We discuss how to ensure a long and productive life for any backhoe.
In this article, produced by Case, it is explained that habit-forming routines and a basic understanding of changes brought on by Tier 4 emissions are required. The proliferation of Tier 4 Final equipment – with greater fuel and fluid tolerances/demands – also requires attention and understanding from everyone in the machine management cycle. The following aspects should be carefully considered:
- The owner’s manual: Inside each owner’s manual is a detailed service interval schedule that should be followed.
- The pre- and post-operation walkaround: This is the most important few minutes of the day in the life of the backhoe. Check the oil and hydraulic fluid levels, check tire pressure and condition (especially important given how much time backhoes spend in travel mode), and grease as needed. Take in the overall condition of the machine. Look for visible damage, or leaks, or anything else that might be out of order or indicate something that would impede the operation of the machine. Check for cracked paint around the backhoe and loader arms where they could be susceptible to high stress. Cracked or spider-webbed paint could be an indication that the metal structure beneath is cracked and should be investigated to ensure there’s no serious damage. Inspect the condition of the buckets and/or attachments, and ensure that all are properly engaged. Check belts and auxiliary connections. Identifying possible mechanical issues with the backhoe, either at the beginning or the end of the day, will ensure that it is fixed and cared for properly before it turns into a costlier downtime event. This is especially important at the end of a shift where repairs can be identified and addressed before the start of the next day/shift to avoid downtime.
- Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF): DEF is not difficult to manage or handle. Like other fluids, it likes cool and dry storage (although shelf life even at 86 degrees is still 12 months). It should be stored and dispensed in dedicated containers so as not to allow for any contamination (even minimal contamination of DEF can lead to degraded performance and eventual failure of the SCR system). Always buy DEF from a reliable source, and always use DEF that is ISO 22241 compliant.
- Organic acid technology (OAT): OAT is an extended life coolant that provides increased protection to the engine and better performance throughout its service life. Tier 4 Final backhoes feature a clearly marked decal near the fill point that indicates the use of OAT, and the brand specified by the OEM. This is also detailed in the owner’s manual. Conventional coolant cannot be mixed with OAT, and off-brand/off-spec coolant (separate from what is specified by the OEM) can diminish its extended life properties and cause compatibility issues when mixed.
- Oil: Modern Tier 4 Final backhoes require a low-ash oil, CJ-4, that previously was not used in older equipment. This low-ash oil stands up to temperatures better than older formulations, and is backwards-compliant to older machines and trucks with diesel engines. The converse is not true, however. Older oils cannot be used on Tier 4 Final equipment that specifies CJ-4. Always refer to the owner’s manual for oil specifications required for that machine.
In the next issue of Logging-on, we will further explore options for backhoe maintenance. Source