Komatsu PC130

[tonyoz]

A ripper is a good option for getting roots out of the ground and for pushing trees as it easier to dig around the root ball.
Note; only the operator makes an excavator unstable no matter what size, undercarage type etc. Digging over the idler is very hard on the track adjuster and can cause the seal to blow out.It's also hard on the track chains as they are under tremendous strain causing premature wear on the pins and bushes. That came from an old UH series Hitachi operator manual. I did 14000hrs and 11000hrs on another and where sold with orginal track gear.One other thing, were possible track the machine with the idlers at the front, it lessons track wear by heaps. My 2 cents

 

[Rustyiron]

Congrats on the new machine!!!
You sure can make a mess in a hurry with one of them, and you'll learn to fill those stump hole and grade as you get more time in the seat. Do you have another machine to compliment the excavator? I got rid of my old 951c Cat track loader when I got my ex, they would have worked well together.
Love the smell of fresh dug dirt! Have fun.:thumbsup:

 

[WoodChuckDad]

I'm a little unclear on which way to go here. So is the idler the plain round wheel in the front and the drive wheel is the sprocketed one in the back? When moving forward --pushing forward on the controls--the plain wheel is in the front. Am I supposed to back up to the things I want to dig?

 

[Rustyiron]

Yes to youir idler/sprocket description.
I took Tonyoz comment as if you need to "walk" the machine for any distance, drive forward (sticks & idler forward), I understand this to be true also. When digging, I'll just dig in whatever position the machine is in rather than spinning the machine just to be pointed a certain direction. Just remember to look down (at your sprocket or idler) before you move to see what direction to move the controls.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Ok. That makes sense. And in answer to your question, I do not have any other equipment except a tractor with FEL, grapple, and box blade

 

[Rustyiron]

That will do. It's just nice to have something meant to move stuff after you've grubbed it out with superman's arm.:laughing: Warning; There is no cure for the heavy equipment "bug", only more of it.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

Put in a full day of work today, in the rain. I was in the tractor shuttling stumps back and forth. My son was in the excavator. He works slow but steady, and did great work today.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

 

[farmer2009]

What's the weight of that machine? I've a few hours in a 50,000 lb. machine and thought it should really have more power. Almost seemed detuned. It was a rental and a Cat.

 

[WoodChuckDad]

What's the weight of that machine?

.
with the hydraulic thumb, it should be right around 30k lbs.