Allmand Brothers Allmand 8.5 10 FT BACKHOE - Manual (Page 16)

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING TECHNIQUES
ATTACHMENT TYPE BACKHOES
BASIC DIGGING TECHNIQUE
When starting an excavation, make the first cut of each section shallow,
being careful to follow the exact layout of the excavation. The reason for the shallow
cut is to minimize damage to the sod and to facilitate replacement. These first cuts
are also important because they will act as guides for the remaining cuts, thus
getting the first few cuts as accurate as possible will help in keeping all future cuts
accurate.
When digging with the backhoe, extend the boom, dipper and bucket out,
away from the operator. Lower the boom and dipper to start the digging process.
The bucket teeth should be at a 30° to 45° entry angle. As the digging starts, curl
the bucket until the cutting edge is level with the horizon. Crowd the bucket in to-
ward the operator working the bucket lever to keep the bucket level. As the bucket
moves toward the operator, manipulate the boom lever to keep the cut level. At the
end of the digging cycle, crowd the dipper out and completely curl the bucket while
lifting it from the excavation. Once you have cleared the excavation, swing the
bucket to the spoil pile. Start to dump the bucket before the pile is approached.
Once the bucket is empty, swing the unit back to the excavation, positioning the
bucket and dipper for the next cut in the process. The whole digging process should
be one smooth cycle that is repeated until the excavation is completed.
When the excavation has been dug to within six inches of the finished bot-
tom, clear and touch up the sides of the excavation. Use the flat sides of the bucket
to scrape off any high spots. Dislodge any exposed rocks if they seem loose.
When finishing walls, finish the far wall by curling the bucket out, crowding the dipper
out, and forcing the bucket down. To finish the closest wall, lift the bucket up and
curl it in.
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