T-5 has maybe 110^ of swing and it feels like 90^ or less when you try to dump to either side, IMO its worst attribute. That said, that it will fit thru a 4' gate, and loads/hauls like a dream are easy to like. Trenching to 6'+ is a snap, and the std 16" bucket makes that man-wide. The stinger has the power to toss it around with ease and the operator nearly out of the seat. ('learning curve'
)
I like having the full ROPS, as my height and old bones make getting on & off a lot easier. A folded-up water heater box makes a quickie sunshade/canopy for it. Common rear wheel bolt pattern allows
many wheel tire options. IMO most any CUT BH is more sophisticated and more versatile, but for most work a Terramite is indeed a power for pound champ.
I took mine next door when I saw a mini-ex rented for a rushed septic re-dig. Dave said, "run this, you're faster". I found the lever to switch the takeuchi's sticks to the familiar T-M/Deere mode and off I went. First day I was a bit awkward positioning and the line he requested was a bear to follow. End of the second day I came away thinking I'd have done as we'll with my rough-looking T-M as by scuffing paint off a pretty new rental (11 hrs).
Might be of general interest that I'm almost ready to replace my aging Honda GX-620. A while back I helped another member sort out the ignition switch wiring. Older engines were 'ground to stop' and should have the 'M' terminal on the switch or wire a relay like I did if using a generic switch w/o 'M'. IIRC our guy put in a GX-660 which is 'ground to run', how things are for safety these days.
T-5 doesn't use a SGE's std output shaft in consideration of 'off the shelf' exhaust clearance. Power take-off from the flywheel side may require us to turn a new flange to connect any
other motor to the input u-joint(s). I'm looking at the HFT 'Predator' motor and don't yet have the dimensions to make that up if needed, but will as soon as one of us can measure for it. If I'm first to get the motor, I'll make a few and offer 'em up. t o g