Backhoe Loaders

Backhoes combine a front loader and a rear digging arm on one machine. They’re versatile, but they can tip when digging on slopes or traveling with a raised load.

• Construction
• Utilities

Main hazards

• Tip-over: digging or swinging on a slope, traveling with the loader bucket raised, or traveling with the stabilizers down.
• Struck by the swing: the backhoe boom and bucket swing in a wide arc behind the machine.
• Utility strikes: backhoes do most of the digging for water, sewer and service lines.
• Trench collapse: the machine’s weight and vibration near the edge add load to trench walls.
• Crushing: being caught by the stabilizers or under a raised loader arm.

Before you dig

• Utilities located and marked; hand-dig or vacuum to expose lines in the tolerance zone. See Call 811
• Overhead lines identified and clearance set
• Walk-around done: tires, hydraulics, pins, quick coupler, lights, backup alarm
• Seatbelt and ROPS in good shape
• Spoil location planned at least 2 feet from the trench edge
• Trench protection on site if the trench will be 5 feet or deeper. See Protective Systems

Digging with the backhoe

• Lower the stabilizers (outriggers) and the front loader bucket to level and steady the machine before digging.
• Dig on level ground when possible. Keep the machine back from trench edges.
• Swing slowly, especially with a full bucket on a slope. Swing uphill rather than downhill.
• Keep everyone out of the swing area and away from the bucket.

Traveling

• Raise the stabilizers fully, lock the boom in transport position, and lock the swing.
• Carry the loader bucket low, just high enough to clear obstacles.
• Travel straight up and down slopes, not across them.
• Use lights and a slow-moving vehicle emblem on roads.

• Don’t operate the backhoe from outside the seat or while standing on the ground.
• Don’t let anyone ride in the bucket or on the machine.
• Don’t use the backhoe bucket to lift pipe or other loads unless the machine has a rated lift point, the lift chart allows it, and you follow crane-type rigging rules.
• Don’t let workers stand in the trench while the bucket is working above them.
• Don’t leave the seat with the backhoe raised. Lower both buckets to the ground first.

Workers on foot

Pipe layers and laborers often work right next to a backhoe. Agree on hand signals before work starts, stay out of the swing radius, and only approach the bucket when the operator has stopped and signaled you. Never stand under a load or bucket. See Struck-By & Caught-Between.

Last updated: October 1, 2026