MF GC1720 backhoe & swivel seat

[frugalangler]

I knew going in that the swivel seat on the MF GC TLB could be pesky, but chose this unit over one w/ a dedicated seat because of overall size differences (read storage and maneuverability challenges). Well, in using it to drag some trenches, it got quite obnoxious to swivel the seat frequently to move the tractor along and re-position it as the angle of the trench curved, and operating the tractor without re-positioning the seat is a no-go!

Well, I got frustrated enough that I tried something - I removed the seat back totally, 4 bolts out, back off, re-installed the bolts as they are part of the frame seat bottom attachment. Now, I position the tractor, swivel the seat to the BH position, which is further back and higher that normal, and do my work. When I need to re-position, I can hop off the BH platform, hop back on the operator platform, and sit on the seat and operate the tractor to re-position it. I wouldn't operate it for FEL or mowing, etc. like that, but I can fully reach ALL the controls for safe operation since I'm 6'3" - a short person might be challenged but if you're a taller operator this might work for you. Also, I didn't find the lack of the seat back an issue when operating the BH, as I was typically leaning forward to monitor the trenching and rarely found I used it, when I'm done with the major trenching or other BH work (stump ripping, etc.) I'll replace the seat back so I can back-fill the trenches and holes with the FEL comfortably, but I find even with the seat back removed, and the seat in the 'normal' position, operating is quite acceptable for short times - I might not want to mow without the back, but for utility work, not an issue. And, look at the old farm tractors, they never had a seat back, only had a hunk of iron sort of contoured - our tractors today are a Lexus comparatively speaking.

 

[ChadsGC1720]

I agree! The constant swiveling back and forth wen needing to move the tractor a bit to reposition is annoying at times. One thing I do is leave the seat facing forward and I just kneel on the seat and face rearward to operate the back. Probably not the safest thing, but it works for my needs.

I will have to try your method and remove the seat back when I know I'm going to be using the backhoe for a day or so at a time in between mowings

Chad

 

[zski128]

I just "walk" the tractor using the backhoe. I leave transmission in neutral and the fel bucket edge in the ground while digging. When I need to move I lift the fel and use backhoe to push/pull or lift to move sideways. I am obviously on level ground when I do this.

 

[AxleHub]

Is this another option ?

In other threads I had posted my discoveries on being able to reposition my GC1715 seat back much further than originally setup - about 4 inches or so (with no modifications required. So what if you could adjust the GC1720 seat as I did with the GC1715 and simply adjust the seat position back as far as it goes - then straddle the seat for the backhoe uses. Is that a possibility ? Your legs would be able to go into the normal leg positioning and you'd have access to the controls. Then when you want to drive the tractor just spin around and move the seat forward some like normal. That way the back stays on. Just a thought.

 

[frugalangler]

In all honesty that wouldn't be comfortable at all and too low for seeing the dig. Reaching over around the seatback wouldn't work. Appreciate the idea though. And I will be modifying the seat per your instructions plus a couple of other ideas like extended fel stick. Thanks. As for walking the tractor I do that on straight level but I was cutting a curve on a slope so not an option.

 

[Devi8]

You guys are funny complaining about having to swivel the seat, dig it by hand and you'll tune will change.

 

[not2old]

To move a short distance, I remain in the backhoe seat and use the hoe to move back and forth with the transmission in neutral. If I need to move the rear wheels sideways, I lift them with the hoe, and then swing the hoe. If I need to move the front wheels sideways, I put the transmission in gear and operate the pedals with a stick I keep tucked in near the loader joystick and move back and forth , turning the steering wheel as necessary.

 

[atsah]

The only complaint I have for the GC tractors is the seat sits to high, the backhoe position is crazy high, my JD 2305 TLB was much better in that aspect.

 

[cdaigle430]

No complaints about swiveling the seat, I like it better that way. At first it was a harsh movement but now with 200 hours I can swivel it back and forth like slicing butter with a hot knife.