What is the procedure to check the parking brake?

The correct procedure to check the parking brake involves ensuring that the machine is in a safe and stable position while verifying that the parking brake effectively holds the loader in place. By putting the machine into gear, you can test the engagement of the parking brake safely.

When you select the third gear, it’s typically one of the higher gears, which provides enough resistance for the engine against the stationary load of the backhoe loader. As you raise the bucket and apply the parking brake, you can observe if the backhoe remains stationary without any movement. This confirms that the parking brake is functioning effectively.

The considerations for the other options indicate practices that may not adequately test the parking brake or could create unsafe conditions. For example, shifting to first gear with the bucket lowered may put unnecessary strain on the transmission or raise safety concerns. Lowering the bucket while in neutral wouldn't provide an effective test of the parking brake's holding capability, and engaging the stabilizers with the machine in second gear may not create the appropriate conditions to accurately assess the integrity of the parking brake.