BackHOE LOADER INSPECTION GUIDE
Backhoe Loader Inspection
- Cab: Make sure the glass is intact and the ROPS hasn’t been damaged. The seat should be in good working condition and should rotate easily. Loader and bucket commands should respond quickly to controls. Heating and air conditioning should be operating correctly. Check service and parking brake.
- Engine: Engine oil should be free of dirt and grit. Inspect the engine for blow-by. The oil filter and air filters should be clean. Check the radiator for antifreeze. Determine which parts (if any) of the engine have been rebuilt.
- Tires and Axles: Inspect the tread and look for gashes on the sidewalls. Make sure kingpins are greased and fit tightly. There should also be oil in the axles. All lugs should be present and fit tightly.
- Hydraulic Cylinders: If scratches are present, oil will eventually begin to leak out. A loss of pressure will hinder the machine’s performance.
- Loader Bucket: Inspect the cutting edge. There should be no more than 50-percent wear.
- Frame: Look for welds and other signs of damage. If the frame is bent, chances are the machine was involved in a roll-over accident. Cracks indicate the machine has been overstressed.
- Stabilizers: Make sure the stabilizer cylinders are in working order and that there are no hydraulic leaks — the stabilizer cylinders are damage-prone. The stabilizer pads should be intact. Check cylinder rods for scratches.
- Pins and Bushings: Examine all hinge parts, particularly the kingpin. Rust buildup around these areas indicates the machine has been sitting idle for an extended period of time.
- Backhoe Boom, Arm and Bucket: Check for non-manufacturer welds, which would indicate the arm or boom has been repaired. A broken arm or boom will likely break again. Bucket teeth should be in good shape and all bolts in place.
- Hydraulic Hoses: Look for signs of pinching and excessive wear. If the hoses are dry and brittle, they need to be replaced.