Yanmar 424 Backhoe Opinions?

[Jaypeesi]

I have removed a few stumps also. All oaks, probably in the range you are talking about. I am not sure how they compare to what you are digging up but the thumb makes it nice once you break it loose. I have about 3 acres up in the Sierra's (not far from Yosemite and the big fire in Mariposa) and I could not imagine needing more than what I have now. I have a box blade, forks and will be picking up the tiller and rotary mower on Monday. If you have any question about any of those implements let me know and I will try to answer.

 

[VeRV77]

Very cool. As a matter of fact, I was wondering whether or not the lack of a locking differential would be problematic using a box blade

 

[Jaypeesi]

I haven't had an issue yet. And I have seen the diff lock as an option on yammers website but forgot to inquire about it when I bought mine. And its all about perspective, 36" wide trench, 36" deep with a 12" bucket.

 

[Yanmar Tractor]

Very cool. As a matter of fact, I was wondering whether or not the lack of a locking differential would be problematic using a box blade

Differential lock is built-in standard equipment on all Yanmar SA Series tractors. What varies is the installation (can be factory or field-installed) of the optional left-hand foot pedal to activate the differential lock. When the left-hand foot pedal is not installed, the differential lock can be activated by tapping the right-hand brake pedal. More about the Yanmar SA Series tractors' differential lock here: Resources - Tractor Tips - Yanmar Tractor

 

[yardman harry]

Differential lock is built-in standard equipment on all Yanmar SA Series tractors. What varies is the installation (can be factory or field-installed) of the optional left-hand foot pedal to activate the differential lock. When the left-hand foot pedal is not installed, the differential lock can be activated by tapping the right-hand brake pedal. More about the Yanmar SA Series tractors' differential lock here: Resources - Tractor Tips - Yanmar Tractor

Interesting and odd. Seems like the left hand foot pedal should be standard too. However, at least the locker is there, pretty neat...

Pressing the brake pedal with your foot may be difficult while pressing the drive pedal at the same time. Due to its high-mounted position, you can press the brake pedal with your hand. If that is not comfortable for you, Yanmar does make a differential lock kit which adds an additional pedal that can be pressed with your left foot. The kit is now available at Yanmar dealerships and can be installed onto your tractor in about an hour.

 

[Tonyinohio]

I've got 180+ hours of seat time on my 424 and only needed diff lock once. I'm used to feathering the brake and gas at the same time in trucks so i naturally did the same when a front tire went in the ditch raising one back tire off the ground. Backing out was a breeze....had I only known the locking diff was already working! I've used drags and blades with no traction issues. 4x4 typically does the trick. I've got loaded my tires and that helped a lot with stability and traction.

 

[VeRV77]

Differential lock is built-in standard equipment on all Yanmar SA Series tractors. What varies is the installation (can be factory or field-installed) of the optional left-hand foot pedal to activate the differential lock. When the left-hand foot pedal is not installed, the differential lock can be activated by tapping the right-hand brake pedal. More about the Yanmar SA Series tractors' differential lock here: Resources - Tractor Tips - Yanmar Tractor

Hey Yanmar, thanks for this info! There's "internet certitude" out there (scoff) about this tractor not having a locking diff on some websites I've come across, so that is great news. Good to know it's baked in, albeit differently. Very, very seriously thinking of getting this machine right now. There appears to be a lot of positive feedback about it. Speaking of feedback, the only things that gave me pause was the differential (non-issue), the reach/power of the BH (probably OK for me), and last but not least, I don't know how to get an SSQA for the 424's FEL short of having one fabricated. Will that be an option anytime soon?

 

[VeRV77]

I haven't had an issue yet. And I have seen the diff lock as an option on yammers website but forgot to inquire about it when I bought mine. And its all about perspective, 36" wide trench, 36" deep with a 12" bucket.

That's a serious trench. Looks like a drainage problem solved!

 

[Yanmar Tractor]

VeRV77, - You are very welcome and thank you very much for your very serious consideration of choosing to invest in a Yanmar tractor.

 

[blueredboy]

You could get a quick attach adapter from Welcome but the Yanmar hookup can be replicated for other attachments as well by a local welding shop.