check out this new Cat Backhoe 434E IT

[9420pullpan]

this is the only pic i have so far

1351

[CascadeScaper]

Eww, they went with the front tires the same size as the rear. It must be a Eurpean thing, JCB has been doing that forever.

[Tigerotor77W]

Yes, it's a European thing -- it's also a market that Cat was missing out on *big* time until the E-series. Think of this: even Case, stalwart of common and reliable backhoe loader technology in the US, has a 4WS unit for Europe. JCB is number one in Europe, and Komatsu, Case, and several other manufacturers (specialized manufacturers dedicated to BHL to some extent) all had a piece of the market that Cat couldn't even compete in. This isn't in-line with Cat's goals of being #1 in every market it competes in, so the 4WS fit right in.

Here in the States, 4WS hasn't caught on so quickly, so I'm not surprised that we haven't seen a Cat 4WS yet. (Same applies for side-shift BHLs.)

[Dozerboy]

I just want the damn front fenders, ya have to clean the glass every time ya take it out of 1st gear.

[Ford LT-9000]

Having the 4 equal sized tires does have benefits over a conventional backhoe with the little front tires. The 4 equal sized tire machines work good if your loading trucks on flat ground. They do raise the center of gravity so it does get a little scary when your on slopes.

The only thing with the 4wheel steer machines is you have 4 closed knuckle U joints that can be a maintenance pig. You also have 8 ball joints holding the steering knuckles you have to make sure you keep them greased.

With the 4 equal sized tires you definatly need 4 wheel steering without it the machine don't steer worth a damn.

I don't like the hoe that Cat has on that machine its something JCB uses where the boom can slide back and forth. The stabilizers are not a good design either.

[Tigerotor77W]

I just want the damn front fenders, ya have to clean the glass every time ya take it out of 1st gear.

Those are available in the States. :yup

As far as the side-shift, again, that's because Europeans like it (allows for digging next to walls). Here in the States, we probably won't see the side-shift models... so we'll probably just see the regular, fold-down stabilizers.

[Steve Frazier]

I had a JD410 with the side shift hoe, and while it had its drawbacks, it was handy too. The negative was less power in the swing, it had a hydraulic motor to swing instead of pistons. I often couldn't swing the machine out of a stuck situation when hoisted in the air on the boom, there just wasn't enough power in the boom.

The advantages were digging next to a wall as mentioned, or along a shoulder. I could dig a nice rectangular hole for a septic tank without having to move the machine. The stabilizers on my machine folded down but not like a conventional hoe. They were adjustable for length so you could still get the same leverage as with a conventional machine. While not for everyone, the machine does have a market.

[Squizzy246B]

Yes, it's a European thing -- it's also a market that Cat was missing out on *big* time until the E-series. Think of this: even Case, stalwart of common and reliable backhoe loader technology in the US, has a 4WS unit for Europe. JCB is number one in Europe, and Komatsu, Case, and several other manufacturers (specialized manufacturers dedicated to BHL to some extent) all had a piece of the market that Cat couldn't even compete in. This isn't in-line with Cat's goals of being #1 in every market it competes in, so the 4WS fit right in.

Here in the States, 4WS hasn't caught on so quickly, so I'm not surprised that we haven't seen a Cat 4WS yet. (Same applies for side-shift BHLs.)

A good friend of ours has a JCB. He is a Scotsman that retains his Scottish accent but has a very broad grasp on the Australian vernacular. So I can't actually transcribe his opinion of JCB onto this forum but suffient to say its a colourful description. It very loosley translates to biggest POS he has ever owned in his life: The funny thing is his name is David Brown.

Here is some pics. He said he didn't want to be seen in them cause JCB is an embarrassment to his beautiful Ford Truck:rolleyes: .

[Tigerotor77W]

Haha, nice. That truck is a real beaut!

[atgreene]

I'm still amazed at the number of people buying hoes period. A small excavator will out dig and out manuver a hoe and for less $$$. Every piece has it's nitch but it seems like a backhoe doesn't do anything really well compared to a loader or to an excavator. Having run approximately 6 different backhoes extensively, when it came time to buy a piece of equipment for myself hoes weren't even an option.

[Grader4me]

I'm still amazed at the number of people buying hoes period. A small excavator will out dig and out manuver a hoe and for less $$$. Every piece has it's nitch but it seems like a backhoe doesn't do anything really well compared to a loader or to an excavator. Having run approximately 6 different backhoes extensively, when it came time to buy a piece of equipment for myself hoes weren't even an option.

I will agree that an excavator will out maneuver a backhoe but....in our line of work a backhoe is more economical. For example...we are installing a culvert a couple of miles up the road. First the backhoe loads the pipe, then it goes to the pit to load the trucks with gravel. Then to the job to dig out and place the pipe. Then scoops up the gravel that is dumped nearby(trucks had to dump because the material from the dig out had to be loaded) and place it on the pipe. Then backdrag with the front bucket. Possibly go back to the pit for more gravel. Then come back and do some ditching away from the pipe.
It is doing the job of two machines...loader and hoe, as it was designed to do.
But in saying all of this I am sure in your line of work and with your experience you picked what was economical for you.:)

[Ford LT-9000]

Rubber tired hoes are good for utility work where your dealing with pavement and running longer distances. Backhoes for general excavating has disapeared around my area the lots houses are built on are tougher and places a backhoe would struggle with.

Most contractors around here have a rubber tired hoe but it sits most of the time they get used for loading trucks etc or installing a new driveway and using it to grade the material.

To make a backhoe work its best you need a good operator as they are not the easiest machine to run and do a good job with it.

If you are going to have a backhoe its got to be a 4x4 a 2wd model is pretty much useless.

[Dozerboy]

While I hate backhoes, they do the job of 2 machines.

[tylermckee]

While I hate backhoes, they do the job of 2 machines.
:laugh Thats what just about every operator ive ever talked to has said. They don't do a great job of anything, but they do a decent job at everything.

[tuney443]

I have to disagree with you guys big time.For my operation,NOTHING is better than a rubber tired hoe.I can do just about anything with my 410G Deere and do it extremely well.I can best describe my explanation as a sort of evolution.See,I don't have excavators or loaders sitting over on one side of my shop--matter of fact, there is not a one.If I absolutely need one,I'll rent.But by having just my hoe and dozer,it makes you a better operator because that's all there is--youHAVE to adapt to what you got and get the most out of it.Just like with my first hoe-an old AC600 Industrial--if you can grade with that--getting on a dozer is a walk in the park.Sure,it would be nice to have 1 of everything but with prices of iron being what it is--I'll stick to what's worked for me for the last 32 years.If I did have fun money to play with,it would be a better investment to go and buy a strip joint.Just think of the fringe benefits!!!:bouncegri :bouncegri :bouncegri

[RonG]

If I was limited to just one machine for dirt work it would be a rubber tired backhoe.There is no other machine more versatile and capable.Sometimes it will be my machine of choice for,say,grading a driveway for paving.It beats a dozer hands down in my estimation for that task especially if you have more than one to do.If I have a choice it would be a John Deere 4x4 with extendahoe,in my opinion the best TLB out there.The Case 4x4 is also a very capable machine but is not as refined as the JD but they can get the job done as well.Those who have spent a lot of time on a backhoe will respect them for what they are,don't dismiss their ability to get the job done.Ron G

[2004F550]

nothing like a JD BHL

[cat320]

nothing like a JD BHL
well i would have to say the oposite nothing like a case TLB . guess it all depends on what is in your area. I had a deere on rental could not wait to get back into my case .

[CEwriter]

More photos of the 420E IT -- the ones Cat sells in North America -- at http://www.constructionequipment.com/articles/images/CEX/20060301/cex0603report02L.jpg

And some production numbers and operating impressions . . .

[Tigerotor77W]

Larry -- how did you like Clayton? I'm sorry I didn't get to visit last Thursday...

[CEwriter]

I forgot you are down there this summer -- it's just this summer, right? Would have loved to spend some time with you.

If I ever manage to get myself fired, I think I'm going to try to get a job in Clayton. Looks like a great place to work. Can't beat a manufacturing facility where they don't do any painting or welding. Production line looked like a cafeteria -- so clean you could eat of'n it.

L

[jazak]

I called up a JCB dealer near me to get some info on their backhoes and loaders. He tried to get me to buy their versoin of the CAT 343E IT. Said it could do both for less.

[Ford LT-9000]

Oh a JCB could do for less it will fall apart faster you know why you can buy a JCB cheaper because they are a cheaply built machine.

As for 4x4x4 having the 4wheel steering is a must with the 4 equal size tire machines in 2 whs the machine doesn't turn. The only time I can see a 4x4x4 machine use full is replacing a wheel loader. I had quite a few hershey kiss moments with the JCB I ran I thought I was going to flip on the side. The 4x4x4 machines feel very tippy.

If you want the best Backhoe go with Case well proven durable machine they are a little expensive but worth it.

[dayexco]

once they're onsite, nothing better than an excavator. if all you're doing is shallow, straight line trenching, i suppose a TLB is adequate. an excavator gives you so many more options once it's on the job if the primary function of that machine is excavating.

[Ford LT-9000]

Around here mini excavators pretty well replaced the backhoe for doing septic fields a mini can do a cleaner job it takes less room its faster. Digging water lines on residential properties is easier with a mini because it can get places a TBL can't. A mini can work on steep slopes a TBL can't safely.

[lgammon]

Around here mini excavators pretty well replaced the backhoe for doing septic fields a mini can do a cleaner job it takes less room its faster. Digging water lines on residential properties is easier with a mini because it can get places a TBL can't. A mini can work on steep slopes a TBL can't safely.

haha i hate trying to dig on the side of a hill with a mini it is a joke. give me a tlb anyday i can always back up the hill use the stabalizers to level my self out and dig out to the side. there is nothing better for septic systems, it is so hard to dig a 7 feet deep tank hole with a mini. with a tlb you can just sit at the end and straighten it all up rather than with a mini where you can't reach the back of the hole once you have dug it all out. and a 305 will not keep up with out new 420e no way. now that being said i do prefer mini's for footers on level ground and water lines. as my dad told me along time ago if i have to have once machine it will be a backhoe, also he said that any man that doesn't mind getting dirty and working, can make more money with a backhoe than he needs. i don't think i will ever be sold on minis till they put out riggers on them

[mflah87]

I started out with a dynahoe. Yes I know hard to believe. But I bought Cases once they startedmaking the D's and thats what i would say put me where I am today. No matter how hard I beat it, I couldn't kill them. I didn't go over the edge abusive, but I did push it to its limits. I will admit John Deere is a nice machine, but the way the cases are built I'd have to go with them.

[cat320]

well the dynahoe was a pretty stong machine , i have a case 580L and it has done some good digging and it is not even a supper L . I would get another Case if i was out looking .

[Cat420]

I guess it's because I have most of my experience on a backhoe, but I haven't had problems making them do what I want like some describe. Sure you fight a little to grade being that they are on tires or can't swing 360 to move dirt, but it makes you think ahead a plan things differently. I'll gladly play with an excavator or dozer, but notice it's easy to get lazy with planning what your doing, since the tracks keep you more stable. Maybe I'm lucky to have learned on a backhoe, because it hasn't taken much time to get used to rented excavators or dozers:beatsme

[bear]

I agree with everyone that said if you have to have one machine it should be a backhoe. They are the go to peice of kit if you have more than a couple of things to do. I'm working on getting this old Ford running again and soon as I get that new welder I want it's getting a good roll bar/ canopy on it (Got to modify the mounts from one off an old tractor. I'm not paying someone else to do something I can do) I about have it ready to run. The engine is back together. Just waiting on some cash to rebuild the starter and have some new hydraulic lines made another thing I'm going to have to do is fix the top of the front bucket. It is kind of ragged the owner before my pappy-in-law is an idiot you really don't know how it got like that.

[JS580SL]

I have to agree with Tuney. My dad has a small excavating company, Learned on a backhoe, use to do everything with a backhoe. Nower days, dont use it as much but still need it. Its a back up machine, plows snow in the winter, mobile when the trailer isnt available, acts as a loader, handles what the mini cant, what the excavator is to big for, etc.

I run a 580 on a gas main crew. A mini and skid steer could do the work but, a mini can only effieciently dig and do some back fill. A skid steer can only backfill at a slower pace. Wont load a truck as quick, cant handle plates, cant run up and down the road as quick, and cant move the pipe around as quick.

We have a bobcat on the crew. Its good for backfill, asphalt wheelbarrow, and the sweeper attach.

[xterrahawk]

below is a picture i found of the same backhoe type but different model and with the different tire size :).. btw these machine are very usevel wen ur on a very tight space and ur laying like pipes and what not u can just sideshift and what not..and when working on a street parallel with a sidewalk or house/buidling it can very useful. Some of you stated why not just have a mini or edium type excavator..but in my opinion with this machine it is more versatile because u can dig and then load or unload or use the same machine wit 2 different attachments and eliminate to have 2 machines on the same job....like the machine below it has the versatility of doing three things(digging, loading/unloading, and forks attachment) all in the same machine

just my two cents :notworthy