D Grade
Well-Known Member
My opinion on brand when it comes to backhoes, whatever you run and are used to is the best. All backhoes feel and operate different. If you are used to a Case, when you get in a Cat it's going to feel like you have a septic tank hanging on the hoe. If you're used to a Cat, you're going to think the Case is built too light.
Well put. If thats going to be the case, then I'd probably be most used to Cat. I think I could adjust to 2-stick Case controls just fine but the 4-stick Case controls I'd need a lil' practice to pick back up. I drove a Case before a Cat and I think I feel fine in both. In fact when I drove Cat for the first time, odly enough they did feel pretty heavy to me.
I choose the 420D , reasons being they are more fuel efficient than the Case and have more standard features than the Case backhoes listed . I have seen a 580 Super M Deluxe that has the taller front tires , nicer interior , pilot controls etc. The 580 SL is probably less problematic than the 420 , but that's just my opinion. All the machines on the list are solid.
Thanks, DickJr. I'd certainly try out a 420D IT if I can find one under $30k.
The outfit I currently work for had Cat 420E for several years and I rather enjoyed operating them, as well as the Cat loaders. They switch every four years back and forth between Cat and Deere for some reason - probably keep local business happy. Anyway, I gotta say that I prefer the Cat cabs and interior over the new JD's for the simple reason of room for operator. I'm a big fellow and to swivel the seat for backhoe operation is a chore! Now if you are a skinny little fellow, this will not be a problem and you can whirl around like you were in a barber chair! Well, not really, but you get my drift! Creature comfort, and ease of accessibility to controls means a lot when you are confined to the cab for many hours. I do like many of the features in the new JD's, but that log in screen on the computer gets annoying quickly! I still think the Cats are a more operator friendly machine overall, and I'm an old Cat man do !
I hear ya. The 430E IT we have at work has a rear screen and I dont even know what it does. Havent messed with it at all but I assume its to control rear attachments.