OM ET18/20/24 us 1.3 * et18_20_24b510.fm 5-47
5
Working with the standard bucket
The following section describes work operations with the machine
equipped with the standard bucket (backhoe bucket 400 mm/16 in). The
standard bucket is mainly used for earth-moving applications, namely for
digging, loosening, picking up and loading loose or solid material.
The standard position the stabilizer blade is on the excavation side of the
machine.
Bucket position when digging
Perform long, level excavation movements with the stick and the bucket.
The maximum excavation force is achieved at an angle of 80 to 120°
between the boom and the stick.
1. Penetrate into the ground with the bucket.
2. Lower the stick and at the same time, position the bucket so that the
flat lower side of the bucket is parallel with the ground.
3. Move the stick toward the machine and dump in the bucket at the
same time.
Working alongside trenches
• For more efficient work:
- Install a suitable bucket.
- Position the tracks parallel to the trench.
• When digging wide trenches, dig the side sections first and then the
middle section.
• The machine can be used in tight spaces for excavating laterally.
- To do this: rotate the upper carriage and swivel the boom at the
same time.
Fig. 201: Bucket position when digging
Fig. 203: Lateral excavation