ZTS unsuitable for slopes???

[Boondox]

Okay, so I understand that zero tail swing equipment is inherently more tippy than conventional, which is why the ZTS machines are wider and generally heavier. The width and weight is supposed to compensate for the tippiness. But just how effective are those mods?

In looking at the lifting specs (for example the KX91-3 and the U35, which are both Kubotas with the same engine, the first a conventional and the second a ZTS) the U35 is six inches wider and a thousand pounds heavier, has more bucket curl breakout and more dipper breakout, and is consistently rated as able to lift more weight over the blade or off to the side until you get out beyond 8 feet, at which point the conventional machine has the better specs. Yet both Kubota dealers in my area insist that the U35 "should never be used to dig or lift over the side."

What am I missing? And it also seems logical that the wider stance should help when traversing slopes, yet the dealers say the ZTS is better suited to flat ground ... though neither admits to having used a ZTS machine. Are they blowing smoke?

What do you experienced users out there -- especially those who have used a ZTS mini-excavator -- think? If I plan to dig and lift over the blade, but will use it for light lifting or scooping out ditches to the side, would a ZTS do okay?

TIA, Pete

 

[Tags]

I think that pretty soon almost all manufacturers will just have ZTS machines, this is just my humble opinion though. I personally feel it has alot to do with the user of the equipment and I also would not buy anything but a ZTS machine because there will always be a place that a conventional swing machine is just too "big" in the butt. I had an L35 years ago that I did unmentionable things with and had you asked a dealer about doing some of the things he woulda fainted. If you are looking for an excavator just do your own research, compare numbers to numbers, but nothing is as convincing or as telling as some "seat time", nothing is better than a real world test of the equipment you are looking to purchase.

 

[coopers]

Zero tail swings are pretty stable actually. The fact that the engine is further forward gives it better stability (since it is centered better than an engine hanging out over the ***). There is no reason not to buy a machine like that if you have issues with space. They preform just fine. I see companies using zero tail swings when they're out in the open with no obstructions nearby!