Backhoe loader

The backhoe loader (also known as backhoe ) is a construction machine mainly used in earthworks. This multi-purpose device replaces with his loader bucket on the front of the wheel loader and with the boom at the rear of the hydraulic excavator. Both devices are controlled from the cab. The device can be used universally true, but it is less powerful than the two individual devices.

The of a diesel engine driven machinery takes on smaller sites easy Erdbautätigkeiten or lifting power. It should be noted that this unit enjoys in countries such as Britain or the United States and more popular than, say, in Germany.

History

Originally the Backhoe developed from the tractor used in agriculture. So passed the first backhoe loader from a tractor - Basic unit with loading shovel (also known as front loaders ) on which a simple backhoe unit was built. The wheels at the rear were larger and coarser profiled, as the front wheels. At this time, however, neither hydraulic outriggers yet comfortable cabs with electronic controls on the unit were present, also the performance was severely limited. Only with the development of strong diesel engines and suitable drive systems increased the performance of the backhoe. These very simple devices have been developed over time to compact multi-purpose devices that replace a number of individual devices on site. The first backhoe loader was built in 1953 by Joseph Cyril Bamford (JCB ). He was named Major Loader. In 1961, the JCB was presented 3. On this basis, the various new models of the past 40 years developed.

Components

The backhoe loader essentially consists of five components:

Parameters

The power spectrum of the backhoe moves depending on the model between 50 and 90 kW, at an operating weight from 7.0 to 12.0 t. The loader bucket on the front holds between 0.8 and 1.5 m³, the backhoe on the rear can hold up to 0.5 m³. The tipping height varies from 2.70 to 2.80 m. The tail boom has a reach of up to 6.5 m.

Technology and equipment

A backhoe can be driven either hydrodynamically or hydrostatically. The hydrodynamic torque converter, a drive and a power transmission are used. To improve traction, the devices have all-wheel drive and reach a top speed of up to 20 km / h The front axle is used for devices with a rigid frame as a steering unit and a pendulum is mounted. A special form Backhoe with bend - or all-wheel steering represents the rear axle is equipped with a differential lock.

For the backhoe loaders have a number of attachments to choose from. By default, a loading bucket front is grown and at the rear a conventional bucket or clamshell. For a quick change of attachments quick couplers can be provided to facilitate a change attachments from the cab. The boom can at the rear by means of a sliding carriage slide so that the backhoe device can be moved sideways.

Further facilities at the rear hydraulic outriggers, which can be extended to increase the stability in backhoe operation.

Use

The backhoe loader is suitable for smaller construction sites where the use of several heavy equipment would be uneconomic. Thus, it is used in small canal and pipeline construction. In addition, the backhoe loader for transporting soil and bulk solids is eligible. Less often the machine is used as a hoist.

Security

Statutory accident prevention regulations ( UVV short ) for earth-moving machinery stipulate that the backhoe loader must be equipped with both a ROPS device ( Rollover Protective Structure ) and a FOPS protection device ( Falling Object Protective Structure). The latter, however, is to apply only to units in the quarry or in building demolition.

The driver of a machine must have been trained, physically and mentally fit and be at least 18 years old. To participate in the public streets of a valid driving license must be verified. While participating in public traffic all boom and supports should be rolled up and install a cap on the bucket teeth. To arrest the danger area during work is prohibited. Furthermore, there is in the bend region of the articulated joint crushing.

When working in the earthworks is possible to underground cables or lines to meet. Despite location maps, road signs, or GPS calibration, the position of the supply line during construction must be checked. Underground warning tapes can be recognized by the machine operators, however, are not always available. In the event that a construction machine a current-carrying cable or has water or damaged gas line, according to the rules of conduct of the professional associations to act.

Manufacturer

In Germany develop and produce only a few manufacturers backhoe loader. So the company JCB, which is now part of Terex, and Kramer could make a name in this context. In other countries such as the United States or China, however, there are a variety of manufacturers, such as Caterpillar, Volvo, Massey Ferguson, JCB and Komatsu, and Case.