Aliate
Senior Member
jeeze lots of replies, I would consider JD's but I am going to be buying an early 2000's model and I only like the newer JD stuff. Once again thank you everyone for the input.
-
Thank you for visiting HeavyEquipmentForums.com! Our objective is to provide industry professionals a place to gather to exchange questions, answers and ideas. We welcome you to register using the "Register" icon at the top of the page. We'd appreciate any help you can offer in spreading the word of our new site. The more members that join, the bigger resource for all to enjoy. Thank you!
Cat vs Case backhoes?
- Thread starter Aliate
- Start date
Burnout
Senior Member
The E series Deere backhoes were a very solid unit. My old man still has his 310SE that he bought new in 1997 it's a good machine. Very reliable, decent on fuel and lots of power. You even get the excavator style boom.
hammerdwn20
Well-Known Member
if you consider a D series deere watch out for cab rot. Our 410d seat mount fell through the floor when i was roading the machine and is quite spendy.
JS580SL
Senior Member
I think Deere makes a great backhoe, I have much more time on cases so tend to lean more to a Case. I really think case is # 1 for utility work hands down. My self prefer the feel of case hydralics over anything. 580 not the heaviest pushing machine but quick, agile, dig fast, higher dump height on the front, and the best 4n'1 control.
I like the over the center boom best except when you got to be close to the truck loading or work in real close to the machine. I know its a personal preferance as well, I learned on 2 stick, now I run 4 stick and wouldnt switch back. I think more control swinging with your feet and seperate levers. Ive run a handful of backhoes with pilots here and there, dont really like it to much. Comfortable and easier on the body but dont like the slower reaction and feel. Id like to try one for a week or 2 straight. Maybe change my mind? Doubtfull but possible.
I like the over the center boom best except when you got to be close to the truck loading or work in real close to the machine. I know its a personal preferance as well, I learned on 2 stick, now I run 4 stick and wouldnt switch back. I think more control swinging with your feet and seperate levers. Ive run a handful of backhoes with pilots here and there, dont really like it to much. Comfortable and easier on the body but dont like the slower reaction and feel. Id like to try one for a week or 2 straight. Maybe change my mind? Doubtfull but possible.
insleyboy
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2008
- Messages
- 191
- Location
- Monroe Michigan
- Occupation
- Operator 25 years, was laborer for 7 years
580 case is the industry standard as far as I am concerned. As far as plant work where muscle is concerned the 590M really takes digging and concrete breaking to another level.Used the 590 to dig ringwalls around existing crude tanks in the midwest, mostly because of thier reach. Many obstacles in a tank area that has been there for years. We took the 590 inside the tank for the digging as well, as long as the tank had no floating roof.
OC(Outside Cat)
Member
The spongy feel on the Cat machines can be caused by having the ride control activated. I think the operators manual says to shut off the ride control while digging. It makes a difference.
OC
OC
Burnout
Senior Member
You should have the ride control off anytime your not carrying anything, or roading. Even when doin a load and carry it sucks to have the RC on since the loader feels like its broken going into a pile. I generally find it more of a pain than anything else so I never use it. Bout the only machine I do use it on is our 710J in the auto setting.
Cat420
Senior Member
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2004
- Messages
- 527
- Location
- Pine Bush Ny
- Occupation
- Construction, small engine and machine shop work
Aliate, where in NY are you and what are you looking to spend?
We are probably going to sell our Cat 420D eventually. It's honestly one of the nicest machines I've ever used, but the family business (more like a hobby) is winding down, so it isn't used much anymore. Was going to wait until after winter, because I plow the driveway with it, but could be talked out of it now for the right price. Feel free to pm me for more information if you're interested.
We are probably going to sell our Cat 420D eventually. It's honestly one of the nicest machines I've ever used, but the family business (more like a hobby) is winding down, so it isn't used much anymore. Was going to wait until after winter, because I plow the driveway with it, but could be talked out of it now for the right price. Feel free to pm me for more information if you're interested.
eROPS
Hello.
I prefer the Case.
I am all of 5'6", and some of my friends are even smaller.
Even with the Cat seat all the way forward my feet have no place to perch.
And the controls?! who needs the sticks so far out? 6" shorter would be nice.
Seatbelt? I need that and a foam back cushion just to stay in the saddle.
Just for grins and giggles 2 of us decided to see if we both could fit in a Cat seat, it is a tight squeeze, but we both fit.
As far as visibility goes, with things like a bobcat I have concern, I can see little out the back window, so it is not just hoes.
Hello.
I prefer the Case.
I am all of 5'6", and some of my friends are even smaller.
Even with the Cat seat all the way forward my feet have no place to perch.
And the controls?! who needs the sticks so far out? 6" shorter would be nice.
Seatbelt? I need that and a foam back cushion just to stay in the saddle.
Just for grins and giggles 2 of us decided to see if we both could fit in a Cat seat, it is a tight squeeze, but we both fit.
As far as visibility goes, with things like a bobcat I have concern, I can see little out the back window, so it is not just hoes.
Hello.
I prefer the Case.
I am all of 5'6", and some of my friends are even smaller.
Even with the Cat seat all the way forward my feet have no place to perch.
And the controls?! who needs the sticks so far out? 6" shorter would be nice.
Seatbelt? I need that and a foam back cushion just to stay in the saddle.
Just for grins and giggles 2 of us decided to see if we both could fit in a Cat seat, it is a tight squeeze, but we both fit.
As far as visibility goes, with things like a bobcat I have concern, I can see little out the back window, so it is not just hoes.
Cat defender here. This post seems a little contradictory (with itself) to me. On one comment you say that the Cats are to big for your stature (vs the Case per the thread title), then you go on to say that you can fit (2) guys in the Case seat, which sounds like it's bigger than any other backhoe seat. If you are talking about the "D" model Cats (which is what the OP is requesting)the issue with the seat height is remedied simply by removing some air from the air ride seat. I'm not sure what you mean about the sticks being "so far out" since they are pilot controls and are positioned right next to your thighs (unless you are talking about the 416 instead of the 420, or you are not moving them into the operating position). I'm not sure what the Bobcat has to do with anything here.
Sorry to pick your post apart. I see at the beginning that you prefer the Case and thats fine. I would like a little clarification on your supporting comments though.
Last edited:
Daniel Boone
Member
I really think it all depends on which Hoe you learned on. I learned on a 580B which I still own, granted the Hoe has been removed from it and a gannon fitted. I now own with a 580SL Series 2 4x4 extendahoe with O-Rops. I prefer Case controls on whatever machine I happen to sit on, so much easier when digging plumbing or footings. Joysticks are nice for long trenching jobs like mainline underground electric or water. I grew up in a Cat family, I was running a D-6 in my Dad's quarry when I was in the 3rd grade. I have operated Cat 416B's and C's, JCB's, Deere's and Ford/New Holland's, and I still went back to a Case when I purchased my SL. Good luck with your choice of backhoes, they are all good machines, but I would buy a Case any day of the week over the other brands, unless the price was right.
Cat seat.
Hello.
Reread that, we had 2 guys in a CAT seat.
Bobcat? my point being is that we smaller guys are just too short to look out the back window.
Hello.
Reread that, we had 2 guys in a CAT seat.
Bobcat? my point being is that we smaller guys are just too short to look out the back window.