5 key ways to increase backhoe loader safety

A good start is half the battle, so a lot depends on a thorough inspection before the actual work begins. Always carry out a pre-operation inspection of the machine to make sure that all controls and safety mechanisms are in working order. A backhoe loader that shows signs of damage or inadequate controls should never be operated.

However, getting to know the work site is equally as important as ensuring the proper functioning of the machine. Always check with the right services whether there are no utility lines underneath the site that could possibly be damaged while digging. In addition, always watch out for power cables running overhead when lifting loads.
 

Increasing the comfort in the cabin of a backhoe loader is not only more enjoyable to get through the workday, but it is also beneficial for safety! The first thing to do after entering the cabin is to adjust the seat and the steering wheel so that all controls can easily be reached. Accessible controls enable quick and correct action in the event of emergencies.

Also always fasten your seat belt when getting into the cabin of a backhoe loader. If the machine were to roll over, then the best place to be is safely strapped into your seat.
 

Try not to lapse into overconfidence when operating a backhoe loader. It is crucial to always opt for safe driving, even when – or rather, especially when – you are familiar with the machine and its controls. Stick to slow and steady movements and steer away from steep or uneven grades that could destabilise the backhoe loader.

It is also important to be cautious when going up and down a slope. When going uphill while carrying a load, make sure that the bucket loader is pointing up the hill. And to go downhill, it’s best to drive in reverse.
 

As an operator, it is your job to know the loading capacity of the backhoe loader. This also means that you should know how much weight can be safely picked up at a certain angle (height and distance). This ties in with the fact that you should remain aware of the centre of gravity of the backhoe loader when carrying loads. Always keep the boom of the backhoe close to the machine and the bucket loader low to the ground when transporting goods. Not only does this maximise stability, but it also increases visibility and allows you to keep an eye on the work site while driving.

Of course, attention to the backhoe and bucket loader doesn’t stop when you’re not carrying a load. Before driving a backhoe loader on the road, confirm that the boom of the backhoe is locked and that the swing lock is in place.
 

Always use the machine’s stabilisers when digging with a backhoe loader. Those stabilisers get the wheels off the ground and prevent there being any weight on the wheels. After all, weight on the wheels would make the machine bounce. That movement transmits vibrations to the operator and into the controls, causing the backhoe loader to shake and become unstable.

If the ground is too soft, you can use outrigger pads or blocks to avoid the stabilisers sinking into the ground. This is also crucial for safety reasons. Soft soil underneath the stabilisers can cause cave-ins, whereby the damage to the machine and its operator can be dramatic. Following on from this, it is crucial to never dig beneath the machine and to keep safely back from the edge of excavations and trenches.