The backhoe is a standard piece of heavy equipment often used at our sites, thus inspections are paramount.  Backhoes are designed for a wide variety of tasks from small demolitions, light lifting or transportation of building materials, excavations, landscaping, breaking and hammering, and grading. Oftentimes, the backhoe bucket may be replaced with powered attachments such as a breaker, grapple, or an auger. Enhanced articulation of attachments can be achieved with intermediate attachments such as the jackhammer. Many backhoes feature quick coupler (quick-attach) mounting systems and auxiliary hydraulic circuits for simplified attachment mounting, increasing the machine’s utilization on the job site.  This is definitely a diverse functioning machine.

Daily visual inspections are imperative for our or a subs equipment to function well and without incident.  As discussed in a previous Safety Brake, equipment inspectors need to have  proper competency and experience to match the equipment being inspected .  With the backhoe’s diverse set of uses, an inspector should be prepared for a comprehensive checklist.  One method to use when performing an inspection of the backhoe or other similar equipment is to break it down into five major areas and conduct a SMART inspection.

1. Structural Components – visually look for cracks, welds, dents, bends, kinks, and backlashes in the critical functioning areas such as: arms, booms, buckets, masts, outriggers, and hooks.
2. Mechanical  – visually check engine, transmission and hydraulic units; as well as all the moving mechanical parts, checking the oil and fluid levels.
3. Aesthetics (or outside appearance) –  visually inspect the external steel and sheet metal, paint, look for corrosion, leaks and oil & grease build up at all knuckles and pivot points. Inside look at the condition of the seat, seat belt, control levers/wheels/joysticks/etc.(are they labeled with name and proper directional function) and the unit’s glass (is it without flaws, seated or sealed  properly and clean).
4. Roll Over Protectors (RoP) – is it provided and in good condition without dents, dings and depressions; also check that crash bars, horns, lights and seat belts, are  functioning properly.
5. Tires and/or Tracks – check tires for gouges, slices and even wear and that they are aligned and  inflated correctly.  Check tracks for cleat wear, alignment and rotation forward and reverse.  Check if they are tracking straight.

As with all inspections, if something doesn’t look right,  STOP WORK, re-assess, remove and lock out the unit from service and have it checked out by a trained mechanic for repair.

Inspections can only serve us correctly when they are completed safely, efficiently and effectively.  Inspections can make our jobs less complicated and more efficient but most importantly they can help ensure that we go home safe back to our families.