Backhoe Loader Inspection Checklist

If you are one of those looking for buying construction equipment like Backhoe Loaders (BHLs), you need to know certain things about the equipment for sure and it is important for you to examine the condition of the equipment.

So, here is an inspection checklist that you can follow to purchase the right BHL (used or new) for your construction site…

Backhoe loader inspection checklist

1. A no-start engine or an engine that starts with difficulty - Take your time and have the sellers explain all the controls in detail. Make sure that you try every speed and movement. If it’s really cold, then expect some smoke. If there is excess smoke emission, then it is an indicator of poor maintenance or some default within the machine. If this is the case, then don’t prefer buying that BHL.

2. Leaking fluids under the machine - Make sure that you thoroughly check along the backhoe loader and the cylinders. Also, check all the hoses or arms. As the machinery wares off, oils and lubricant begin to leak from the arms, hoses, cylinders and engine as well. This may impact the speed of the machine and you will have to call for repairs more than often, resulting in unnecessary delays. So, one should look at the equipment carefully before buying it.

3. Coolant in the oil or oil in the coolant - This is a sign of an engine that will cause nothing but wasted time for you. So, examine the equipment thoroughly.

4. Welds on the backhoe, loader arms or buckets - Machinery constantly gets beaten up until it breaks and then it’s welded. A weld is never as strong as the original steel, plus the hard abuse may cause other trouble that you wont be able to notice at first glance. So, check the machine thoroughly.

5. Strange noise or incorrect behaviour of the brakes - Test the working of the brakes as sometimes the original ones are replaced by cheap quality ones. This may result in incorrect behaviour or strange noises, thus hampering the work at jobsite. So, you need to start the machine and check the noise level. If the engine makes strange noise, then it means that the machine may not give good results.

6. Poor hydraulics: The hydraulic excavator system is responsible for the efficient operation of many moving parts of BHL. If the hydraulic system of the machine is strong, then it will work for long and demand less maintenance. So, observe the machine carefully and check all the hydraulic components such as movement of the arms and swings, working of the joysticks, boom, arm and bucket functions. Difficulty in steering, high fluid temperature and fall in pressure are some hydraulics related issues which can be spotted and sorted well-in-advance.

In a nutshell

Apart from the above mentioned inspection list, one also needs to look at the overall structure and exteriors of the equipment. For example, you need to check the loader bucket and its components thoroughly, inspect the backhoe boom, stick and bucket, pay attention to the tyres and underneath and finally check the cab and other general operation of the BHL. Also, taking a close look at the stabilizers for any signs of leaks, damage, cracks or dents is necessary. Majorly, it is the maintenance of the equipment which defines its future usability and effectiveness. So, select the equipment with caution.