Heading to the Deere Dealer Friday...

couchsachraga · Jan 9, 2012

I would imagine it's not meant to drive all over, but to move forward or backward slightly.

But that's just what I've surmised and not base on any reality.

Hopefully some will order one soon and we'll know!

Martian · Jan 9, 2012

Yes, but if you even need a slight bend in your trench you'd have to get out and into the cab and it seems like there would be quite a few of them.

grsthegreat · Jan 9, 2012

yup.... thats why my next toy i purchase will be a mini ecavator.... as soon as the electrical contracting business picks up again that is.

Martian · Jan 9, 2012

Couchsachraga,

Saw your listing in the private party thread. May want to post some pics in there. My experience is people are a lot more apt to concoct if you've got pics:thumbsup:

jenkinsph · Jan 9, 2012

Not being able to steer the tractor or operate the fel would be a deal breaker for me.

While I feel the Laurin cab is expensive for the 110tlb it does allow me to operate the hoe from inside the cab and still have the versatility of a tractor and 3ph. Same can be said for the Kubota tlbs' such as the M59.

One of the best things about the 4520 cab tractor is it has good hp in a very compact length so it fits in much tighter spaces than the 110tlb will fit in, that is without a fel on it. At any rate I really like both of my tractors and I am very satisfied with them. That said if a backhoe is a viable part of your plan you might want to consider the current Kubota M59 and a Laurin cab.

Martian · Jan 10, 2012

If you can't operate the loader and steer from the back (and even adjust RPM's and such) from the back I see an M59 being a pretty good option if you're going to be doing a lot of digging. If it's now and then, maybe not. Best option may be to find a good used mini ex with a cab and a thumb! Those are some sweet digging machines! This one's in Penn and has the hydraulics for the thumb, it's obviously more money but if your going to be digging a lot, something like this is looking more and more to be a better option:
2004 DEERE 35C ZTS Excavators - Mini (up to 12,000 lbs) For Sale At MachineryTrader.com

couchsachraga · Jan 10, 2012

I've asked the dealer to explain how the creep to position system works, as well as what it costs as I suspect there is a 60%+ chance I'll be purchasing it later this year, assuming I get the Deere 4520.

I'll let you know what he shares with me.

jenkinsph · Jan 10, 2012

couchsachraga said:
I've asked the dealer to explain how the creep to position system works, as well as what it costs as I suspect there is a 60%+ chance I'll be purchasing it later this year, assuming I get the Deere 4520.

I'll let you know what he shares with me.

The cost should be low as it is a rocker switch to select direction and a spring loaded rheostat to vary the speed. You have to hold down the rocker switch in either the forward or rearward position with one finger while using your thumb to operate a small lever to vary the speed. Remember the e hydro is electrically controlled so the pedals are controlling electrical rheostats. They could just as easily install pedals on the backhoe if they wanted to.

This could be useful on level ground but no where near as useful on the 4520 cab tractor as it is on the 110tlb. I have both machines and can easily see the problems associated with a 4520 cabbed tractor and an outside seat position of an add on backhoe.

Martian · Jan 10, 2012

Steve, how much does that back window open? Does it come off? I don't see any better option than it coming off to get a clear run at the controls.

jenkinsph · Jan 10, 2012

Martian said:
Steve, how much does that back window open? Does it come off? I don't see any better option than it coming off to get a clear run at the controls.

It doesn't open nearly enough to be workable in that there isn't enough room to sit in the backhoe seat with it open. Removing the window, then you don't have a sealed cab. Also the rear window is not made to be unpinned rather it is bolted in place.

On a 110 with a Laurin cab the rear glass section is mounted to the hoe platform. The rear window is pinned on and can be removed and stored in the cab if need be. The rear window can also be pinned on the cab with the backhoe removed and a small adaptor plate installed at the bottom with thumb screws to close in the cab for hvac and sealing. Hope this picture of the rear helps.