Overview
ISO 6015:2006 - "Earth-moving machinery - Hydraulic excavators and backhoe loaders - Methods of determining tool forces" - defines standardized measurement and calculation methods for tool forces generated by attachments on hydraulic excavators and the hoe equipment of backhoe loaders. It applies to machines defined in ISO 6165 and sets out how to measure forces at the bucket lip, grab/clamshell closing forces, and the procedures to report and verify rated and actual tool forces.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & definitions: Clear definitions (tool force, arm/bucket/crowd tool force, rated/actual tool force, force radii, operating mass, hydraulic/tipping/slipping limits).
- Test site & conditions: Level, hard surface; space for measurement devices; engine and hydraulic system at normal operating temperature.
- Test apparatus: Force measuring device (load cell), hydraulic pressure gauges, linear-dimension instruments, wire ropes, pulleys, shackles and anchoring/ support frames - all meeting accuracy requirements per ISO 9248.
- Measurement accuracy: Measurements shall be accurate to within ±2% or meet an applicable test-equipment standard.
- Preparation & setup: Machine equipped per ISO 6016 (masses/operating mass), correct tyres/tracks/ballast, manufacturer-specified attachments and counterweights, and verification of working and maximum relief circuit hydraulic pressures.
- Measurement procedure:
- Perform each test three times and record the arithmetic mean of maxima.
- Measure forces tangential to the arc described by the bucket lip (center for curved/pointed edges).
- Specific arrangements for arm cylinder tool force, bucket cylinder tool force, crowd (telescoping boom) tool force, and grab/clamshell closing force are described and illustrated.
- Limit conditions & safety: Report when hydraulic, tipping, or slipping limits are reached; use tie-downs and safety chains so tipping can be attained but overturning prevented. Record pivot positions and outrigger states.
- Calculation & verification: The standard includes calculation methods for rated tool forces and procedures to verify manufacturer-published values.
Applications and users
ISO 6015:2006 is used by:
- Equipment manufacturers for publishing rated tool forces and validating designs.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies performing standardized force tests.
- Fleet owners, rental companies, and procurement teams assessing machine performance and comparing specifications.
- R&D and validation engineers assessing hydraulic and structural performance of attachments.
Keywords: ISO 6015:2006, tool forces, hydraulic excavators, backhoe loaders, earth‑moving machinery, measurement methods, force measuring device, bucket cylinder, arm cylinder, grab closing force.
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