Dive Brief:
- Maximum load-lifting capacities for backhoes are generally measured by an industry-standard that calculates the capability with the boom 12 feet above the ground.
- But when using the backhoe to lift when the boom is not in that ideal position – meaning a lot of the time – it cannot handle that weight.
- The variance at various positions differs among machines, so operators need to learn each backhoe's performance curve.
Dive Insight:
Here's an example of how different the maximum lift capacities can be in different positions and the differences between brands or models: A Case 580 Super N WT that can lift 7.5% less when the boom is 4 feet below ground than when it is 12 feet above ground, while a Deere 410K has a 15% difference.