Rotating seat for backhoe use?

[jenkinsph]

Ken,
You might measure the height of the door opening too as this may be a limiting factor if you must store inside.

 

[Big Wave D]

I have a 1991 Kubota L-35. It has the factory swivel seat.

All in all, it has its pluses and minuses. I like not having another seat that will eventually need replacing. Also, I don't have two seats trying to take up the same space.

However, on my TLB it is MUCH easier to be off the machine to manipulate the two levers needed to allow the seat to be moved into position and swiveled. Since, I'm already off the tractor, climbing backhoe for use is no big deal.

Don't know about Kubota B Series TLB's, but the newer L and M's were redesigned as "walk-through" so that use of the backhoe didn't necessitate dismounting and walking around.

 

[Grandad4]

One of the great advantages of the mini-excavator vs. a tractor mounted backhoe is the operator can stay in one seat to re-position the unit. Both have relatively short reach when digging - 5 to 10 feet, usually, from the machine itself. So you are constantly moving/repositioning the unit to dig further. But the mini-ex lets you immediately go from digging to moving the unit, while the tractor requires that you do something to change where/how you sit each time you have to stop digging and move the tractor a few feet.

With many tractor backhoes, you can step from one seat to the other without dismounting the tractor. It's a bit harder than flipping or swivelling a single seat, but it can be done (unless it's a cab tractor, I suppose). If the backhoe is on an HST machine, it's possible to use a broomstick or something to operate the go pedal from the BH seat, allowing you to creep a few feet, such as when digging a trench. But, if any tractor or backhoe manufacturer ever came up with a better and safer approach to moving a backhoe-epuipped tractor short distances without flipping or changing seats or using broomsticks, etc., they would probably attract pleny of buyers.

 

[jenkinsph]

One of the great advantages of the mini-excavator vs. a tractor mounted backhoe is the operator can stay in one seat to re-position the unit. Both have relatively short reach when digging - 5 to 10 feet, usually, from the machine itself. So you are constantly moving/repositioning the unit to dig further. But the mini-ex lets you immediately go from digging to moving the unit, while the tractor requires that you do something to change where/how you sit each time you have to stop digging and move the tractor a few feet.

With many tractor backhoes, you can step from one seat to the other without dismounting the tractor. It's a bit harder than flipping or swivelling a single seat, but it can be done (unless it's a cab tractor, I suppose). If the backhoe is on an HST machine, it's possible to use a broomstick or something to operate the go pedal from the BH seat, allowing you to creep a few feet, such as when digging a trench. But, if any tractor or backhoe manufacturer ever came up with a better and safer approach to moving a backhoe-epuipped tractor short distances without flipping or changing seats or using broomsticks, etc., they would probably attract pleny of buyers.

The Deere 110tlb with Laurin cab allows me to stay in the backhoe seat and has the creep to reposition switches within easy reach. I find this has worked very well for me. Can't imagine having to change seat positions to move the tractor up and down a ditchline. I frequently move the tractor around the yard from the rear seat position.

 

[Big Wave D]

My Kubota has the Glide Shift Transmission and this allows me to stay in the seat with it facing the rear/backhoe.

The ability to not need the clutch to change gears and use the shuttle shift to stop and go makes quick work out of moving to next digging position.

 

[Lt CHEG]

One of the great advantages of the mini-excavator vs. a tractor mounted backhoe is the operator can stay in one seat to re-position the unit. Both have relatively short reach when digging - 5 to 10 feet, usually, from the machine itself. So you are constantly moving/repositioning the unit to dig further. But the mini-ex lets you immediately go from digging to moving the unit, while the tractor requires that you do something to change where/how you sit each time you have to stop digging and move the tractor a few feet.

With many tractor backhoes, you can step from one seat to the other without dismounting the tractor. It's a bit harder than flipping or swivelling a single seat, but it can be done (unless it's a cab tractor, I suppose). If the backhoe is on an HST machine, it's possible to use a broomstick or something to operate the go pedal from the BH seat, allowing you to creep a few feet, such as when digging a trench. But, if any tractor or backhoe manufacturer ever came up with a better and safer approach to moving a backhoe-epuipped tractor short distances without flipping or changing seats or using broomsticks, etc., they would probably attract pleny of buyers.

I wouldn't do it with a compact tractor mounted backhoe but on a real designated TLB you can reposition yourself somewhat without getting out of the seat. You can actually use the hoe to push yourself up and back or even slightly to the side. You should be able to reach the loader control without moving, so you raise the lower just off the ground and do the same with the outriggers and then push yourself up and back or up and to the side. Sure it's not quite as simple as a mini excavator but it is done often by good operators, even I taught myself how to do it on a Ford 555.

 

[Grandad4]

Thanks for the education, guys. The creep function found on the dedicated TLB's is exactly what I was thinking of. I'm thinking it would be a popular factory option with the add-on BH's also. There are plenty of owners like me that don't need/can't afford a dedicated TLB, but still have the re-positioning issue when using an add-on BH.

 

[BruceWard]

On my B21 I can reach the steering wheel and loader control easily while rear facing. I have trenched over 1200' of 30" + deep trench with it. I normally have the transmission in neutral and use the backhoe to move the tractor around while trenching.

I was digging some 5' deep trench to run electrical conduit under a hill that will later be removed at church yesterday. I knew the trench was going to drop to 7' as I worked along to maintain grade and the softest material in the trench was shale. I called a friend who sent over a CAT 426 (15,400 pound 110HP) backhoe. I used the CAT 426 the same as the Kubota pushing it forward with the backhoe boom. Interestingly it had a swivel seat but no ability to swivel while seated. I had to stand up, swivel the seat then climb around it.

A mini excavator would be much better for gardening purposes. It can reposition and be ready to work so much faster than a TLB. If was spending the budget for a new TLB I would rather buy a used minix and a tractor with a loader.

 

[CurlyDave]

The Deere 110tlb with Laurin cab allows me to stay in the backhoe seat and has the creep to reposition switches within easy reach. I find this has worked very well for me. Can't imagine having to change seat positions to move the tractor up and down a ditchline. I frequently move the tractor around the yard from the rear seat position.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

I do the same thing. A few hours of experience and it works great.

I have heard that some L39 owners push the throttle with a cane...

 

[Runner]

I kind of like having a separate seat on the 2520. When I want to reposition the machine, I just step from the backhoe platform onto the left rear tire, then onto the operator platform. Both seats stay in the down position and I don't have to mess with swivelling a seat. Works good for me anyway.