THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR

BACKHOE/LOADERS

Non-mechanic’s guide to appraising a backhoe

Don Shewring, of used
equipment specialists
Consolidated Crane &
Tractor, provides a “non-
mechanic’s” guide to
appraising used
equipment: in this case, a
backhoe/loader. By
working your way
through the points in this
article, you’ll have a
good guide to what a
used piece of gear is
worth — whether it’s
your own or one you’re
considering buying.
AS AN experienced used equipment
valuer, but not a qualified fitter or
mechanic, I have developed a style of
assessing the various types of
earthmoving equipment which satis-
fies two main criteria:
1 I haven’t got all day, and just can’t
afford the time. Generally a backhoe
can be adequately appraised within
an hour (a fully blown fitter’s ap-
praisal will take approximately four
hours, plus travelling time).
2 What is serviceable, what isn’t serv-
iceable and how much will it cost to
make it serviceable?
Remember, the machine’s not new
and normal wear is acceptable, as are
minor faults, leaks, etc.
Keep in mind that a backhoe is
simply a big “Meccano set”, built around
a drivetrain. We don’t get too excited
about faults in the Meccano set.
Worn pins, bushes and the like can
be attended to on a Saturday afternoon
with the help of a mate or two — but
repairing a transmission or torque
converter is a different matter.
Let’s go through the steps which
allow an informed decision to be made
when buying a used backhoe.
I use a prepared check sheet. As we
begin the inspection, the first thing we
must establish is the correct serial
number, not the backhoe attachment
serial number or the loader attachment
serial number.
If in doubt, ring the distributor for
the serial number location. When armed
with the right number, you can check
with the dealer for the actual year of
manufacture.
We now take notes as to tyre size
and condition, broken windows, miss-
ing lights, damaged or missing body
panels, condition of attachments, loader
frame and bucket, backhoe and bucket.
Circle the machine slowly, taking note
of all faults, and check all fluid levels.
To uncover less evident problems,
the inspection must be systematic; we
should mentally divide the machine
into sections and examine each section
thoroughly before moving on to the
next.
Operator’s station
Be it cab or canopy, it is most impor-
tant to know if it is a “certified” ROPS
structure. If in doubt, check with the
distributor. If still in doubt, assume the
worst and penalise the price accord-
ingly.
Now sit in the seat. Does it need
recovering or the base repairing? Check
all the instruments, controls, switches,
gauges, floor mat, hood lining, air
conditioning if fitted, and take note of
indicated operating hours. Around
1000-1200 hours per annum is normal
for a backhoe. Having completed the
visual inspection, you should start the
engine.
Engine
This aspect of our appraisal is pretty
much standard for any piece of pow-

APRIL 1998
 THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR
BACKHOE/LOADERS
Non-mechanic’s
guide to
appraising a
backhoe
ered equipment. After bringing it to
operating temperature, check the tem-
perature and oil pressure gauges, maxi-
mum engine revolutions, the exhaust
and engine breather pipe, and check
for bubbles in the radiator.
If the temperature is too high, there
may be problems with the cooling
system: radiator, water pump, hoses,
cylinder block, head, etc.
If the oil pressure drops when the
engine reaches normal operating tem-
perature, it would suggest worn crank-
shaft and/or big end and main bearing
shells.
If the engine does not pick up to top
revolutions quickly when full throttle
is applied, the engine is not sound.
Blue or white exhaust smoke indi-
cates excessive oil usage. Black ex-
haust indicates that the engine is using
too much fuel and that the fuel injec-
tion may need attention.
Any blow-back through the engine
breather pipe at normal operating tem-
perature indicates blow-by at the pis-
tons and rings and indicates excessive
wear on these items or the bore, or
broken rings.
Oil leaks from the engine and ancil-
lary attachments and gaskets are indi-
cations of specific problem areas which
need rectification.
Your own eyes and ears are excel-
lent judges — if the engine starts easily
and runs sweetly, doesn’t blow exces-
sive smoke and is not dropping oil
onto the deck, it’s usually okay.
Remember, in the world of used
equipment, a half worn-out engine, for
example with 50% life remaining, is
quite acceptable, and this applies to
any major component. Generally speak-
ing, if we decide to buy a backhoe with
a worn engine, and achieve a $6000
price deduction to cover the cost of
repairs, we will be doing okay.
You may care to take an engine oil
Step-by-step appraisal
For the purposes of this article, we appraised a MF750/4 1995 model backhoe/
loader, with approximately 3500 hours, complete with 4-in-1 loader bucket, ROPS
cabin, standard backhoe, sideshift, 600 mm hoe bucket.
Owner: medium to large contractor.
Asking price: $55,000.
Initial impression: A bit rougher than we would like, it appears to have done
a lot of travelling on the road and has probably had more than one operator. It
has had slipshod maintenance.
Our photos take us over the machine and highlight the more obvious faults.
Here is the machine as traded.
Note the left-hand door top glass The bucket is in good condition.
Some wear is evident where the
is broken and missing. Also note
the tyres have only 15-20% life bucket clam rams attach and one
remaining. ram needs resealing. Always look
for bowing at the back of 4-in-1
buckets. This one is okay.
These spots on the ground need
further investigation. Keep a
sharp eye out for the tell-tale
signs which identify problem
areas. Note the damaged steps. Walking around to the other side,
we find the lower right-hand door
glass is broken, as shown by our
pointer.
Behind the grill, which was
damaged and just sitting in place,
we found evidence of poor
maintenance practices. The white The pointer shows the retaining
thing coming in from the left of strap separating from the radiator
the shot is the pointer, which can (both sides). The radiator was just
be seen in other shots. It’s flopping around between the oil
pointing to an accumulation of cooler and air intake and would
dirt and mud built up on the have quickly become damaged,
hydraulic pump and oil cooler. A with possible severe consequences
good clean will fix it, but it’s a bit to the engine. This is not too
slack from a maintenance point of difficult to fix, but does not
view. indicate top quality maintenance.
APRIL 1998
 THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR
BACKHOE/LOADERS
Our pointer is indicating the
engine oil filler tube covered with
dusk and gunk. Above that is the
bottom of the air cleaner
element. Check both the inner
and outer elements. The oil
dipstick is to the left of the fuel
filter. The oil was black and
smelly, indicating a change of oil
and filter was necessary. In fact, it
is a good practice to change all
fluids and filters, if not
immediately, then at the first
service interval.
Now for the cab. This is the
“office”, so spend some time
making sure everything is
working satisfactorily and that
the seat is in good condition and
performs all its functions
correctly. This seat mechanism
has broken and is badly affecting
the operator’s ability to change
easily from loading to digging.
The driver’s dash is missing the
fuse box cover on the left of the
wheel. Check all operations.
APRIL 1998
The rubber boot on the loader
control levers is torn and needs
replacing. The entire cabin needs
a thorough clean and detail.
Handbrake doesn’t work. No
console lights or gauges work (an
electrician is needed). The rear
window latch is broken.
Don’t forget to look for the “ROPS
certification” in the cab. Without
it, machines can be thrown off
most major private and all
government worksites.
Checking the sideshift clamps,
one is leaking. The slew rams,
kingpost, travel lock mechanism,
etc, are all in good operational
order.
The stabiliser legs are in poor
shape. Both rams are leaking, and
require new wear pads. Rough
operators cause this at low hours.
Here is our pointer once again,
showing the front universal,
which is okay. The drive into the
front diff has no leaks and no
undue noise. Note the tie-rod
rubbing on the diff casing,
because it has been knocked up.
This will need to be fixed.
This shot shows where to inspect
the outer front universals and
shaft and seal driving into the
front planetaries.
Remember those oil spots on the
ground? This shot shows, from
left, the rear of the engine sump,
transmission and output shaft
and driveline to the front diff:
leaks and more leaks.
Investigation showed the
transmission input shaft seal
leaking, rear diff input shaft seal
leaking, transmission output shaft
seal leaking, front diff output
shaft seal leaking, and a leak
from engine sump plug. This unit
has clearly done a lot of its hours
on the road.
What’s this machine worth?
 THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR
BACKHOE/LOADERS

So, what’s this machine worth? Non-mechanic’s guide to

appraising a backhoe
MAYBE you have concluded, as
we have, that the previous owner sample and have it analysed to find out if water or radiator
was smart to quit the unit de- conditioner is present, indicating head gasket problems. I
tailed on pages 40-41 after two am usually content with a visual inspection.
years. He bought new, had Transmission and driveline
warranty protection, didn’t
spend much on servicing and It’s not practical to strip down the various driveline compo-
maintenance, used the thing pretty hard, did a lot of hard nents to check for wear. However, noise is an important
road travel and got top bucks when he traded in. indicator of wear in this area. Excessive noise in transmis-
If the previous owner had kept this unit, it would have sion, diff and final drives means upcoming problems.
fallen apart in another two years, given its previous treat- Road test the machine and load out of a heap if possible.
ment. How the backhoe operates at the heap generally indicates
Spending some money on remedial repairs and selling how the torque converter is performing. Also test the brakes.
this machine to a caring owner-operator will give it another If we can’t road test, we jack the backhoe up on its
full and fruitful life. How much will it cost to bring it up to stabilisers so the wheels are clear of the ground and go
top order? The table below is a copy of our workings. through all the gears; any backlash in diffs or universals can
This is the point of the whole appraisal exercise. Either be checked at this time by listening for the distinctive sound
the sellers give us $10,000 off the asking price of $55,000, or of metal on metal in the diff as the drive is applied after each
they fix the faults to our satisfaction. gear change.
Also, since the machine is off the ground, we can stick a
Problem Repair estimate screwdriver through the universals and check for adverse
Radiator sidestraps broken both sides $100 wear by turning from side to side.
Bonnet struts unserviceable $100
Driveline oil leaks should be noted at this time. Engine
Tie-rod bent $100
4-in-1 bucket control valve leak $100 output shaft, transmission input and output shafts are prime
Transmission input seal leak $800 areas for oil seal leaks from about 4000 operating hours on.
Unloading valve needs adjustment $50 Steering
Sideshift cross slide seal leaking $150
Diff input seal leak (rear) $150 While the machine is jacked up, lift the front off the ground
Transmission output seal leaking $150 with the front bucket.
Both stabilisers leaking $400 Manually check for play in wheel bearings, tie-rods, stub
Dipper ram seal leaking $250 axles and bushes, front axle oscillation pin and bush,
Hand brake unserviceable $150 steering ram and pins.
No console lights or gauges working $250 If the unit is 4WD, check universals and driveshaft seals
Tacho unserviceable $100
at this time.
No bonnet catch $100
Left-hand door top glass broken $200 Normal wear is allowed; it’s excessive wear which affects
Right-hand door lower glass broken $100 safe operation and constitutes a worry. Check all wheel
Seat seized and adjuster broken $150 studs and nuts, as well as rims for cracks.
Fast-slow hydraulic switch unserviceable $50 Hydraulics
Right-hand stabiliser’s lever sticks $80
Rear window latch broken $150 Work the hydraulics for at least 15 minutes to bring the
Output shaft to front wheel drive, seal leaking $300 hydraulic oil up to operating temperature.
Engine oil filter mount leaking $100 If there doesn’t seem to be any drop-off in hydraulic
Replace rear number plate light $100 performance when the oil is hot and no undue noise is
New wear pads in stabilisers $80 coming from the pump, then without putting flow and
New quick hitch safety pin $50
pressure gauges on the system it’s usually a fair indication
Straighten right-hand step $150
Straighten left-hand step $50 that there is little seriously wrong with the hydraulic system.
New battery $80 Visual inspections will show if the hydraulic oil is
Properly secure battery $50 contaminated. Frothy means air is entering the system, milky
New fuse box cover $30 means moisture is present, and leaking hoses or seals will be
Recover seat $150 apparent.
Repair grill $150 If piston rods are scored or damaged they will leak, in turn
Service — new fluids and filters $400 damaging the oil seal and allowing contaminants into the
New bucket clam ram top pins $80 system; these must be fixed.
New tyres $2500 Always ensure the hydraulic oil is kept spotlessly clean,
Sandblast, prime, paint, new decals and detail $2000
Total $9950

APRIL 1998
 THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR
BACKHOE/LOADERS
Non-mechanic’s guide to appraising a backhoe
that filters are changed at the correct
intervals and cylinders kept clean, as
today’s hydraulic pumps work at very
fine tolerances and are highly suscep-
tible to contamination.
Unclean hydraulic components or
oil would be considered to detract
from the value of a machine.
Chassis, loader, backhoe
We usually find cracks, if there are any,
in areas of high stress — loader frame
cross brace and lift arms, backhoe
boom base, bottom of dipper, all bear-
ing bosses, etc.
Cracking is not, in itself, anything to
be alarmed about, as it indicates the
machine stress relieving itself.
If properly done, plating, repairs to
booms and dipper arms and chassis
need not be detrimental to price or
performance of a used backhoe. How-
ever, if cracking is present, a repair
allowance must be made.
Wear in pins and bushes in the
backhoe, loader frame, kingpost, slew
mechanism and, if fitted, 4-in-1 bucket
and extending dipper can be checked
at this time.
A quick check is to place the loader
or backhoe bucket on the ground and
gently operate the controls; any exces-
sive wear will become obvious. Check
for stabiliser wear at this time, as well
as sideshift (if applicable) wear and
hydraulic clamp leaks. Don’t forget to
check the sideshift operation.
General
Much can be learned from the overall
appearance of a machine.
A unit which has been badly main-
tained will have a poor appearance: oil
leaks, loose bolts, grease nipples miss-
ing or blocked, covers missing or badly
damaged, radiator blocked, etc.
The previous owner is worth a call,
just to establish what repairs they may
have done, but be aware that some-
times the former owner may be acting
in concert with the seller and throwing
a dummy. It also has not been un-
known for unscrupulous dealers to
have a “professional previous owner”
for equipment.
My tip is to make your own diligent
assessment and go with your
findings, and if you are not
comfortable with that, get
the dealer or a good inde-
pendent machine inspec-
tion service to appraise the
unit for you. The cost for a
backhoe appraisal is gener-
ally $200-$300 and repre-
sents good insurance.
Having appraised the machine, which takes
“Hot title” about an hour, several hours of work are
needed to convert the findings into “dollars
None of us wants one of to rectify”.
these, so care must be taken
when checking title. All machines come the finance company.
from somewhere and must be paid for If you can’t satisfactorily check title,
or financed. Accordingly, there is a give the unit “the swerve”.
paper trail we can follow to check title. Inspection
The reason finance companies will
generally only finance against a dealer This job is made much easier if there
invoice is that dealers guarantee title. are two of you, one to operate and one
If buying from a private individual, to do the checking. If you are by
it is imperative to check title and obtain yourself, try to enlist another person to
a signed statement from the seller operate the unit while you do the
certifying that he is the absolute owner looking.
of the unit or that a finance institution Take plenty of photographs, as these
is the owner and what the payout on are invaluable, particularly if you are
the unit is. considering several units.
Then obtain a certificate from the Having appraised the machine,
finance house stating that after payment which takes about an hour, several
of the payout, it has no further interest hours of work are needed to convert
in the unit. The balance of the agreed the findings into “dollars to rectify”.
purchase price goes to the seller. A The choice at the end of the day is
signed authorisation is required from whether to do it yourself, or get in a
the seller to make the payout inquiry to hired gun to do the dirty work.
Special offer
Would you like:
• a reprint of this article and the pictorial appraisal?
• a copy of the backhoe appraisal form used by Don Shewring?
• a copy of an ownership declaration form?
• a copy of an authority to release payout information?
Don Shewring will be pleased to send you the information free of charge.
To obtain copies, fax or write to Don Shewring at Consolidated Crane &
Tractor Pty Ltd, PO Box 632, Albion, Queensland 4010. Fax (07) 3256 3300.
State your name, company name, phone and fax number.
Free valuation
If you would like a free valuation of your backhoe, contact Don Shewring at
Consolidated Crane & Tractor Pty Ltd, PO Box 632, Albion, Queensland 4010.
Phone 018 788 856. Fax (07) 3256 3300.
This service is not available over the phone. An information sheet
requesting details about your backhoe will be faxed or posted to you. Return
the completed information sheet with photos (if possible), and a “current
market valuation” will be faxed or posted to you at no charge.
APRIL 1998
 THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR
BACKHOE/LOADERS
Lifting tips for your backhoe
Using a backhoe to crane loads
into position is a common applica-
tion, yet one that is potentially
fraught with risk. These tips on
craning loads have been provided
by Deere & Co.
Before you start
• always start by inspecting your gear;
remember that the machine and
hardware are only as strong as the
weakest link
• if you have to replace lifting compo-
nents always ensure replacement
hardware has the same or better
capacity than what it’s replacing
• are you positive the rigging you are
using can do the job?
• inspect all fittings for wear, defor-
mation, cracks or sharp nicks; in
particular, check any wire rope slings
at their termination point to ensure
they are not damaged or worn
• watch out for distorted rings or
shackles, worn or twisted hooks,
welded hooks and wire rope slings
that are kinked or damaged
• inspect chains for cracked or pitted
links, distortion, weld splatter and
general abnormal appearance
• be aware that wire ropes or chain
slings knotted or bent around sharp
corners can lose more than 50% of
their strength during a lift
• remove immediately any round
slings that have been melted, charred
or matted with weld splatter, or that
are cut, torn, worn, imbedded with
particles or snagged
• apply the same criteria to synthetic
ADVT Ford New Holland
webbing, but also
look out for worn
stitches and addi-
tional damage
caused by exposure
to sunlight
• use the manufactur-
er’s information
which tells you
where to hook rig-
ging to a mobile
construction ma-
chine; also ensure
there are no sharp
edges at the attachment point that
will damage ropes and slings
• no matter what hardware you are
using, make sure everything is clearly
marked with its rating, and ensure
your crew knows exactly what each
rating means.
On the machine
• warm up the machine for better
control and smoother operation
• check all controls
• ensure you have the proper lift
specifications and safety informa-
tion for your machine
• a machine is usually rated to lift
considerably less over the side than
out the rear; be sure you know the
difference
• has your machine been properly
serviced?
• what are the lift and reach capacities
of your machine? Do not go beyond
them
• ensure you have completed your
daily machine checks; are there
leaks, obvious metal stress or any-
thing out of the ordinary about your
machine?
Connecting the load
• ensure the load is properly con-
nected to the bucket, boom or at-
tachment
• ensure all hand signals are under-
stood by everyone involved in the
lift
• do you know the conditions over
the ground over which you will
travel?
Finally, ensure you meet all the
requirements of your state OH&S au-
thority regarding hardware and
workplace safety — including any re-
quirement for a qualified person to be
on hand to inspect and supervise the
lift.
This article is based upon material
from Deere & Co’s US-based in-house
publication The Construction Equip-
ment Review, and is reproduced with
permission.
APRIL 1998
 THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR
BACKHOE/LOADERS
Here comes the high-speed backhoe
AN AUSTRALIAN backhoe/loader ca-
pable of travelling at 100 km/h is
expected to be officially unveiled early
in May.
The revolutionary High Speed Engi-
neering Vehicle (HSEV) has been de-
veloped over eight years by ADI Limited
in Bendigo, Victoria. Part of ADI’s
commission from the Australian De-
fence Force was to ensure the machine
was capable of running in army con-
voys (known as “self-deployment”).
Developed at this stage in backhoe
configuration, ADI is looking at using
the same platform further down the
track for graders and other earthmoving
equipment.
To date, ADI has built three HSEVs.
The first unit, a concept demonstration
model, has been on trial with the
Canadian Department of Defence for
12 months. The department has now
purchased ADI’s first production model.
According to Ubique, the journal of
the Canadian Military Engineers, the
HSEV “has outstanding performance
on all surfaces”. The journal also re-
ported that in one trial, the machine
averaged more than 100 km/h on a
5200 km round trip.
ADI’s third HSEV is undergoing a
six-month development program here.
The Australian Army has just placed
an order for 27 units.
According to Major Sean Taylor,
staff officer of the Australian Army’s
Acquisitions and Engineering Agency
(Construction Equipment), the army
would employ the HSEVs to support
army units well forward in a battle.
“The mobility of the HSEVs is simi-
lar to that of field units in convoys and
in cross-country travel, so they will
work in well,” Major Taylor said.
“In the past we have used front-end
loaders in a similar role, but they tie up
resources, requiring trailers for trans-
portation.”
“The machine’s versatility is a big
plus,” he said. “We will use it for
excavating trenches and bunkers, but
also look at fitting attachments like
augers, compactors and rock drills.”
When production gets into full swing
next year, ADI expects to dispatch one
unit every two weeks from its factory.
According to an ADI spokesperson,
the machine’s cross-country mobility is
just as impressive as its speed.
“Synergy between suspension and
the 600 mm wheel size is a major factor
in the HSEV’s exceptional perform-
ance,” the spokesperson said. “It comes
in 4WD, with optional four-wheel steer-
ing and central tyre inflation.”
All up, the backhoe weighs 10.5 t
and power comes from a Cummins
6BTA engine producing 138 kW.
Powershift option for Cat backhoes
A POWERSHIFT transmission option
has been added to Caterpillar’s new C-
Series backhoe/loader line.
The conventional shifter has been
replaced by a twist-grip on the for-
ward-reverse shuttle, which allows di-
rection and speed changes to be made
with a single lever. Because there’s no
floor-mounted gearshift lever, the op-
erator has more cab floor space.
A neutral start inhibitor prevents
starting while directional clutches are
engaged.
The powershift has five forward
gear choices, with an additional for-
ward speed provided between the
normal working and hauling ranges.
With the fourth forward gear se-
lected, the Cat powershift control sys-
tem automatically shifts between fourth
and fifth gears to maintain road speed.
However, when higher speeds are not
needed, a manual fifth gear lockout
switch prevents automatic shifts —
which is especially desirable during
load and carry applications.
The loader control does not change
The HSEV’s backhoe
unit has been developed
from that used on the Case
580 model. Case Corpora-
tion’s latest electro-hydrau-
lic controls have also been
adopted.
A few vital statistics are:
• wheel base 3.15 m
• length 8.4 m, with
backhoe folded
• backhoe height when
folded 3.4 m
• height to roof 2.67 m
With a price tag of around $300,000,
ADI believes the HSEV could also
become popular with rural councils
and civil contractors, and in fire fight-
ing, mining and forestry, where a great
deal of time is spent transporting ma-
chinery back and forth between sites.
Further information: Leigh Funston,
ADI, ph (02) 9365 9313, fax (02) 9369
2404.
— John Clucas
with the powershift option. A transmis-
sion neutraliser button is provided when
all available engine power is required
for the loader hydraulics.
Maximum travel speeds at full throt-
tle when equipped with 16.9x24 rear
tyres are 32 km/h in fifth gear, and 23
km/h in reverse.
Further information: Caterpillar of
Australia Ltd, ph (03) 9339 9333, fax
(03) 9335 3366.
Powershift transmission is now an
option on Cat’s backhoe line.
APRIL 1998
 THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR
BACKHOE/LOADERS
Fermecs prove themselves for Qld customers
FERMEC backhoe/loaders and loader
variants have been picking up signifi-
cant sales through the Case dealer
network across Australia.
In Queensland, recent purchases
have been by the state’s Main Roads
Department and by owner/operator
Rick Blokland of Hatton Vale.
Queensland’s Main Roads Plant Hire
recently bought two Fermec 660 in-
dustrial loader versions to operate from
each of the Main Roads depots at
Beenleigh and Caboolture.
Designed specifically for local gov-
ernment, utility and government depart-
ment applications, the 660s feature a
three-point linkage and two-speed PTO
at the rear instead of a backhoe unit.
Main Roads Plant Hire operates as a
separate business entity to the depart-
ment, with around 40% of its hire to
outside contractors. Both 660s are hired
to Main Roads under an annual hire
agreement.
According to Main Roads district
plant co-ordinator for the south coast
and hinterland, Herman Bolt, both
units are being used by the depart-
ment’s bitumen crews.
“We use the 4-in-1 bucket for load-
ing screenings, and we hang a broom-
sweeper from the three-point linkage,”
Bolt said.
“Up here, the 4WD is pretty impor-
tant in the wet season, and the extra
traction is good in stockpiles. It also
gives us an extra factor of safety on site,
especially loading and unloading from
a float in wet conditions,” he said.
“Until now we’ve never really found
a machine with the combination of a
good industrial bucket and a strong
three-point linkage. Most machines are
good in one area, but let you down in
the other; however, we’re wrapt with
the 660s,” Bolt said.
Both machines will be in full time
use and are expected to put in around
1800 hours apiece over the next 12
months.
In Queensland’s Lockyer Valley,
between Ipswich and Toowoomba,
owner/operator Rick Blokland has just
bought a new top-of-the-range Fermec
965, featuring electronic controls and
all-wheel-steer.
APRIL 1998
COVER STORY
Blokland was in earthmoving some
years ago, and has come back to it
again after a period in the building
industry.
“I knew I was going to need the best
machinery if I was going to break back
into this industry,” Blokland said.
“Out here you need the versatility
too, because every job is different — so
I had to get something that could do a
whole range of jobs.”
The 965 has done about 260 hours
in its first two months’ work. That has
included everything from pushing up
silage and excavating dams to delicate
work with Telstra, replacing cables,
conduits and pits.
”Some of the heavier work would
normally have been done with a dozer,
but the 965 has the horsepower to
cover a lot of the dozer work.
“The four-wheel-steer is really handy
too. When I was digging the dam, I
could turn on a sixpence in the bot-
tom,” he said.
Herman Bolt
(left) and Dick
Blocksidge, of
Queensland
Main Roads
Plant Hire, with
one of the
department’s
recently
purchased
Fermec 660
industrial
loaders.
Blokland has a full range of backhoe
buckets, from 300 mm through to 900
mm width.
“The 900 mm bucket virtually turns
the backhoe into an excavator,” he
said.
“The new controls are much better
too. With the old hydraulic controls,
you had to move levers 100 or 200 mm
to get a response. You only have to
move 10 mm with the electronics, so
you can dig much more accurately and
you get a better feel for what’s going
on.”
“I’d say the 965 is ten years ahead of
anything else I’ve tried. I almost feel
sorry for the other operators,” Blokland
said.
Fermec backhoe/loaders are dis-
tributed in Australia through the Case
construction equipment dealer net-
work.
Further information: Case Corpora-
tion, ph (02) 673 7777, fax (02) 833
1441.
Owner-operator Rick
Blokland (left) discussing
his new all-wheel steer
Fermec 965 with Gary
Binns, of Case Brisbane.
 THE EARTHMOVER AND CIVIL CONTRACTOR
BACKHOE/LOADERS

Series 2 versions of Case

CASE Corporation has released new and transmission disconnect, power-
Series 2 centremount versions of its L- shift transmission kickdown, longer-
series backhoe/loaders, offering sev- range fuel tanks, toolbox and flip-over
eral operator-driven improvements. stabiliser pads on powershift versions.
Major changes include significantly The machines come standard with
increased power and performance, auxiliary hydraulics.
according to Andrew Mashman, Case Further information: Case Corporation,
product manager. ph (02) 9673 7819, fax (02) 9833 1273.
The new machines have higher
horsepower engines with wastegate JCB introduces “smooth ride” backhoe
turbos — 74 kW on the 590 is standard.
AT THE recently held Bauma ’98 in Munich, Germany, JCB introduced its
Available from July will be powershift
“Smooth Ride System” (SRS), which reduces porpoising, pitching and
transmission with automatic 4WD en-
bouncing of its backhoe/loaders in roading and load-and-carry operations.
gagement on braking providing safer
Available as an option on its 3CX and 4CX backhoes, the SRS features a
operation, along with sequential modu-
hydro-pneumatic spring which can be fitted into the lift arm hydraulic circuit
lated shifting to speed cycle times.
on the lift cylinder of the loader arms.
They have 27% more loader breakout
Activated by a switch on the instrument panel, the system works by
and 12% more backhoe breakout.
reducing the loader forces which cause pitching and bouncing on uneven
New cab features include noise lev-
sites or roads.
els at operator’s ear of 76 dBA, air
It results in a smoother ride for the operator, as well as improved machine
suspension seat and radio-ready kit
operation, along with reduced shock loads on components, lower tyre wear,
with antenna and speakers.
reduced running costs and increased machine longevity.
Other features include a new loader
Further information: JCB Sales Ltd, ph (03) 9841 0500, fax (03) 9841 0600.
control handle with electronic diff lock

APRIL 1998