Heading to the Deere Dealer Friday...

[grsthegreat]

one question about the future backhoe. I have read alot of posts about backhoes on cab tractors (not talking about official cab backhoes like the cat 426, etc) and they usually point out that having a cab compact with the backhoe isnt the best combination as you have to get off the rear seat, enter cab and move the hoe to move on to continue digging. When i was shopping for mine, my Kobota dealer even outright told me he wouldn't recommend a cabbed unit if i wanted to add a backhoe. he said the open station units are far superior for this.

If there are owners out here with a cabbed compact tractor with backhoe id like to hear your take on this.

 

[couchsachraga]

Here are my thoughts, but they may be full of lousy logic...

I have a backhoe now (Dynahoe 190 series III, 14k lb breakout, machine is almost 10 ton). I'd like to reduce the amount of equipment I have (less to maintain), especially as most of it's usefulness I've taken advantage of. I have a lot of places I COULD use a backhoe, but it is too heavy or big to get it there. So if it sells I may replace it with a backhoe unit for the 4520, or whatever I wind up with. Or I may get a small excavator. I'm not sure yet.

I'm sure a backhoe on a cabbed tractor (or ANY tractor that has a separate seat) is less than ideal, but with the creep to reposition (assuming it is indeed available) I think it makes it a workable situation.


Thank you to those who PM'd me - on to read those now.

 

[Martian]

Here's my thoughts on the backhoe question...

A backhoe on a cab CUT is no less useful then on a non cab - under both circumstances you have to get out of the drivers station and walk around to the back, unlike any dedicated TLB both full size (Cat 316, JD 310) and compact TLB's (Kubota M59, L45, JD 110) Where you can stay in the station and flip/swivel the seat around to begin operating the backhoe. You have to have 2 seats wether it be open station or cab tractor to get off and run the backhoe, unlike the others - so I see no difference, except climate control in the cab that you will not be able to use unless you have a dedicated TLB. So you sit outside on the cab tractors BH. In theory you would have to get off and either go to the back of the tractor to use the BH or to hop on a mini ex., but the mini ex. can have a climate controlled cab as well. The mini ex. will have substantially better dig time and much more breakout than a compact tractors backhoe under any circumstance - the 360 degree spin alone, bigger dig depth. A CUT BH is for moderate use, trenching, a couple holes and maybe digging up a mid sized stump. A mini ex. does all of that faster and more efficiently and has more power, while being inside. What you pay for is again having more machines and having to pat A LOT more money (like 5-6x the amount) for another mini ex. (new of course - could find a good used.) If a lot of digging need be done (and I mean a lot) then a mini ex. and a CUT would be the best way to go, if your going to be doing only occasional digging (which I believe is the case of the OP) then the BH for the back of a 4520 is the way to go, save yourself a lot of money.

 

[AKfish]

Having a cab and the optional backhoe would be a bit of a "moto-cross" up;down - in;out kind of exercise.

However, there's a difference between using a backhoe for a project - once in a while... versus having a dedicated backhoe that is used all the time!

I'd have to guess that if the "creep-to-reposition" is available on the new 4000 series (cabbed) that the controls will be mounted on a new version of the 485 backhoe. Have to be a "leap-to-reposition" from the cab - otherwise!

AKfish

 

[Martian]

I looked at the online 4000 twenty series brochure and although it doesn't have picture of where it's located here are two quotes about the creep to repo. Doesn't offer where the button controls are located but since it states that it can be controlled from the backhoe (and doesn't exclude cab models) I'm sure there's a way.

Definitely a question to ask the dear on friday:thumbsup:

"True commercial-grade backhoes mount and dismount easily.
Bucket rotation of 180 degrees is perfect for trenching without leaving behind spillage. Includes the exclusive and time-saving creep-to-reposition feature which allows vehicle movement from the backhoe operator seat position."

"Powerful digging and backfilling action along with excellent visibility to the trench. Includes the exclusive and time-saving creep-to-reposition feature which allows vehicle movement from the backhoe operator seat position. Available for cab and open-station models."

 

[dconine]

One thing about the mirrors on the cab tractors - If you hit something they fold back in towards the cab and hit a stop before it hits the side doors. Which is nice if you happen to hit something and don't see it. It has to be kind of a solid object though - If you hit a decent sized stick on the bottom part of the mirrors, they may break. Something for you to think about.

 

[Martian]

Don't expect to only have one pair of mirrors through a lifetime. They are one of the least durable parts of the tractor, just because of location and not wanting something super expensive. I'd go with them, saves you turning around, but expect something to happen. They aren't a big deal to get replaced.

 

[jenkinsph]

Creep to reposition is a great feature to have but I am curious how hard it is to reach the joystick for the bucket while sitting in the rear seat. There are times when you need to drop the front bucket before the rear stabilizers to hold position. If you get out of the seat the seat switch can release the hydro, possibly at the worst time. I would wan't to try it before buying.

 

[Martian]

Heres something else I just remembered to think about.

With the loader on and the standard exhaust being "horizontally" mounted and positioned underneath whenever started in cold conditions it blows black soot on the nice green loader. If I'd done it again for I think $80 you can get a horizontal stack and it will keep the soot away from the loader. The only bad part is it is slightly in the vies forward but I really like the looks and it being so small it really won't be a big difference. I would get it of I were to get a do over, unfortunately I don't think I'm going to get one

 

[dconine]

On our new 4520, the exhaust is pointed foward and down at a forty five degree angle. It's at the perfect angle and doesn't blow any soot on the axle or on the loader. You can always add it later if you want it, but I like the open view.