Weight reduction of the backhoe arm of a backhoe loader

Abstract

Today, backhoe loader machines are widely used in different areas such as the construction industry, mining industry, arrangement of agricultural areas, maintenance and repair activities in settlements. One of the most important reasons why the usage areas of these machines are so wide is that they have a design that includes both excavation and loading capabilities. With different attachments attached to both the backhoe and loader mechanisms, backhoe loader machines can have a wide variety of operating capabilities. In this study, weight reduction of the backhoe arm of a backhoe loader is carried out. The results obtained from the analyzes made on the existing design gave direction to the weight reduction process. While creating alternative models within the scope of the weight reduction process, the structures of the connection points of the mechanisms, their positions and the distances between these connection points were kept constant, allowing all alternative designs to be mounted on the machine without the need to make any changes on the existing machine. With this weight reduction study, it is aimed to reduce the weight and fuel consumption of the machine as well as to increase the operating efficiency of the machine. Structural analyzes were made on the optimum structure obtained, and it was examined whether the new model was suitable for working conditions in terms of strength. The current design and the optimized design are compared in terms of strength and operating performance.