@JSinMO the operators manual should have some good info. I have not ran one of the little Case backhoes but agree there will be similarities to large tractor backhoes. I own and run a full size TLB and spend considerable time in excavators. All machines operate/handle a little different.
My best advice is to ease into it. Start out in a open area, where there is nothing around that you can hit or hurt. Start slow and dig to get a feel for running it. Get use to how it handles and operates before you hit the steep stuff. Seat time will get you use to the machine.
My father in law would show new hires how to run the machine and then put them on an open site burying rocks or pulling stumps.
Have fun with your machine.
@DavidBarkey I thought I read something about oil pickup on sidehill operation. But don't remember if it was the Onans or Kohler's. Figured you would know.
Good advice. I did take it behind the shop do to a test dig the other day. That experience told me I needed more information and more time getting comfortable with the feel of the machine. I may pull it out in front of the shop and “ dig air” for awhile just so I have a better feel for everything.
I would not want to run it sideways across a hill with much slope. Going up/down, I'd really try to have the nose pointing down a hill. Obviously we can't always be facing the way we want, but given the choice, those are my preferences. Of course, this is just from the perspective of operating/tipping... I have no input on the oil starving...
The control that can get you in the most danger quickly is swing. Your machine is likely fine since you still have the OEM valves. It took me a few tries to find the right size flow limiter when I replaced my valve stack to keep the hoe from whipping left/right. When you start playing with it, I'd suggest keeping within 45 degrees either side of center with the swing. That will give you some time to get the feel of the sticks before you swing all the way to the side where you can potentially tip it.
Wow. Nice library of books you got with the machine. Nice.
Only thing I know about the oil in the engine is, to make sure it’s full. And I don’t mean between the add and full mark. I mean right on the full mark and check it often. That might help. Your Onan manual may tell you some thing about oil starvation on hills.
Timj wrote: ↑Wed May 04, 2022 10:46 pm
@JSinMO the operators manual should have some good info. I have not ran one of the little Case backhoes but agree there will be similarities to large tractor backhoes. I own and run a full size TLB and spend considerable time in excavators. All machines operate/handle a little different.
My best advice is to ease into it. Start out in a open area, where there is nothing around that you can hit or hurt. Start slow and dig to get a feel for running it. Get use to how it handles and operates before you hit the steep stuff. Seat time will get you use to the machine.
My father in law would show new hires how to run the machine and then put them on an open site burying rocks or pulling stumps.
Have fun with your machine.
@DavidBarkey I thought I read something about oil pickup on sidehill operation. But don't remember if it was the Onans or Kohler's. Figured you would know.
Both engines have a reasonably deep sump . The mower manual say do not mow on a slope of 20 degrees or grater. I would say that 15 degrees would be my max with Onans due to being Horizontally Opposed Twins . The low side may not drain back the oil like needed resulting in excessive oil burn on the low side .
My 2 cents , You may keep the change .
When I first brought my 644 lbh home I had the same thoughts. "How do I run this machine." One night after dinner I drove it into a garden area and dug three-four foot deep trenches around thirty feet long. By the time I was done I had a good idea how to run the hoe. My wife was confused on what I was doing. I told her I needed to learn how to run the machine and I was trying to dig deep enough to get the water to drain down through the clay barrier under the top soil. I don't believe I dug deep enough to get the water to drain through though. I don't have any hills around me, my area is flat as a pancake! Just be very careful on slopes, especially with the swing stick!
Question for you guys that have run BHs. Do you grab a scoop of dirt in the bucket before extensive digging . I would think that would be a good weight down low for stability along with the out riggers . I have run Minnie Ex's and small loaders, but not BH's .
DavidBarkey wrote: ↑Thu May 05, 2022 7:18 am
Question for you guys that have run BHs. Do you grab a scoop of dirt in the bucket before extensive digging . I would think that would be a good weight down low for stability along with the out riggers . I have run Minnie Ex's and small loaders, but not BH's .
Dave
There is times I have done that to counter balance the backhoe. Also times it's helpful to grab bucket full of dirt in the backhoe as counter weight for the loader.
I can see where the 600 backhoes could be a little tippy when swinging to the sides. The straight up and down outriggers provide a narrower stance compared to the folding outriggers. More care/caution should be taken on sidehills. Working up or down is safer when working on hills. If you must work sideslope you may want to cut a little out of the hill to get your machine more level.
no more mow it's time to blow 
I told her I needed to learn how to run the machine and I was trying to dig deep enough to get the water to drain down through the clay barrier under the top soil. I don't believe I dug deep enough to get the water to drain through though. I don't have any hills around me, my area is flat as a pancake! Just be very careful on slopes, especially with the swing stick!