Step 1 - PRE-INSPECTION The Pro Star Rental Staff will perform a safety check to make sure the equipment is ready to use prior to rent. Here are some of the items they are checking for; Perform a pre-inspection of the machine. Walk around the machine, and inspect for excessive wear, loose parts, leaks, cracks, or other damage. Check the engine compartment for excessive wear, loose parts, leaks, and fluid levels. Check the cab and other areas for excessive wear, damage, proper function, and cleanliness.
Step 2 - MACHINE START-UP
- Mount vehicle, adjust seat, and fasten seat belt.
- Set parking brake; clear the area.
- Set attachment control levers to HOLD.
- Set direction control lever to NEUTRAL
- Hold accelerator to high idle position.
- Turn start switch to START and crank it up!
Step 3 - MACHINE WARM-UP
- Let engine warm-up half throttle.
- Set boom lock.
- Use controls to circulate oil.
- Lower boom for a few seconds and release.
- Cycle attachment controls.
- Check gauges and action lights.
Step 4 - MACHINE ACTIVITY
- Ensure area is clear.
- Raise all hydraulic rigging.
- Depress service brake pedal.
- Release parking brake.
- Engage transmission control.
- Push down on accelerator.
Step 5 - MACHINE SHUTDOWN
- Set the parking brake.
- Lower all hydraulic rigging.
- Cycle hydraulics to relieve pressure.
- Let engine run at low idle for a few minutes.
- Turn start switch to OFF.
Step 6 - MACHINE POST INSPECTION Conduct a post inspection. Walk around the machine, and inspect for excessive wear, loose parts, leaks, cracks, or other damage. Check the engine compartment for excessive wear, loose parts, leaks, and fluid levels. Check the cab and other areas for excessive wear, damage, proper function, and cleanliness. Follow the established guidelines for reporting any problems found and ensuring that problems are remedied.
Safety Tips and Warnings
Here are a few things to consider when renting a Backhoe or Loader.
- Talk to the Pro Star Rental Staff to go over the proper operation and safety procedures
- Decide how deep you need to dig. A full-sized backhoe reaches down 14 to 16 feet.
- Use a compact backhoe to dig eight to 10 feet deep. It is less expensive, more maneuverable, and easier to transport than a full-sized backhoe.
- Check that the loader has adequate lift height to load your dump truck.
- Choose attachments to increase the machines' flexibility. Substituting forks for a bucket lets you transport pallets.
- Choose a backhoe with a quick coupler, or integrated tool carrier to use multiple attachments.
- Look for stabilizer legs that have either grouser shoes for a firm grip on dirt or rubber-padded shoes for use on asphalt.
- Choose four-wheel drive backhoes for better traction on mud or loose ground.
- Select four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability on crowded job sites.
- Always leave machine on level area when unattended or parked.
- On the job training is important. Larger, more complex equipment requires formal training and certification.
- Safety must be the operators first concern. Proper preventive and post maintenance increases safety and maximizes productivity.
