Instructions for a Mini JCB

Contact the various utility departments to make sure you aren’t digging near any utility or gas lines.

Check and read the warning labels on the mini JCB machine for warnings and specific instructions for the mini JCB model you are using. Look over the operational charts next to the different levers.

Inspect the tires to make sure there is no debris or rocks in them that could destabilize the machine. Look for any damaged, loose or leaking parts that could make operating the machine dangerous.

Try the mini JCB on a level dry area until you become used to using the different controls. Turn on the mini JCB backhoe and move the two travel levers on the floor in front of you forward to move the machine forward in a straight line. Move the machine to the right by returning the left lever slightly or pulling it to the mid-neutral position. Pull both levers straight back to move the machine in reverse. Practice moving these levers to different positions in an open area where there is no traffic. This will give you practice in maneuvering the machine.

Locate the area where you want to dig and move the backhoe to within boom reach of your starting point. Move the backhoe backward and forward until you reach the area that will allow the boom to lower and start digging. Press the stabilizing legs lever forward to lower the stabilizers behind the backhoe. This will keep the machine from turning over as you dig.

Push the left joystick forward to move the boom forward from the machine. Push the right joystick forward to lower the bucket towards the ground. Check to see if this is the right digging spot. Otherwise lift the boom again by pulling back on the right joystick.

Push the control lever for the front bulldozer blade located on the left forward slightly to drop the blade. Continue to press it slightly forward until the blade digs into the ground and lifts the machine slightly. This will stabilize the machine while you move the backhoe boom.

Set the dash engine throttle to one-half or two-thirds of the full throttle to allow you to control the boom easily.

Push the left joystick or main boom lever forward to move the boom into the correct position. Push the right joystick or dipper stick lever forward to drop the bucket closer to the ground. Pull back on the lever to stop it when it is about two-thirds of the way to the ground.

Move the left joystick or main lever forward again so the bucket teeth come into contact with the ground. Open the bucket with the right and left joysticks to start the dig. Move the main boom lever again to lower the bucket and dig.

Pull back on the right joystick or dipper stick lever to curl the bucket inwards and fill the bucket with soil. Pull back on the left main boom lever to lift the boom. Move this joystick left or right to move the boom to the left or right and lower the boom by pushing the lever forward. Push the right lever forward to uncurl the bucket and empty the soil.

Practice doing this several times slowly until you become familiar with the boom and bucket mechanisms.

Push dirt back into a trench by retracting the boom with the left and right joysticks and pushing the dirt with the loader in its lowest position. Use the lever on the right side of the operators seat to raise and lower the loader as needed.