A backhoe loader is a heavy equipment designed to handle a wide range of tasks like digging, loading, lifting, trenching, compacting, etc. This machine’s high versatility across various sectors makes it the most popular heavy equipment globally, but without its hydraulic system, a backhoe wouldn’t be this capable.
The hydraulic system is the unsung hero & the lifeline of every backhoe. This system is designed to move vertically & horizontally, enabling a backhoe to perform a bevvy of tasks. Imagine the time taken by manual labour to finish a challenging task like backfilling or digging, or heavy material handling; a backhoe takes half the time or less to complete these tasks. Below, let’s understand how the hydraulics in a backhoe work.
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Hydraulic System Explained
Simply put, the hydraulic system is the circulatory system of a backhoe. The hydraulic system uses pressurised & incompressible fluids, called hydraulic fluid or oil, to transfer force from one point to another. When force is applied to the hydraulic fluid in confined spaces, the oil transfers equally in all directions, allowing small amounts of force to convert into a larger force.
Think of it in this way: when you apply a small amount of force in a small piston connected to a larger piston by a tube containing the hydraulic fluid, the force coming out from the larger piston is multiplied. This mechanism allows a backhoe loader’s arm to extend, retract & move horizontally & vertically, allowing you to lift heavy loads, dig, & perform other tasks.
Important Parts Of A Backhoe’s Hydraulic System
- Reservoir: Acts as a container to store the hydraulic fluid, keeping it clean & cool.
- Hydraulic Pump: Powered by the engine, a hydraulic pump pressurises the fluid & transfers it to the system.
- Valve: Direct the flow of the hydraulic oil to the correct parts of the system, allowing the operator to make desired machine movements.
- Hydraulic Cylinder: Considered the muscle of the hydraulic system, cylinders or actuators are tubes with integrated pistons that extend & retract based on fluid pressure, converting pressure to force to move boom, dippers, buckets, & stabilisers.
- Hoses & Pipes: Hoses & pipes help to connect various hydraulic parts & they carry the fluid among different components while maintaining the pressure.
- Control Levers/Joystick: Allows operators to control & manage hydraulic functions & movements.
- Hydraulic Oil Filter: Ensures the hydraulic fluid remains clean & prevents contamination to reduce damage & wear.
How Does A Backhoe’s Hydraulic System Work?
The hydraulic mechanism begins with the diesel engine powering the hydraulic pump, which pressurises the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pump draws the hydraulic fluid from the reservoir & pumps it under high pressure to send it to the hoses. The pressurised fluid then flows into the valve block. When the operator moves a specific lever, the corresponding valve opens to direct the fluid into a specific hydraulic cylinder.
Once the fluid fills the hydraulic cylinder, it pushes the piston to extend or retract the tubes. Each piston is connected to arms, booms & backhoe loader bucket via linkages. With these linear movements, the hydraulic force allows the machine to convert force into action, like digging, grabbing, lifting, etc. When the operator releases the lever, the fluid returns, ready for another cycle.
Why Is It Important To Maintain Your Backhoe’s Hydraulic System?
- Optimal performance with operations at peak power & efficiency.
- Reduced chances of fluid leaks.
- Helps to maintain hydraulic response & enhance operator control.
- Helps owners & operators prevent abrupt breakdown & downtime.
- Get the best ROI by avoiding costly repairs & more uptime.
- Safer working environment & accelerated productivity.
Signs Your Backhoe’s Hydraulic System Needs Attention
- Slow & jerky movements from the backhoe loader bucket & arms.
- Lower lifting power & drop in digging capabilities.
- Weird noises like whining, knocking & grinding.
- Hydraulic fluid leaks around hoses, seals & cylinders.
- Overheating in hydraulic system parts.
- Fluid contamination (thick black or milky) & lower fluid levels.
