Operator`s manual

6880

3-7-96

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING TECHNIQUES

ATTACHMENT TYPE BACKHOES

BASIC DIGGING TECHNIQUE

When starting an excavation, make the first cut of each section shal-

low, being careful to follow the exact layout of the excavation. The reason

for the shallow cut is to minimize damage to the sod and to facilitate re-

placement. These first cuts are also important because they will act as

guides for the remaining cuts, thus getting the first few cuts as accurate as

possible will help in keeping all future cuts accurate.

When digging with the backhoe, extend the boom, dipper and bucket

out, away from the operator. Lower the boom and dipper to start the dig-

ging process. The bucket teeth should be at a 30° to 45° entry angle. As

the digging starts, curl the bucket until the cutting edge is level with the

horizon. Crowd the bucket in toward the operator working the bucket lever

to keep the bucket level. As the bucket moves toward the operator, ma-

nipulate the boom lever to keep the cut level. At the end of the digging

cycle, crowd the dipper out and completely curl the bucket while lifting it

from the excavation. Once you have cleared the excavation, swing the

bucket to the spoil pile. Start to dump the bucket before the pile is ap-

proached. Once the bucket is empty, swing the unit back to the excava-

tion, positioning the bucket and dipper for the next cut in the process. The

whole digging process should be one smooth cycle that is repeated until the

excavation is completed.

When the excavation has been dug to within six inches of the fin-

ished bottom, clear and touch up the sides of the excavation. Use the flat

sides of the bucket to scrape off any high spots. Dislodge any exposed

rocks if they seem loose. When finishing walls, finish the far wall by curling

the bucket out, crowding the dipper out, and forcing the bucket down. To

finish the closest wall, lift the bucket up and curl it in.