Yanmar 424 Backhoe Opinions?

[VeRV77]

Hi folks, just got a quote from my local dealer and I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on a 424 TLB. I've previously posted some photos of the one I looked at here in another thread. Some have commented that the BH looks too small for the tractor, with too little reach. Can anyone can speak from experience using this machine about how the BH performs, how they've used it, and whether the size is really a weak point in practice? Thanks in advance!

 

[rockyridgefarm]

Hi!

I don't have experience with that setup. But, I did have a 7.5' hoe on a larger Deere.

I wouldn't shy away from it. First, you are in North Carolina. Of course, New Englanders think you would be crazy with it - they frequently require much deeper depths that you should need.

The other thing is the time required moving the tractor on long runs. But that really isn't that often. Mine WAS a two seat setup. If you ARE going to do much long trenching, you might get tired of spinning the seat.

YMMV

 

[VeRV77]

Good point about the seat Rockyridge, I had not thought about that!

 

[VeRV77]

Anybody else?

 

[blueredboy]

The seat setup is slick on the 424 and the backhoe is a beast. Contractors are buying them up our way because they are a good machine. And the backhoe pops off with 2 pins! And you have excellent ground clearance for that size machine

 

[VeRV77]

Thanks blueredboy, I bet the overall robustness of the tractor is a big reason contractors are buying them. That's something that impressed me about the 424. Curious, what activities or observations made you say the BH is a beast?

 

[blueredboy]

It is hooked up closer to the rear axle which is cast iron and gets some better digging angles than a tractor with a 3 point or subframe backhoe.

 

[VeRV77]

Good point, the manner in which the BH attaches is a big deal for me. I would never, ever buy a 3-point BH. Lots of folks on TBN talk about them breaking tractors in half - well let me tell you I've seen it with my own eyes. My uncle in middle-of-nowhere California has a Kubota L2800 and did a lot of digging with an aftermarket 3-point BH. Suddenly one day, he was doing some light FEL work and BAM, the tractor slumped and the chassis literally broke in half. Boy was he upset. He's got a full shop and every tool under the sun, so he ended up buying a new chassis and re-building the tractor himself. After the re-build, he sprung for a proper OEM BH from Kubota, which I believe is a 4-point/2-pin mount to the frame like the Yanmar 424. The BH mount on the 424 is what got me interested. I was looking at an LS XJ2025h before.

 

[Jaypeesi]

I have a 424TLB that I bought about 2 months ago. I have about 40 hours on it and have been really happy so far. Not sure what your intended uses are but for what I bought it for, it could not have worked better. I am installing irrigation, electrical, and fixing some leach lines (I got a little crazy with the backhoe) . My only issue may be having to flip the seat around but once you get the hang of it, its easy. Also removing the backhoe and reinstalling it takes a few times to figure out but them it is easy. Truthfully this tractor has been amazing and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone. let me know if you have any questions. the only thing that sucks about owning a Yanmar is explaining who Yanmar is and how they have been around for a long time and have a history in the USA.

 

[VeRV77]

Thanks Jaypeesi, I think I'll be doing things along those lines, in addition to a lot of stump removal. Everything from little 4" saplings to some big trees, maybe a couple 18" in diameter. I've got about 2 acres, lots of clearing and landscaping, a little construction, tilling, planting, etc.

Really glad you are enjoying the 424. It seems like a fantastic machine, my only concern was the BH. I kind of like the fact that nobody knows about yanmar. I discovered the brand through a random YouTube video about one of their construction backhoes.

 

[Jaypeesi]

I have removed a few stumps also. All oaks, probably in the range you are talking about. I am not sure how they compare to what you are digging up but the thumb makes it nice once you break it loose. I have about 3 acres up in the Sierra's (not far from Yosemite and the big fire in Mariposa) and I could not imagine needing more than what I have now. I have a box blade, forks and will be picking up the tiller and rotary mower on Monday. If you have any question about any of those implements let me know and I will try to answer.

 

[VeRV77]

Very cool. As a matter of fact, I was wondering whether or not the lack of a locking differential would be problematic using a box blade

 

[Jaypeesi]

I haven't had an issue yet. And I have seen the diff lock as an option on yammers website but forgot to inquire about it when I bought mine. And its all about perspective, 36" wide trench, 36" deep with a 12" bucket.

 

[Yanmar Tractor]

Very cool. As a matter of fact, I was wondering whether or not the lack of a locking differential would be problematic using a box blade

Differential lock is built-in standard equipment on all Yanmar SA Series tractors. What varies is the installation (can be factory or field-installed) of the optional left-hand foot pedal to activate the differential lock. When the left-hand foot pedal is not installed, the differential lock can be activated by tapping the right-hand brake pedal. More about the Yanmar SA Series tractors' differential lock here: Resources - Tractor Tips - Yanmar Tractor

 

[yardman harry]

Differential lock is built-in standard equipment on all Yanmar SA Series tractors. What varies is the installation (can be factory or field-installed) of the optional left-hand foot pedal to activate the differential lock. When the left-hand foot pedal is not installed, the differential lock can be activated by tapping the right-hand brake pedal. More about the Yanmar SA Series tractors' differential lock here: Resources - Tractor Tips - Yanmar Tractor

Interesting and odd. Seems like the left hand foot pedal should be standard too. However, at least the locker is there, pretty neat...

Pressing the brake pedal with your foot may be difficult while pressing the drive pedal at the same time. Due to its high-mounted position, you can press the brake pedal with your hand. If that is not comfortable for you, Yanmar does make a differential lock kit which adds an additional pedal that can be pressed with your left foot. The kit is now available at Yanmar dealerships and can be installed onto your tractor in about an hour.

 

[Tonyinohio]

I've got 180+ hours of seat time on my 424 and only needed diff lock once. I'm used to feathering the brake and gas at the same time in trucks so i naturally did the same when a front tire went in the ditch raising one back tire off the ground. Backing out was a breeze....had I only known the locking diff was already working! I've used drags and blades with no traction issues. 4x4 typically does the trick. I've got loaded my tires and that helped a lot with stability and traction.

 

[VeRV77]

Differential lock is built-in standard equipment on all Yanmar SA Series tractors. What varies is the installation (can be factory or field-installed) of the optional left-hand foot pedal to activate the differential lock. When the left-hand foot pedal is not installed, the differential lock can be activated by tapping the right-hand brake pedal. More about the Yanmar SA Series tractors' differential lock here: Resources - Tractor Tips - Yanmar Tractor

Hey Yanmar, thanks for this info! There's "internet certitude" out there (scoff) about this tractor not having a locking diff on some websites I've come across, so that is great news. Good to know it's baked in, albeit differently. Very, very seriously thinking of getting this machine right now. There appears to be a lot of positive feedback about it. Speaking of feedback, the only things that gave me pause was the differential (non-issue), the reach/power of the BH (probably OK for me), and last but not least, I don't know how to get an SSQA for the 424's FEL short of having one fabricated. Will that be an option anytime soon?

 

[VeRV77]

I haven't had an issue yet. And I have seen the diff lock as an option on yammers website but forgot to inquire about it when I bought mine. And its all about perspective, 36" wide trench, 36" deep with a 12" bucket.

That's a serious trench. Looks like a drainage problem solved!

 

[Yanmar Tractor]

VeRV77, - You are very welcome and thank you very much for your very serious consideration of choosing to invest in a Yanmar tractor.

 

[blueredboy]

You could get a quick attach adapter from Welcome but the Yanmar hookup can be replicated for other attachments as well by a local welding shop.