The TMI Hornet Backhoe is a robust piece of equipment designed for various digging and excavation tasks, available in models including the Hornet 5600, 6600, 7600, and 8600. This manual provides comprehensive instructions for its operation, installation, and maintenance, emphasizing safety and efficiency.
Function Description
The TMI Hornet Backhoe is primarily used for digging and excavation. It attaches to a tractor's 3-point hitch system and utilizes the tractor's hydraulic power (or an optional PTO pump with reservoir) to operate its boom, dipper stick, bucket, and stabilizers. The backhoe is designed to perform a range of tasks, from general digging and trenching to backfilling and side slope excavation. Its control valve allows for precise manipulation of the hydraulic cylinders, enabling the operator to perform complex movements for efficient material handling.
Important Technical Specifications
The backhoe's hydraulic system operates at a pressure of 2100 psi. The control valve is a precision device, with specific torque requirements for bolts and nuts outlined in the manual (e.g., 1/4-20 NC bolts require 70 in. lbs. for Grade 2, 115 in. lbs. for Grade 5, and 165 in. lbs. for Grade 8). The manual also details specific part numbers for various components, including gearbox parts, mounting parts, sub-frame parts, boom parts, bucket/dipper parts, and hydraulic parts, which vary slightly across the 5600, 6600, 7600, and 8600 models. For instance, the main relief valve is set at 152 bar. The hydraulic oil recommended is SAE 10W40 engine oil with API "SF/SG" classification for northern climates, or SAE 40 engine oil with API "SF/SG" for southern climates, with AW32/AW42 also being suitable.
Usage Features
The backhoe's operation is controlled via a control valve with levers for various functions, including boom swing, lift, crowd, and bucket curl. The manual provides detailed instructions on how to connect the backhoe to the tractor's 3-point hitch and hydraulic system, emphasizing the importance of correct hose hook-up to prevent damage. Stabilizers are crucial for safe operation, and the manual instructs operators to set them to remove weight from the rear wheels while keeping the wheels touching the ground for maximum stability. The backhoe can be self-assisting during installation and removal.
Key operational guidelines include:
- General Operation: Always engage safety locks before servicing. Do not oil, grease, or adjust while in motion. Do not change relief valve settings.
- Digging Techniques: The manual describes methods for filling the bucket, trenching between buildings, side slope excavation, and backfilling. It advises operating the crowd and bucket controls simultaneously for efficient digging and full buckets.
- Transportation: Safety locks must be engaged. Travel slowly over rough terrain. When transporting on a truck or trailer, the boom should be lowered, the bucket resting firmly on the bed, and restraints applied to the tractor, not the backhoe or its attaching kit. The manual explicitly states not to chain the backhoe down to secure the tractor to a trailer.
- Safety Decals: The device is equipped with various safety decals, such as "DANGER CRUSHING HAZARD" and "IMPORTANT IMPROPER HYDRAULIC HOOK-UP CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO VALVE," which highlight critical safety precautions. Operators are advised to read and understand these warnings.
- Hydraulic Hook-Up: The manual provides detailed steps for connecting the inlet and outlet lines to the tractor's hydraulic system, including specific hose lengths and adapter unions. It warns against improper hook-up, which can void the warranty and damage components.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is critical for the longevity and safe operation of the TMI Hornet Backhoe.
- Lubrication: All grease fittings should be lubricated at least twice daily with a good quality chassis lube type grease. Stabilizer pivot pins, control handle linkage, and seat bracket pivot should be oiled with SAE 30 oil. Excessive greasing should be avoided as dirt collects on exposed grease, increasing wear.
- Hydraulic System: The PTO reservoir oil level should be maintained at the proper level, checked with the backhoe extended to full reach and the bucket rolled back, and all cylinders retracted except the boom cylinder. The PTO Reservoir Hydraulic Oil and Filter should be changed every 200 hours or earlier. Hydraulic hoses should be checked regularly for deterioration and replaced if necessary. Connections must be tight, and any leaks addressed promptly.
- Bucket Tooth Points: The self-sharpening bucket tooth points require little attention but can be replaced when worn or broken. Instructions are provided for removal and installation.
- Nuts and Bolts: All bolts and nuts should be checked periodically and tightened to the specified torque values. Pivot pins, cotter pins, washers, and retainers should also be inspected.
- Troubleshooting: A comprehensive troubleshooting guide is included, covering issues such as machine failure, loss of power, slow operation, spongy or jerking action, and oil leaks. It provides possible causes and corrections, emphasizing that complex repairs or pressure adjustments should be handled by qualified service personnel.
- Control Valve Maintenance: The manual includes detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling the control valve, including replacing O-rings and spool seals. It stresses the importance of cleanliness during these procedures and warns against tampering with the valve during the warranty period.
- Seasonal Maintenance: At the beginning of each season, all protective covering should be removed, hydraulic oil and filter changed, hoses checked, and all moving parts lubricated. The backhoe should be operated slowly for a short period to check for leaks and ensure proper function before full load operation.
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