Tips for Inspecting a Used Backhoe Loader

What are the tips for inspecting a used backhoe loader? Understanding which elements of the machine to evaluate before purchasing a used backhoe is one of the most important inspection tips. You must ensure that everything is in working order and that you will not be required to pay for additional repairs after purchasing the backhoe. You can ensure you’re purchasing a good backhoe loader by completing an in-depth inspection of a used backhoe loader.

Check the following items when purchasing a used backhoe:

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

The hydraulic system of a backhoe is critical for the machine’s moving parts. These pieces may not work at all or operate at a slower rate if the system is damaged. You must inspect the various hydraulic parts to verify that the backhoe functions properly.

Begin by inspecting the hoses for any scratches or breakage, as well as verifying that the couplings are in good working order. After inspecting couplings and hoses, search for leaking or damaged cylinders, as dents or scratches are clues that something is wrong. Damage to your hydraulic system, such as dents and scratches, can expose it to impurities.

THE ENGINE

After you’ve gone over the hydraulic system, go over the engine, which should be close by. Look for slack belts, old filters, and apparent leaks. The last service date on the machine’s notes can be used to determine the state of a filter.

BUCKET CUTTING EDGE, BUCKET TEETH, AND LOADER BUCKET

The loader bucket on a backhoe is an important part of the equipment. Examine the bucket for signs of damage and make sure it’s in good working order. Examine the thickness of the bucket side panels, the condition of the bottom, the structural integrity of the bucket welds, and the state of the leading edges as you look for wear.

Check for any missing bolts or missing, damaged, or loose teeth on the bucket teeth. Next, look for signs of damage, such as scalloping, on the bucket’s cutting edge. If the bucket’s cutting edge becomes worn, you may usually flip it to keep it working.

ARMS OF THE LOADER

After you’ve checked the bucket, check the loader arms to which the bucket is attached. Look for bends, re-welds, and cracks in the arms. You’ll know that some repair work has been done if you observe re-welds. This should alert you to the need to inspect the job and determine whether it was completed by a professional. Bends in the equipment suggest that it was likely rolled, and cracks show that the backhoe loader was pushed past its capability.

CAB

Examine the cab to ensure that your operator will be in safe driving circumstances when operating the backhoe loader. Examine the pedals, joysticks, and seat. After that, look for any additional technology or features. Look for an hour meter reading while in the cab to check whether the wear is reasonable for how long the backhoe has been in operation.

You should also have the opportunity to operate the backhoe loader to check how well it works. Start the machine and do some basic operations on it. After starting the backhoe, mount the attachments and carefully drive the backhoe. If you notice it’s difficult to steer, the operating attachments lose pressure, a chattering noise, or a high fluid temperature, the hydraulic system is most likely damaged.

AXLES AND TIRES

Loader backhoes are often found with one of three axle configurations: 4×2, 4×4, or 4x4x4. Examine the tire size and see if the front axle has a drive shaft and differential to confirm the equipment’s layout. You can also check with the machine’s manufacturer to see if the axle layout is correct. Look for any evidence of leakage when you inspect the axles.
Check for any size variations in the tires throughout the inspection. You should inspect the rims for any cracks, since these could cause problems when changing the tire. Using a tread depth tester, check the tread depth and inspect the lug nuts for looseness.
Next, inspect the driveshaft for any damage resulting from tough terrain or rocks. See whether there are any leaks underneath the backhoe loader. When you start the car, listen for any unusual noises coming from the drive shaft. Excessive noise could indicate that the universal joints or transmission need to be replaced.

HOE BUCKET, STICK AND BOOM

Look for any bends, re-welds, or cracks in the backhoe’s stick and boom. Re-welds, like the loader arm, indicate that the backhoe has been pushed beyond its limit, whereas cracks indicate that the backhoe has been pushed beyond its capacity. Bends will reveal that the backhoe has most certainly rolled.

After you’ve checked out the boom and stick, continue on to the hoe bucket. Check for any missing bolts or teeth to ensure the hoe bucket is in good working order. You should also make sure that the backhoe’s digging depth is sufficient.

SERVICE RECORDS AND WORK ORDER

In addition to performing a physical inspection of the parts, review the backhoe loader’s various documents to learn more about it. Work orders and servicing documents will reveal more about how the backhoe loader has been utilized and if any severe damage has occurred.

Source

Other Related Articles