Dangers of Unloading Barges with a Backhoe

Backhoe-type machines can be great for unloading bulk materials from barge hoppers.  Their benefits are numerous: long reaching boom, all hydraulic system, no cables and very powerful strength. However, these benefits have a dark side too.

Long Reach:   without an elevated cab or spotter, operator can’t see every part of the barge they are contacting
All Hydraulic: hoses can burst, spraying hydraulic oil contaminating the barge surfaces and/or cargo
No Cables:     contact forces can be greater than gravity, damaging barges. Operator has no sense of pulling or pushing
Powerful:        machine can easily bend, twist and puncture steel plate and the operator, enclosed in the isolated cab, has no feedback

Under no circumstances the boom or the attachment be pulling, pushing or grabbing the barge.  Doing this will unleash thousands of pounds of hydraulic force – more than enough to twist, distort and puncture steel plate.  Worst case damages of this type of operation have exceeded $120,000 per barge!  The terminals or stevedores responsible for these damages have been held liable and have paid for all repair costs.

When using a backhoe-type machine to unload a barge, always use the right attachment.

For bulk materials that flow, make sure to use a clamshell-type material handling bucket.  Never use a digging or excavator bucket, with or without teeth.  A digging bucket will cause a great deal of damage to a barge hopper.  

     This is a hopper wall in good condition.       This is a hopper wall after damage from a digging bucket. 

            

Repairs to the barge shown above required over 10,225 pounds of new steel!  Any vendor found to be using this type of equipment to unload barge hoppers will be held responsible for any damages resulting from the use of an incorrect bucket type, including any claim for loss-of-use.  As the Shipper hires the vendor at the unloading terminal for the unloading process, Shipper will also be responsible for any damages caused by their vendor of choice. In order to keep minimize financial liability for your company and keep barge hoppers in good condition, be sure to use a clamshell or clamshell-type material handling bucket when unloading bulk materials.