NEWS

Operation of excavation loader

A backhoe loader (also known as a "two-way machine") is a multi-functional construction machinery that integrates excavating and loading functions. It is widely used in fields such as construction, agriculture, and municipal engineering. Its operation needs to take into account the different characteristics of excavation operations (front-end loading / rear-end excavating), while paying attention to safety regulations and equipment maintenance. The following is a detailed operation guide for backhoe loaders:

backhoe loader

I. Preparation before operation

1. Equipment inspection

  • Appearance and components: Check the wear of tires / tracks, whether bolts are loose, whether there are cracks in the bucket / excavator bucket, and ensure that the working devices (boom, stick) are connected reliably.
  • Fluid systems: Check the liquid level and quality of fuel, hydraulic oil, coolant, and engine oil to avoid leakage; check whether the hydraulic pipelines are damaged or aged.
  • Safety devices: Confirm that the seat belt, reversing radar / camera, warning lights, horn, etc. are functioning properly, and that the cab glass is clean and unobstructed.
  • Pre-start test: After starting the engine, let it idle for 3-5 minutes (can be extended in winter), check whether the instrument panel indicator lights are normal, and test whether the hydraulic system (boom and bucket lifting) is stuck or making abnormal noises.

2. Site preparation

  • Clear obstacles (stones, wires, pipes, etc.) in the operation area, confirm the location of underground facilities (such as cables, water pipes) to avoid damage during excavation.
  • Level the operation site, especially ensuring that the machine body is stable during excavation, and the slope does not exceed the maximum inclination angle specified by the equipment (usually ≤15°).
  • If working on roads or public places, set up warning signs and enclosures to prevent irrelevant personnel from entering.

II. Basic operation process (taking the loader function as an example)

1. Starting and idling

  • Insert the key, rotate it clockwise to the "ON" position, wait for the instrument panel self-inspection to complete (about 3-5 seconds), and confirm that no fault lights are on.
  • Press the brake pedal, set the gear lever to "neutral (N)", and start the engine (the duration should not exceed 10 seconds; if starting fails, wait 30 seconds before trying again).
  • After the engine starts, keep it idling for 3-5 minutes, and start working after the water temperature and oil temperature rise to the normal range (water temperature 60-80℃, oil temperature 40-60℃).

2. Forward and backward movement

  • Release the handbrake, push the gear lever to "forward (F)" or "reverse (R)" gear, slowly release the brake pedal, and the equipment starts to move.
  • Control the driving speed through the accelerator pedal, avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration, especially on uneven roads, reduce the speed to prevent the equipment from Bump.

3. Loading operation

  • Drive to the front of the material pile, lower the bucket to the ground, move forward slowly, and insert the bucket into the material.
  • Operate the boom joystick to lift the bucket to an appropriate height (avoid being too high to cause unstable center of gravity), and at the same time pull the bucket joystick backward to make the bucket turn over and fill it with materials.
  • After the bucket is full, lift it to the transportation position (about 30-50cm from the ground) and drive slowly to the unloading point.

4. Unloading operation

  • After driving to the unloading point, press the brake pedal to stop the equipment stably, operate the boom joystick to lift the bucket to the unloading height.
  • Push the bucket joystick forward to make the bucket tilt forward and unload the materials. During unloading, pay attention to observation to avoid materials spilling on the equipment or the surrounding environment.
  • After unloading, lower the bucket to the ground to prepare for the next loading operation.

III. Key points for excavating function operation

1. Adjustment of excavation posture

  • Drive the equipment to the excavation point, adjust the position of the machine body so that the rear end of the excavator faces the excavation direction, and keep an appropriate distance between the machine body and the excavation point (usually the excavator bucket can easily reach the materials when extended).
  • Operate the outriggers (equipped with some equipment) to support the equipment stably to avoid the machine body shaking during excavation.

2. Steps of excavation operation

  • Operate the excavator bucket joystick to lower the bucket to the ground, aim at the excavation point, slowly retract the stick, and at the same time turn down the boom to make the bucket cut into the materials.
  • After the excavator bucket is full of materials, operate the boom to lift the bucket, and at the same time rotate the upper body (if the equipment has a rotation function) to turn the bucket to the unloading position.
  • When unloading, turn the excavator bucket forward to unload the materials to the transport vehicle or designated place. After unloading, reset the bucket to prepare for the next excavation.

3. Notes

  • During excavation, avoid the excavator bucket going too deep into the material pile to prevent equipment overload or the bucket getting stuck.
  • When excavating hard soil or stones, first loosen the materials (auxiliary tools such as a breaker can be used) to avoid forced excavation causing equipment damage.
  • When rotating the upper body, operate slowly, avoid sudden stop or sharp turn to prevent materials from spilling or the equipment's center of gravity shifting.

IV. Safety operation specifications

Personnel safety:

  • Operators must receive professional training, be familiar with equipment performance and operation procedures, and unauthorized operation is strictly prohibited.
  • Must fasten the seat belt, wear work clothes, work shoes, safety helmet and other protective equipment during operation.
  • It is strictly prohibited to place debris in the cab to avoid affecting operation or causing safety hazards.

Equipment safety:

  • Overload operation is strictly prohibited, and the loading capacity of the bucket / excavator bucket shall not exceed the rated value specified by the equipment.
  • Avoid excavating or loading on slopes; if it is necessary, take anti-skid measures and have a dedicated person command.
  • During operation, if abnormal conditions such as abnormal noise, oil leakage, or water leakage of the equipment are found, stop the operation immediately, check and eliminate the faults before continuing.

Environmental safety:

  • Avoid working under high-voltage lines; if it is necessary, maintain a sufficient safety distance (determined according to the voltage level, usually ≥10 meters).
  • Pay attention to protecting the surrounding environment during operation to avoid damaging vegetation, roads or public facilities.

V. Maintenance after operation

Shutdown operation:

  • Drive the equipment to a flat site, lower the bucket / excavator bucket to the ground, set the gear lever to "neutral (N)", and pull the handbrake.
  • Turn off the engine, take out the key, check whether all parts of the equipment are damaged or abnormal, and clean up the residual materials in the bucket / excavator bucket.

Daily maintenance:

  • Regularly check the liquid level and quality of hydraulic oil, engine oil, and coolant, and add or replace them in time.
  • Check the wear of tires / tracks, and adjust the tire pressure or track tightness.
  • Add grease to each lubrication point (such as the hinge points of the boom and stick) to ensure flexible operation of the equipment.


The above operation guide can help operators use the backhoe loader in a standardized and safe manner, improve work efficiency and extend the service life of the equipment. In actual operation, it is necessary to flexibly adjust according to the equipment model and operating environment. If necessary, refer to the equipment instruction manual or receive professional training.


Scroll to Top