy digging and swinging the boom under a load. I've added gussets and fish plated the frame underneath where the frame was cracked badly, it was a mess from PO.

Keep the Peace
Harry

[JSinMO]

You can learn a lot by reading the manuals on your equipment, but in my opinion it’s equally important to have conversations with people who have been there, done that. Thank you all for your responses, there’s a lot of great information to read over!

Toolslinger,

As we talked about before, when I did my test dig the machine really moved around. I think using the spikes in the bottom of the stabilizer feet are really going to help.

Timj,
The narrow stabilizer stance has been on my mind.
I think the idea of trying to make a flat as possible area to work on is going to be important with this setup.

The book talks about setting the creep mode on the tractor if equipped, (which mine is not) or setting the parking brake. I’m thinking of trying wheel chocks to help keep the tractor stationary.

Thanks for the input everyone, I appreciate it!

[Spike188]

https://manuals.ccigt.com/PartsManuals/ ... marked.pdf

Page 30 item 22 is a stabilizer spike for the Davis D100. It looks like a good idea but I think it would have limitation. It would likely need to be removed during transport.

Spike

[Timj]

You can learn a lot by reading the manuals on your equipment, but in my opinion it’s equally important to have conversations with people who have been there, done that. Thank you all for your responses, there’s a lot of great information to read over!

Toolslinger,

As we talked about before, when I did my test dig the machine really moved around. I think using the spikes in the bottom of the stabilizer feet are really going to help.

Timj,
The narrow stabilizer stance has been on my mind.
I think the idea of trying to make a flat as possible area to work on is going to be important with this setup.

The book talks about setting the creep mode on the tractor if equipped, (which mine is not) or setting the parking brake. I’m thinking of trying wheel chocks to help keep the tractor stationary.

Thanks for the input everyone, I appreciate it!

The hydraulic power of a hoe is incredible, it will take some "seat time" to get a feel for how much of a bite you can take. Take too much and you drag yourself backwards. Try to take a limited cut as you pull the bucket towards you, soil type will dictate how much. Let the teeth help breakup hard soil. You'll get it, to bad you don't have some frozen ground, that will get you in practice. and break your hoe.

[JSinMO]

https://manuals.ccigt.com/PartsManuals/ ... marked.pdf

Page 30 item 22 is a stabilizer spike for the Davis D100. It looks like a good idea but I think it would have limitation. It would likely need to be removed during transport.

Spike

I do have a set for it. I put them on the other day just to see how they look

I think your correct. They hang really low.

[JSinMO]

You can learn a lot by reading the manuals on your equipment, but in my opinion it’s equally important to have conversations with people who have been there, done that. Thank you all for your responses, there’s a lot of great information to read over!

Toolslinger,

As we talked about before, when I did my test dig the machine really moved around. I think using the spikes in the bottom of the stabilizer feet are really going to help.

Timj,
The narrow stabilizer stance has been on my mind.
I think the idea of trying to make a flat as possible area to work on is going to be important with this setup.

The book talks about setting the creep mode on the tractor if equipped, (which mine is not) or setting the parking brake. I’m thinking of trying wheel chocks to help keep the tractor stationary.

Thanks for the input everyone, I appreciate it!

The hydraulic power of a hoe is incredible, it will take some "seat time" to get a feel for how much of a bite you can take. Take too much and you drag yourself backwards. Try to take a limited cut as you pull the bucket towards you, soil type will dictate how much. Let the teeth help breakup hard soil. You'll get it, to bad you don't have some frozen ground, that will get you in practice. and break your hoe.

Yes it was really impressive how much power the hoe has! Your right I’ll have to do this in small steps for awhile.

Please don’t wish frozen ground on me! We’re finally all thawed out, now if we could just dry out a little I could do something! We’ve had a cold wet spring, my garden will be late this year!

[Spike188]

https://manuals.ccigt.com/ServiceManual ... marked.pdf

Here is the warning found on page 5 of a manual on our site.

Spike

[JSinMO]

https://manuals.ccigt.com/ServiceManual ... marked.pdf

backhoe warning.jpg

Here is the warning found on page 5 of a manual on our site.

Spike

Thanks Spike. I’ve noticed the bucket is a little tweaked. Not enough to make a difference on what I’ll be using it for, but not quite flat. I bet that’s what happened to it in the past.

[Harry]

From mine own experience normal digging with the hoe was no problem as long as I didn't dig up something hidden. I've dug a bit around my property and have not found much as far as rocks or boulders. One time I did try to dig out some Spruce tree stumps by digging around them. I was not too successful because I kept digging up roots around the stump. Sometimes actually pulling the whole tractor towards the stump. I stopped and paid someone to grind these big stumps out. No sense damaging the machine trying to do a job that was too big for it.

Keep the Peace

Harry

[JSinMO]

From mine own experience normal digging with the hoe was no problem as long as I didn't dig up something hidden. I've dug a bit around my property and have not found much as far as rocks or boulders. One time I did try to dig out some Spruce tree stumps by digging around them. I was not too successful because I kept digging up roots around the stump. Sometimes actually pulling the whole tractor towards the stump. I stopped and paid someone to grind these big stumps out. No sense damaging the machine trying to do a job that was too big for it.

Keep the Peace

Harry

Sounds like you made the right call. As stout as these machines are, there are limits and boundaries.

My dad had a John Deere 450 track loader. We were cleaning up some property for a neighbor, he hooked a root while digging and split the bucket. This was a robust machine in excellent condition , and it surprised me how easily the steel could be damaged by wood. We got to spend several days with a torch and sledgehammers beating that bucket back into shape! He wouldn’t quite till it was straight again. Then he welded the seams.

I sure don’t want to do that again!