Backhoe Backhoe Stabilizers: Horizontal vs. Vertical style.

[PatasColo]

Looking at used TLBs. I've seen a couple of backhoes with stabilizers that are vertical and close-in to the tractor body, as opposed to the more common ones that drop down to the sides of the tractor like the wings of a butterfly (outriggers). Below are two pics to show what I mean... vertical vs. horizontal.

I know that the horizontal ones act like an outrigger giving more sideways stability. Anything else I should be concerned about or know before buying one that has vertical stabilizers, as shown in the first pic? Are they just too "tippy" side-to-side?
Thanks in advance... -Mitch

[devildog1]

Have had two TLB's, both were Kubota's and both worked just fine. Also worked in area of heavy construction field, have never seen stabilizers like the ones in picture one, must be a reason huh?
DevilDog

[nspec]

The ones on the left look like a joke to me. They need a much wider stance. JCB has a full size machine with that style, but with a much wider profile. In fact, I believe they can slide out and retract hydraulically to change the width. The reason for this style is for when you need to work right up against something and you wouldn't be able to use the conventional type. The 'outboard' stabilizer should always be able to be adjusted outward. If it is not, its a very poor design.

[Luremaker]

The one on the left will side shift. Great for working around foundations.

[Grandad4]

Looking at used TLBs. I've seen a couple of backhoes with stabilizers that are vertical and close-in to the tractor body, as opposed to the more common ones that drop down to the sides of the tractor like the wings of a butterfly (outriggers). Below are two pics to show what I mean... vertical vs. horizontal.

I know that the horizontal ones act like an outrigger giving more sideways stability. Anything else I should be concerned about or know before buying one that has vertical stabilizers, as shown in the first pic? Are they just too "tippy" side-to-side?
Thanks in advance... -Mitch

Mitch, like the others, I've never seen a backhoe with narrow-set stabilizers like in that first picture. Wonder if it's either some kind of specialized setup or a home-brew... you wouldn't happen to know the manufacturer perhaps? When you swing the boom to the side, it obviously shifts the balance and puts a lot of torque on the tractor so the wide stabilizers seem pretty important to me. You'd have to think those narrow ones wouldn't work very well for general backhoe use.

[catdozer]

Just up at Michigan Cat picking up parts a few days ago and they had new E series with both types. The vertical style are used with side shift backhoes to do foundation and pipe repair work. You lose so much leverage with the vertical style, if you don't need to get close to objects and not doing serious pipe repair get the outriggers with no side shift. (I can't wait to upgrade our Cat 416c to a new E series) photos of a cat and jcb

[PatasColo]

Mitch, like the others, I've never seen a backhoe with narrow-set stabilizers like in that first picture. Wonder if it's either some kind of specialized setup or a home-brew... you wouldn't happen to know the manufacturer perhaps? When you swing the boom to the side, it obviously shifts the balance and puts a lot of torque on the tractor so the wide stabilizers seem pretty important to me. You'd have to think those narrow ones wouldn't work very well for general backhoe use.

The first pic is a TLB nearby I may go look at. I've only seen the pic, and am now guessing that the stabilizers may spread and/or shift, as some others have hinted. Owner stated that it is a John deere backhoe, modified to be on that Yanmar (and painted, of course). I can't vouch for anything without seeing it.

I did do a search for "backhoe vertical stabilizers", and found that they are out there, and specifically recommended for close-work. Sometimes used on industrial machines, TLBs, boom loaders, etc. Apparently, JD made a backhoe (around vintage of this machine) with vertical stabilizers that would "shift" side to side to 5 positions... either a Model 50 or Model 51. I'll be interested to know what the one on the Yanmar is, and if I see it, I'll report back.

(Also after research, I agree that if they do not spread, that is not a "good thing." )
-Mitch

[Luremaker]

Side shift backhoes are popular in Europe.

[Grandad4]

Good reason to hang around TBN... there's always something new to learn. Thanks, guys.

[Robert_in_NY]

Just up at Michigan Cat picking up parts a few days ago and they had new E series with both types. The vertical style are used with side shift backhoes to do foundation and pipe repair work. You lose so much leverage with the vertical style, if you don't need to get close to objects and not doing serious pipe repair get the outriggers with no side shift. (I can't wait to upgrade our Cat 416c to a new E series) photos of a cat and jcb

I don't need a TLB but that new Cat sure does scream "BUY ME"