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QUESTION:was wondering if anyone knows where I might find a video or how to
book on how to run a backhoe. I need to dig a 60' trench about 6' deep
behind my home and install a french drain to stop some springs in my
crawl space.
I have only been able to get one contractor up here to give me a bid
and it was close to $5,000! WOW. They are all too busy around my area.
I found I can rent a backhoe for 5 days, buy the pipe, rock and
fabric for about $1,000. I've never been afrraid to try something new. I
just need some reference material or video on how to operate one of
these. The guys at the rental places are worthless. All they say is
"it's easy". I know that there are usually a lot of basic do's and
don't. That's what I need.
Anyone have any idea? books? www?
ANSWER: I had never operated a backhoe before I bought mine (1969 Ford
TLB, 13ft hoe) less than 3 weeks ago. I'd agree with the rental guys, if
you have a shred of common sense.
The major concern on your site is nothing to do with digging - you're on
a steep hill, you need to be very careful about not rolling the rig
over. You also need to make sure that the rental backhoe you're
considering will actually dig the hole you need (many rentals are very
small, and very short reach). And do call dig-safe if there's _any_
chance of buried utilities - your own septic system or outside lights,
if any, being your problem to know where they are, and avoid digging
into.
Don't be in a hurry. You'll push levers in the wrong direction from time
to time, and it's best to start slow, see if it's doing what you want,
and adjust if not. You'll get better as you use it more. Most of your
digging is done with the wrist, while the shoulder and elbow keep the
bucket moving into fresh dirt. If the back of the tractor picks up, you
have proved that the ground is hard, and the hydraulics are powerful,
but you're not digging much - adjust your technique so you're digging.
Pull, don't push (except when backfilling loose dirt).
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