A loader backhoe is a combination tractor, excavator and loader and is considered by some to be the Swiss Army knife of heavy equipment. It can dig, backfill, handle material and do more with the right attachments. Compact and versatile, loader backhoes are used in everything from construction and demolition to landscaping and road building.
Go to the cab, open the door and look inside. Assess the overall condition of the seat, joysticks and footrests. Consider whether the timer reading is appropriate for the amount of wear present in the cab.
Start the machine and perform general operating tasks. With the stabilizers or outriggers on the ground, lift the tire off the ground and swing the moving arm left to right, looking for any signs of loose bushings. Next move the loading arm up and down and double check for any play that might be caused by a loose pin or bushing.
If you experience any loss of pressure, any difficulty turning, constant high fluid temperatures, or unusual noises or “chatter” while operating an attachment, the hydraulic system is likely to be the culprit.
The stabilizers rely on a hydraulic system to function. Look closely at the stabilizer for any signs of leaks. Also make sure the stabilizer pads are flat and intact. Check the integrity of the stabilizer arm by looking for any cracks or dents.
The hydraulic system is responsible for the efficient operation of many loader backhoe moving parts, so take the time to check each system part. Check the hoses for any breaks or nicks, and make sure all fittings are in good condition. Check the cylinder for any leaks or signs of damage, including dents or scratches. Not only can dents and scratches be potential escape routes for fluids, but they can also be entry points for dirt and other hydraulic fluid contaminants.
While you’re under the hood, check the engine for any obvious leaks, loose belts, and filter condition. In most cases, the service technician or operator will note the last service date on the air filter.
When inspecting a bucket for signs of wear, pay close attention to the leading edge, the thickness of the bucket side plates, the condition of the bucket bottom, and the integrity of the bucket welds. Look closely at the teeth and check for missing, loose or worn teeth, or missing bolts. Check the bucket cutting edges for scalloping or other signs of wear. Remember: you can turn the cutting edge over to extend its life.
After inspecting the bucket, move over to the loader arm and check for any cracks, re-welding, or bending. Cracks can result when a machine exceeds its capacity or there is a structural failure. Re-welding is a sign of repair work, and bending may indicate that the machine was run over during operation.
As you did with the loader arm, inspect the backhoe boom and check for any cracks, re-welding, or bending. Just like you did with the loader bucket, look at the overall condition of the hoe bucket and double check for any missing teeth or bolts. Make sure the overall digging depth of the backhoe is the maximum depth you need.
Loader backhoes typically come in three main types of axle configurations: 4×2, 4×4, or 4x4x4 (four-wheel drive and all-wheel steering). You can usually guess the configuration by looking at the tire size or seeing if there is a differential and drive shaft on the front axle under the machine. To verify shaft configuration, consult the manufacturer. When inspecting the axles, pay close attention to the front axle seals and look again for any signs of leaks.
Get under the loader backhoe and inspect the drive shaft for any damage from rocks or rough terrain. If you hear any excessive noise from the drive shaft while the machine is running, this could be a sign of bad transmission, or the universal joint on the drive shaft may need to be replaced. Before heading to the cab, check the ground for any signs of leaks.