Excavator Blade: Behind or in Front?

[CoyPatton]

Well, both are correct in certain circumstances.

Super-light machines are very different than minis that way tons: you can easily drag a 1-ton-ish excavator around with the dipper, so anchoring with the blade is more important than ever. Sometimes in front is best, which also keeps rocks off your sensitive bits (wheel motors).

Starting a hole is tough when you can push down with much more force than the weight of the machine. Blade-behind maximizes the downward pressure of your teeth on the ground.

But blade-front allows you to lift more without tipping.

Slopey ground (all I have) means blade positioning is everything.

Totally agree, there is no 1 answer fits all situations. Explained very well!

 

[neilpaku]

1. Experts on the Internet say to keep a mini-excavator's blade behind you when digging.

2. Experts on the Internet say to keep a mini-excavator's blade in front of you when digging.

Help.

Try both and decide what you like. I've seen both from lots of operators (me included) with experience all over the map, and they all have valid reasons. Also bear in mind that the answer always "depends" on the particular situation you're in. Just keep operating, thinking, and gaining experience

 

[tbarrick]

I'm trying to get up to speed with my cheapo Chinese gas job. So much bad information out there.

For example, people complain that the seat gets hot, so some are saying to insulate the underside of the sheet metal under the seat. But that cooks the engine, which people say is already too hot.

My plan is to remove the door, since it seems to serve no purpose anyway.

Mount a 5" 12 v muffin fan on both sides to move air into engine chamber.

 

[coast40]

OP, can you post a picture of your mini mini mini machine? That may help us give you some answers. I don't think my experience with my Bobcat will transfer over to your machine.