Backhoe loaders (also known as backhoe excavators or bulldozers) combine loading and bulldozing/excavation functions, making them a common type of construction machinery used on construction sites for earthmoving, excavation, and bulldozing tasks. In bulldozing operations, the bucket, as one of the most important components of the backhoe loader, undergoes a fundamental change in its force distribution—from tensile force primarily for excavation to pressure and torque primarily for pushing. Its performance directly impacts work efficiency and equipment lifespan. However, the bucket is prone to deformation during operation due to various reasons, which not only affects work efficiency but can also lead to equipment damage, production stoppages, and unnecessary repair and maintenance costs.
Backhoe loader bucket deformation is typically caused by the following reasons:
Overload Operation
During bulldozing operations, if the bucket is subjected to a load exceeding its design capacity, the bucket will deform due to the overload pressure. Especially when encountering hard soil, rocks, or other heavy objects, excessive pressure can compress the bucket structure.
Incorrect Operation
Improper operation methods, such as rapid pushing, frequent sudden stops, or sharp turns, can cause uneven loads on the bucket, leading to excessive stress in certain areas and deformation.
Material Fatigue and Aging
After fatigue and prolonged use, the bucket material may age, reducing its strength and making it more prone to deformation.
Ground Conditions and Working Environment
The hardness and friction of the working ground also affect the stress on the bucket. Under certain harsh conditions (such as hard soil, frozen soil, or rock surfaces), the bucket may encounter additional impact forces during bulldozing, leading to deformation.
To ensure that the backhoe loader bucket does not deform during bulldozing operations, the following measures are crucial:
Selecting Appropriate Bucket Design and Materials
The design and material selection of the bucket are key factors affecting its durability and resistance to deformation. The bucket should be made of appropriate materials (such as high-strength steel or wear-resistant alloy steel) according to the different working environments. In addition, the structural design of the bucket should also consider its resistance to bending and impact.
Strictly Control Working Load and Working Environment
Before operation, the hardness of the soil, the volume of earthwork, and the load capacity of the equipment should be carefully assessed to avoid overloading. For particularly hard soil, a special hard soil bucket should be used; avoid using a standard bucket for heavy-duty bulldozing operations. Operation should be avoided in extreme weather conditions (such as high or low temperatures), as excessively high or low temperatures will affect the material properties of the bucket.
Correct Operating Techniques and Methods
(1) Pre-Operation Inspection
Before each operation, the bucket and related components should be inspected for their condition, especially the bucket connections, locking bolts, and the blade. If damage or wear is found, it should be repaired or replaced promptly.
(2) Smooth Operation and Avoidance of Sudden Braking
During bulldozing operations, sudden braking, rapid acceleration, and other violent operations should be avoided to ensure a smooth and even pushing force during the bulldozing process. Operators should be familiar with the equipment's performance and adjust the bulldozing angle and operating speed appropriately to avoid prolonged high-load operation.
(3) Reasonable Allocation of Work Tasks
For complex tasks, the work can be divided into multiple steps to avoid excessive load in a single operation. If a large amount of earth needs to be bulldozed, it should be done in multiple stages to avoid bearing too much load at once.
(4) Emergency Response and Shutdown
During operation, pay close attention to the operating noise of the machine parts. If any abnormality is found, stop the machine immediately to troubleshoot the problem. Do not operate the machine while it is malfunctioning.
After stopping the machine, choose a hard surface to park it, and place the bucket smoothly on the ground. This allows the entire working device, especially the bucket, to be completely released from continuous load, avoiding residual stress.
Regular Maintenance and Care
Regularly inspect and maintain the bucket components, especially the blade and edges, and repair or replace them promptly. The bucket connections should be inspected regularly to ensure there is no looseness or excessive wear. In high-frequency operating environments, consider installing bucket protection devices to increase the bucket's service life.
During bulldozing operations, bucket deformation of backhoe loaders not only affects work efficiency but also accelerates equipment wear and tear, increasing maintenance costs. Therefore, proper operation, reasonable use, and regular maintenance are crucial to preventing bucket deformation. Operators must master appropriate operating techniques to ensure the equipment is in optimal working condition, avoid overloading, and conduct timely inspections and maintenance. These are necessary measures to ensure construction progress and safety, and are also key to controlling equipment operating costs, improving return on investment, extending equipment lifespan, and increasing work efficiency.
