CAt 424D with sideshift hoe

[CGSI]

Hey guys
i know alot of you from the TLS site and I have a question for you all here. We just recieved 3 Cat 424D backhoes here in Basrah and I am trying to figure out how to make the side shift work on the backhoe section. I know where the side shift carriage lock/unlock switch is and in the O&M manual it says (after the lock explanation) that the actual side shift operation will be covered in the backhoe operation section. guess what, there is not one word about it and I have been through the O&M about 8 times. anyone out there can help me and explain? :notworthy

[Bellboy]

OK, we use predominantly sideshift machines where I come from, and though it makes sense to use hydraulics to make the backhoe slide, they just don't do it on these machines. Anyway, when you want to slide the backhoe over, you just swing your backhoe in the opposite direction, 90 degrees to the centreline and put our bucket on the ground out of the machines footprint. You then push your backhoe along the frame, once you have taken the lock off of course. Never seen it done any other way, so I hope that this helps. Some operators will pull the backhoe along the frame, but the more experienced operators do this well, as it is very tricky to get right. Try to keep your movements smooth, as bumps will defeat the purpose of what you are attempting. I'll try to get some diagrams or pics to help you along. Keep me posted on your progress.

[d4c24a]

it will also help alot if you first release the clamps then lift the weight of the machine with the backhoe before you go to 90 degrees to push the arm across ,this helps the clamps to release
my last new machine was very tight so when i had a spare 10 mins i spent it sliding it from side to side it soon wore the newness off and now it slides easy
cheers graham