Tractor Loader Backhoe, or TLB, is also known as a loader backhoe, or digger, is a piece of heavy equipment that consists of a tracker-like unit that is fitted with a shovel or bucket to the front and a backhoe on the back of the machine.
Because TLBs are small and versatile, they are extremely common in urban engineering as well as small construction projects. The true development of the TLB began in 1947 when the Wain-Roy Corporation of Hubbardston was established.
The first backhoes were developed and in 1948 Wain-Roy Corporation sold the first hydraulic backhoe that was mounted to a Ford Model 8N tractor. It was not until 1957 when the first backhoe loader with a factory warranty was introduced in the United States by J. I. Case.
TLBs are extremely common, and they can be used for a wide range of tasks including:
In addition, the backhoe bucket of the TLB can also be replaced with powerful attachments such as breakers, grapples, augers, or stump grinders, giving the machine additional versatility and use applications. The articulation of attachments can be improved and enhanced with intermediate attachments such as a tilt rotator.
Many TLBs have a quick coupler mounting system as well as an auxiliary hydraulic circuit that makes it easier to mount different attachments. This increases the usefulness and flexibility of the TLB despite what it is being used for.
Many loader buckets on TLBs also have a retractable bottom, also known as a “clamshell.” This allows for the bucket to be emptied quickly. TLBs are also fitted with retractable-bottom loader buckets that can be used for both grading and scraping operations.
Digging operations can make the machine rock if it is on its tires, resulting in the swinging weight of the backhoe causing the vehicle to tip. To prevent this from happening, TLBs have hydraulic outriggers or stabilisers at the back of the machine that can be used when digging, providing additional stability.
This means that the TLB’s bucket must be raised, and the outriggers retracted when the machine changes positions, reducing efficiency. It is for this reason that many companies offer miniature tracked excavators that sacrifice the loader function and portability for improved digging efficiency.
A TLB is constructed from a standard tractor base that supports a wide range of attachments to the front and back of the machine. The attachment on the back of the TLB is a digging bucket that is on the end of a two-part arm, with the first arm known as the boom.
The segment that holds the bucket in place is called the dipper, or the dipper-stick. The king-post is the pivot that connects the boom and dipper and an inherent feature of the TLB is that the bucket can be removed and replaced with different attachments such as rippers, rakes, breakers, and many more.
The front side of the TLB has a loader and given that the TLB serves functions on the front and the back, the operator’s seat can swivel 360 degrees, allowing the operator to easily use either side of the TLB for different purposes.
The front of the TLB can be replaced with a wide range of forklifts, ploughs, brooms, and many others. AN excavator, on the other hand, is a purpose-built machine that can perform a wide range of tasks using a digging arm, allowing it to easily handle heavy-duty tasks.
Like a TLB, the excavator has a wide range of attachments that offer it rich functionality and while there are similarities, there are differences between a TLB and excavator with the main differences revolving around:
Because of their flexible uses across different industries in South Africa, TLBs are available for sale from different trusted suppliers in South Africa, with Africa Power Equipment as a leader in the industry, offering a wide range of machines at affordable prices.
The extensive portfolio of TLBs that Africa Power Equipment offers is spread across three reputable brands namely Mahindra, REVARO, and Caterpillar, with the following models offered:
You might also be interested in our range of other products which include open-type generators, skid steer loaders and excavators for sale.
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