Can You Dig It? Backhoe Attachments for your Skids

Sunil Newatia
Dr. Digger
Published in
4 min readMar 9, 2024

Its flexibility in tight corners. The fact that one person can perform in minutes the jobs that could take hours using manual labour. Attachment that makes your skids versatile — getting ability of digging, loading and trenching to backfilling and demolition.

Backhoe attachments offer powerful digging performance in a compact design. Vert’s backhoe attachment adds ease to accessing of confined spaces. Backhoes can be used for various jobsite activities — digging foundations, planting trees, trenching for irrigation and utilities installation and much more.

Skid loaders are multi-use machines. The applications are nearly limitless. Attachments are what make these loaders versatile. They can landscape, fill and grade parking lots and run trenches for sewer lines — with the help of a backhoe. They can work on retaining walls, fences, water features — you name it. Plus, they can work in tight spots other machines can’t reach. The skid loader’s light footprint allows the machine to go almost anywhere without damaging turf.

Cost Advantage

Skid loaders are growing in popularity because contractors are looking for cost-effective ways to accomplish several jobs without having to invest in multiple pieces of equipment. Contractors are buying Skid loaders to do jobs they once used dedicated machines to accomplish. In the past, a trenching contractor would have to bring a trencher to the job and another machine to fill the trench. With a skid loader, he can use one machine with a trencher attachment and a trencher filler attachment to accomplish that same job. This approach not only saves the contractor the cost of an extra machine, it also may reduce insurance and travel expenses.

Routine Maintenance

Now, how can we extend the life of the skid loader’s backhoe attachment? Routine maintenance can spell the difference between a productive attachment and an unexpected breakdown. Maintenance and repair costs are minimal compared to the work you can accomplish with a well-maintained piece of equipment.

Although backhoe attachments are commonly used in for only few hours a day, it’s typical for some components to experience wear with use over time. The following routine maintenance tips can help extend their life and ensure optimal performance:

· Check bucket teeth. Operators should be routinely looking at bucket teeth to make sure they are sharp and square edged — not rounded from wear.

· Grease pivot points daily. Because the compact utility loader is so powerful, it builds up a lot of pressure or “torque.” Pivot points should be greased on a daily basis to ensure the backhoe is working freely.

· Examine all hydraulics. Another way to ensure backhoes don’t lose performance is to check that there are no hydraulic leaks, hoses are not rubbed or damaged and cylinders and hydraulic hoses are not damaged.

· Look at pin-to-boom relationship. Are the pins inside the boom assembly stable? This is the highest wear point as it receives the most pressure when digging. There should be no movement between the bucket and pins. Are new pins or bushings needed? The bucket may be loose after a couple hours of use. In the case of Toro’s backhoe attachment, the boom has the ability to pivot 90 degrees each way from the operator, so it’s important to grease and check it for wear.

Safety Check

Operator safety precautions are at least as important as routine maintenance. For example, when hooking up the backhoe attachment to the loader, make sure the locking pins on the attachment plate are securing into the opening on the backhoe plate. If the brackets aren’t secure, the backhoe will be unstable. So, it’s important to replace any worn parts.

Additionally, make sure stabilizers are on secure ground so you don’t lose stability of the unit, which anchors the backhoe. Jobsite safety should also be top of mind. This includes: checking for underground power lines; watching the overhead height of the backhoe; and remembering not to get too close to the trench — leaving a safe space between the backhoe and opening to prevent a cave-in.

Operating the backhoe attachment without taking the time for proper setup and upkeep can result in expensive, long-term implications. By following a few simple procedures with each use, you can significantly reduce repair and downtime, allowing your backhoe to work for you over the long haul.

Consult #Dr.Digger if you are uncertain about using the attachment. To attain optimal performance and long life from the attachment, your best bet is to use genuine OEM spares

Call 1800 120 7873 sales@suretech.co.in www.suretechinfra.com

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Dr. Digger
Dr. Digger

Published in Dr. Digger

Expert advice on excavator attachments, on increasing productivity, profitability of your excavator

Sunil Newatia
Sunil Newatia

Written by Sunil Newatia

I do not have any claim to fame. I am just one amongst the billions inhabiting our great planet. I am just a spiritual being having a human experience