Newbie

[KeithS]

I'll give you my two cents, (there probably not really worth two cents...)
I would focus on the seat issue, perhaps you can modify what you have and get a marine seat
placed in there, the post will mount to the frame under the floor, probably best to pull that up and
see what you have under there.
Maybe you could use that (sprocket?) and weld up some flanges so you can pin the seat to face either forward or reverse.
Finding a replacement may be hard.

You could call over to East Hartford Equipment 101 Brookside Lane East Hartford, Connecticut 06108
ph: 860-289-9371 they may be able to do a nationwide part search for you.

Personally, I would spend the $ on replacing hoses over tires....just me...once a hose goes, your done until
it is replaced, now you have a mess and you have to replace hydraulic fluid at about $8 per gallon....

Hope it all works out for you, looks like a neat compact machine.

E. Hartford Equipment is exactly where I was heading. I'm taking the seat assembly off this weekend to get a better look see as to what I have to work with, I've already priced a marine pedestal and swivel/slide plate and seat for around $250, just have to chk and see if +/- 5" slide is enough. There's a small coolant leak that I'm addressing this weekend also, simple fix hose fitting gasket. Than it will be on to the hoses. Is there a "back hoe yellow" paint that i can get in a spray can or is it just match up Krylon to come close?
I'll take any and all cents. Thx.

[trevor b]

hey keith s welcome .quite the machine you have . it might not be pretty but it doesent have the pretty payments good luck trevor b

[KeithS]

Thx Trevor. Your right about the payments, wife wouldn't hear of it, I ran into enough head wind for cash out the door. Right now I'm just looking to fix up the little things and practice running her than, within a month or so, tackle the main reason why I bought her and that's to put in a 250' x 4' curtain drain across my property. After that I'll hang on to her for a while and try to lip stick her up a bit.

[trevor b]

wive's are like that just the nature of the beast .no sense of ha ha. i had my hoe 3 months befor she knew but as i say far eseayer to seek forgivness than ask permission trevor b

[KeithS]

Can anybody suggest what weight motor oil to use in this rig, detroit diesel 3-53. I was told either straight 30 or 40 weight. I use Rotella 15w40 in one of my boats and was wondering if that would work? Thx.

[alrman]

You were told the correct oil Keith, straight 40 - Do not use multigrade, they don't like it & could blow (slobber) it out the exhaust.

[KeithS]

Ok alrman, 40 it is. Thx.

[KeithS]

I'm looking for a manual for this machine and my search comes back with at least 4 different releases. What would be a good source for a manual? Thx.