A good operator dont need a 4n'1, but a good operator knows how to use and get the most outa one.
I was taught alot of tricks from time to time in the past, ran machines with them but the backhoes I ran for the most part had regular buckets.
Like I said before I run a 580 doing gas/utility work. I have a 4n'1 on the machine I run. It makes life easier. I could go without it but I'd miss it. It's not the greatest digging bucket but theres many tricks.
Some of the tricks I use and have learned from the older operators are.
Load higher trucks easier. Alot of times I'll dump the bucket normally and then open the clam, this will push the material to the other side without having to dump back up and push it forward.
Carrying road plates with it helps. Hook the chain up, open the clam, set the dozer edge on the ground. As you open the clam and roll the bucket back, the plate will slide up against the dozer blade. This way the plate can't spin around while moving the machine around.
Again with plates, loading them into dump trucks. With the 4n'1 you can lift them higher with the clam open.
Instead of wasted time backdragging a spoil pile, you can open the clam back drag it and close it to get a bucket. It helps alot doing clean up work.
Sometime if Im in a tight spot sanding a trench it's easier to use the 4n'1 and open it over the trench instead of dumping.
With the 4n'1 open Ill use it like a dozer sometimes but rare if I have to push alot of material outa the way. I dont really like to use it like a dozer though. Normally just leave it shut.
For the most part I leave the 4n'1 control locked but when it comes time to heap on a truck, do clean up, or move larger plates, the 4n'1 comes in real handy. I try to leave the control locked until I really need it for the last bits and pieces.
If your going to do alot of resindential or site work, it's not really worth it but if your going to work in the street its well worth the extra 5-6K. I like having it but it doesnt matter to me with or without. Majority of all the other backhoes I see at work have 4n'1's on them.