Buying my first ever machine.

[6feetdown]

ahh gotcha, here in Aus I have not seen that system on any machine I have run so I wasn't even sure what it was before I googled it just now. I'm guessing because of this type of setup there is no way to run a hydraulic quick hitch on the bottom hitch instead of a manual one?

The rototilt is hydraulic bottom hitch

 

[V8Druid]

ahh gotcha, here in Aus I have not seen that system on any machine I have run so I wasn't even sure what it was before I googled it just now. I'm guessing because of this type of setup there is no way to run a hydraulic quick hitch on the bottom hitch instead of a manual one?

I can't recall if any of the manufacturers does an S30 tilty with a rotary coupling down through the centre, which you would need to be able to use a hydraulic hitch under it .. Aiden's mob might ?? @CPS

 

[V8Druid]

The rototilt is hydraulic bottom hitch

is that on S30 6 ft?

 

[doobin]

ahh gotcha, here in Aus I have not seen that system on any machine I have run so I wasn't even sure what it was before I googled it just now. I'm guessing because of this type of setup there is no way to run a hydraulic quick hitch on the bottom hitch instead of a manual one?

I don’t know about current models but my secondhand engcon came with ports through the middle for hitch and aux.

Look at the photo of my machine and you will see the third smaller line for the hitch. I was only suggesting manual as the cheapest option for you.

 

[V8Druid]

I don’t know about current models but my secondhand engcon came with ports through the middle for hitch and aux.

Look at the photo of my machine and you will see the third smaller line for the hitch. I was only suggesting manual as the cheapest option for you.

you jammy sod ... didn't know you had a rotary through that .... you REALLY stole that

 

[6feetdown]

is that on S30 6 ft?

S40

 

[Monkeybusiness]

Plenty are available with hydraulic hitch below, but you need to spend a bit more as even the 4 hose tiltys need a basic control system to switch between tilt and extra service or hydraulic hitch.
In the op’s position I’d personally be looking for the heaviest base machine with an arse that is available with proportional joystick controlled double services from the factory that can still be towed - he appears to have a bit more available payload than we do in the UK so my first consideration would be a Kubota KX30 to then nail an S30 Rototilt R1 under a separate machine mounted QH.

 

[MaxC]

I don’t know about current models but my secondhand engcon came with ports through the middle for hitch and aux.

Look at the photo of my machine and you will see the third smaller line for the hitch. I was only suggesting manual as the cheapest option for you.

ah gotcha thanks.

 

[MaxC]

Plenty are available with hydraulic hitch below, but you need to spend a bit more as even the 4 hose tiltys need a basic control system to switch between tilt and extra service or hydraulic hitch.
In the op’s position I’d personally be looking for the heaviest base machine with an arse that is available with proportional joystick controlled double services from the factory that can still be towed - he appears to have a bit more available payload than we do in the UK so my first consideration would be a Kubota KX30 to then nail an S30 Rototilt R1 under a separate machine mounted QH.

Thanks for the info, sadly rototilt is only in one state here in Aus which means engcon is my only real option and same goes for kubota with their machines here in Melbourne they don't offer a 3ton machine and skip right to 3.5ton. My best options where I am would be either a Yanmar vio25 or if I really wanted to push my towing capacity a vio30 or Cat with a 302.7 if they can get one for me at my dealer.

 

[Monkeybusiness]

Vio 30 with an Engcon it is then!

 

[doobin]

Thanks for the info, sadly rototilt is only in one state here in Aus which means engcon is my only real option and same goes for kubota with their machines here in Melbourne they don't offer a 3ton machine and skip right to 3.5ton. My best options where I am would be either a Yanmar vio25 or if I really wanted to push my towing capacity a vio30 or Cat with a 302.7 if they can get one for me at my dealer.

Don't forget that you can chuck the engcon and buckets in the towing vehicle.

Plenty are available with hydraulic hitch below, but you need to spend a bit more as even the 4 hose tiltys need a basic control system to switch between tilt and extra service or hydraulic hitch.
In the op’s position I’d personally be looking for the heaviest base machine with an arse that is available with proportional joystick controlled double services from the factory that can still be towed - he appears to have a bit more available payload than we do in the UK so my first consideration would be a Kubota KX30 to then nail an S30 Rototilt R1 under a separate machine mounted QH.

No reason why he couldn't have an extra set of pipes for the hitch to the digger? That's all I've done, with an isolator tap to the main quick hitch. Works great on two machines.

 

[V8Druid]

Don't forget that you can chuck the engcon and buckets in the towing vehicle.

No reason why he couldn't have an extra set of pipes for the hitch to the digger? That's all I've done, with an isolator tap to the main quick hitch. Works great on two machines.

and an S type'll stay tight, pressurised/oiled, or not

 

[MaxC]

Don't forget that you can chuck the engcon and buckets in the towing vehicle.

Yeah I plan on doing that to avoid any tail wagging.

No reason why he couldn't have an extra set of pipes for the hitch to the digger? That's all I've done, with an isolator tap to the main quick hitch. Works great on two machines.

With a vio30 for example it says it can come with 2 PTO lines and then it has the 2 small ones that go down to the hydraulic quick hitch that they supply so all up is that what's referred to as 4 hose solution? or is there more I would need to spec it with.

 

[V8Druid]

Yeah I plan on doing that to avoid any tail wagging.

With a vio30 for example it says it can come with 2 PTO lines and then it has the 2 small ones that go down to the hydraulic quick hitch that they supply so all up is that what's referred to as 4 hose solution? or is there more I would need to spec it with.

View attachment 63422

4 pipe-er runs off two prop. services on the machine, as a basic set up, with a manual hitch. Can then get a set up where by the tilty has a diverter valve (or two) built into it to operate a hydraulic hitch under it and if two valves, an aux. for attachments also. as the name suggests flow is diverted from (usually) tilt to the hitch and tilt/rotate to the aux. feed QCs ... so in the case of the aux. you either operate say a grab, attached to the aux., or tilt/rotate, but can't be run simultaneously, on a 4 pipe set up .Tilt and rotate can be though

 

[doobin]

and an S type'll stay tight, pressurised/oiled, or not

I only tapped off the release pressure, but you’re right. Came in very handy when i had a run of leaky quick hitch pipes.

 

[doobin]

Yeah I plan on doing that to avoid any tail wagging.

With a vio30 for example it says it can come with 2 PTO lines and then it has the 2 small ones that go down to the hydraulic quick hitch that they supply so all up is that what's referred to as 4 hose solution? or is there more I would need to spec it with.

View attachment 63422

You will need to specify (in writing by the sound of your dealers!) ‘two double acting joystick controlled proportional auxiliary services’.

The hitch lines are only for the hitch.

 

[Lancs Lad]

Hey Max,

Congrats on getting this close to owning your first mini-excavator! It sounds like you’ve put in a ton of work researching and learning everything you can. That’s awesome.

Choosing between a Yanmar Vio25 and a Cat 302-302.7 is a tough call. Both are solid machines, but it really comes down to what you'll be using it for most. I'd suggest taking them both for a spin if you can. There's nothing quite like getting a feel for a machine in person.

And about that tiltrotator... Don't let those dealers discourage you! I’ve seen some seriously impressive work done with smaller machines and tiltrotators. If it makes sense for your jobs, go for it. You might just be the one to change some minds around here.

A few tips for a new owner:

• Operator training: It's worth every penny. You'll learn how to get the most out of your machine and stay safe.
• Maintenance: Keep up with the maintenance schedule. A well-maintained machine will last longer and save you money in the long run.
• Safety first: Always wear your gear, and be aware of your surroundings.
• Network with other owners: There's a lot to learn from other people's experiences.

Want to share a bit more about what kind of work you'll be doing? I might be able to give you some more specific advice.

Eh? Dedication that...posting tips at 2.30am

 

[Gecko]

Hi can type faster than me! - suspect he has help.

 

[doobin]

If AI is so intelligent, how come it’s so obvious?

Not passing the Turing test yet mate…

 

[Storrsy]

If AI is so intelligent, how come it’s so obvious?

Not passing the Turing test yet mate…

I reckon it's getting better. It hasn't overcome the language characteristics though- if that had been posted on an American forum it may have convinced more.