How does the mini-hoe attach/operate?

[KMA]

Does it hook up to the "quick attach" hydraulics? How do you control the bucket?

Thanks!

 

[BobRip]

Does it hook up to the "quick attach" hydraulics? How do you control the bucket?

Thanks!

It does connect to the quick attach hydraulics. Quick connects connect to the hoses on the quick attach cylinder. They are unpluged and the hoses from the minihoe are plugged into the hoses from the machine. There is a lever just above your right knee that then opens and closes the bucket. Normally it opens and closes the quick attach cylinder. Of course you cannot use the quick attach hydraulics at the same time, but you don't really need to. This works pretty well, but the lever is on the same side as the main hydraulic lever and you end of reaching over with the left hand to operate the bucket curl while using your right hand to raise/lower and tilt the bucket while using your third hand to steer.
This same approach is used for the 4 in 1 bucket, the grappling bucket and other attachments.

 

[KMA]

Thanks Bob!

I ended up just giving it a try before checking back on the forum and worked as exactly as you described (reaching over with left hand, etc...). I was worried it would be a bit of a hassle, but it's not that bad.

BTW, I just got my PT-422 today. I'll post up a story later about what I went through picking it up at the freight company...

 

[pajoube]

Thanks Bob!

I ended up just giving it a try before checking back on the forum and worked as exactly as you described (reaching over with left hand, etc...). I was worried it would be a bit of a hassle, but it's not that bad.

BTW, I just got my PT-422 today. I'll post up a story later about what I went through picking it up at the freight company...

Congratulations on your new 422, that is a great machine.
As mentioned the lever is by your right knee. Some have installed a thumb control on the joy stick. I have many hours on my mini hoe with just the lever by the knee. It has worked very well after you get used to steering with the left hand (steering knob) and using the right hand to control the bucket.
PJ

 

[MossRoad]

Thanks Bob!
...BTW, I just got my PT-422 today. I'll post up a story later about what I went through picking it up at the freight company...

Congratulations!!!

 

[FOURTEEN]

How do you control the bucket?

Mark the hoses so that you will always connect them the same way. I use black tape on the right hoses and connector, and red tape on the left. Otherwise, sometimes moving the lever up will open the bucket, and sometimes moving the lever up will close the bucket! Very confusing, and possibly dangerous!!