How to Drive a Backhoe
You may not know it now, but there could be a time in your future when you need to know how to drive a backhoe. Perhaps you finally get that little farm you have always wanted or secured a new construction job. You may very well need to know some of the basic elements of driving a backhoe to dig an irrigation ditch or dig a foundation for a new construction site.
Perform a safety inspection by walking around the backhoe much like you would around a vehicle. Look for obstructions, rocks or logs in front, sides and to the rear. Most importantly, check for people, children or animals that could be hurt when you begin driving. Take into consideration that a backhoe is a large piece of equipment unlike some cars and make allowances for extra safety measures.
Spend time familiarizing yourself with the location of all the components necessary for driving the backhoe. It is a bit different from driving a car and you should know where everything is located.
- Locate the levers or switches to adjust the steering wheel and seat to reach all the controls comfortable. Start up the engine and let it idle for a couple of minutes. It is a good idea to flip through the backhoe manual while letting the machine warm up.
Note where the gearshift, and reverse and forward levers are located. Look for the accelerator and double brake pedals found on the floor. Be sure to find the levers for lifting and curling the front bucket.
Move the backhoe seat towards the rear. You should find longer sized controls, which operate the bucket (front) and boom (back). Secure the bucket into a curled position facing towards the backhoe. The boom should be pulled tight against the rear of a backhoe, centered and in a raised position. Raise the stabilizers (short control sticks) up before driving a backhoe.
Adjust the bucket from the seat facing the front of a backhoe. The bucket should be a couple of feet above the ground. It should not be too high or too low to block visibility or touch the ground. Be sure to place a transport locking pin in the front bucket. This secures the bucket while driving.
- Drive the backhoe by placing your foot on your break pedals and shifting into gear. Move the shift gear to reverse or forward. Remove your feet from the brakes and gently accelerate the gas pedal to begin driving.