backhoe

When operating a backhoe is the correct way to have all 4 tires off the ground when digging with hoe ?

No.

I am not a operator so I had to look up a handbook I have for the Case 580SK,the book suggests the the front bucket is tilted fully to the tip position and the wheels lifted off the ground as high as possible,then level the machine with the stabilizers.some other books I seen says the front bucket flat on the ground and lift the wheels and even up with the stabilizers,but I guess its whatever suits you best.
AJ

For me it all just depends. Am I reaching high or loading a high side dumpster or truck? Am I trying to dig 16' deep? It all just depends but as for normal conditions I go front bucket flat on ground just down enough to take pressure off the tires and stabilizers down just enough to hold the machine. Sometimes do a lot of things with the front bucket up for various reasons e.g. Risk of cracking curbs concrete driveways, landscaping, signs, fences. That being said there are obvious stability issues with the bucket up especially when swinging side to side. Also if I'm just spot digging especially around something important like gas line or cable I set up at an angle to where I have more swing to the spoil pile side and it's much easier to see when the boom is not right in front of your face (those problems all solved with a trackhoe) the municipality I work for only has a backhoe and I am the only one that runs it and spend a lot of time every week on it. Really would like to have a trackhoe mainly for demo work because of nail and having unlimited swing. But I guess it gives me something to complain about. At least I don't have to complain at home

Since this site is for antique tractors I'll tell you what the manual for my 1957 Ford 713 backhoe says. "Before operating the backhoe, lower the stabilizers equally until the rear tire deflection is eliminated. This will provide better flotation of the tractor and backhoe as far as weight distribution is concerned". That's the way I do it although there may be cases that require otherwise.

nice trackhoe wish I had one to dig stumps