Plumbing Contractor Relies on 331E and 430 Excavators

Scott Ridell

Working in the high-end, multi-million-dollar residential developments surrounding Dallas, Scott Riddell of Riddell Plumbing, Inc., couldn't be without his trio of Bobcat® excavators—two 331E models and a 430 Zero House Swing (ZHS) unit. Their compact size, digging performance and low ground disturbance are ideal for his situation.

With a mix of new construction and remodeling in his business portfolio, Riddell says the Bobcat 331E and 430 compact excavators have won him over. The 430's 320 degrees of unrestricted motion, digging performance and FastTrack™ drive system are just a few reasons why Riddell says he chose to purchase the machine from Bobcat of Dallas.

One of the many obstacles he and his crews face on jobsites is the limited amount of space between lots. "We have about 5 ft. in which to work between the homes, so there is really no way to get a big backhoe in those areas," Riddell says.

And even when there is enough room for a larger machine Riddell says his crew still prefers using a 331E or 430. "These work so well that we use them for everything."

Riddell—who's been in the plumbing business since he was 19—explains how the 430 and his two 331E compact excavators pay off when he's doing remodeling projects in emerging neighborhoods.

The Zero House Swing feature on the 430 and 435 excavators provides 320 degrees of unrestricted motion.

"When we get into communities like Highland Park, the city doesn't do any of the concrete removal or excavation work on the alleys where the sewer, water and gas taps are," Riddell explains. "We have to come in and tear the alley up, and excavate the sewer and water mains for new taps. Normally you could use a big backhoe except it's real hard to maneuver around there. You can get in a tight spot where you have an extremely deep main, and then we have to extend the booms on the 331E machines. The inspectors are amazed as to how we can get into some areas where you would normally have to do the work manually."

It's not only working in tight situations, but the effect it has on customers that makes the difference. The rubber tracks work really well for going across a driveway or yard because they don't damage the existing concrete and grass, according to Riddell.

"Customers are pretty amazed at them because they're used to other plumbers coming in with a large backhoe and making a huge mess. These are just so much cleaner. It makes our job look a lot better," he says.

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This productive machine gives you all the features of the 325 plus a longer dipper. That allows you to do more work from one spot before repositioning allowing you to complete the job faster, whether you are loading a truck, digging a shallow trench or cleaning a ditch. A side-swing tailgate provides unmatched access when servicing the engine while the roomy cab provides unmatched ease of entry/exit and comfort, including a standard suspension seat.

27.7 hp (20.6 kW) diesel engine
6,477-lb. (2939-kg) operating weight
9-ft., 5-in. (2859-mm) digging depth
14-ft., 10-in. (4529-mm) reach
4,766-lbf. (21200 N) bucket breakout force

334

The long-arm version of the 331, this powerful excavator gives you more reach and more dump height to save time in truck loading or shallow excavation jobs, such as digging footings, installing pads, or excavating trenches for gas, phone or cable TV lines. It's also great for finishing work with a grading bucket. Like the 331, the 334 features a standard floating blade for easier leveling and backfilling.

40 hp (29.9 kW) diesel engine
7,538-lb. (3419-kg) operating weight
11-ft., 2-in. (3403-mm) digging depth
16-ft., 11-in. (5167-mm) reach
6,866-lbf. (30451 N) bucket breakout force

341

If you want the power, convenience and comfort of the 337, but need a longer dipper for more digging depth, a longer reach or improved truck loading abilities, choose this hard-working excavator. "Soft touch" joysticks provide effortless control of the work group and a centralized grease bank makes it easy to lubricate the slew bearing, slew pinion and swing cylinder. Security features include lockable access covers and optional keyless start.

48 hp (35.7 kW) diesel engine
11,660-lb. (5289-kg) operating weight
13-ft., 1-in. (3981-mm) digging depth
20-ft., 6-in. (6111-mm) reach
9,267-lbf. (41223 N) bucket breakout force

430

The 430 gives you all the time- and space-saving advantages of Zero House Swing without sacrificing operator comfort or ease of servicing the machine. Swing the house and rear and front corners stay within the tracks for 320 degrees of unrestricted motion. The available FastTrack™ drive system also boosts productivity by providing smooth, precise turns, maximum torque control and a travel speed nearly twice as fast as the closest competitor. A dual cylinder dozer blade with float is standard.

42.8 hp (31.9 kW) diesel engine
8,024-lb. (3640-kg) operating weight
10-ft., 1-in. (3066-mm) digging depth
16-ft., 9-in. (5097-mm) reach
6,866-lbf. (30451 N) bucket breakout force
Available with long-arm or extendable arm options

435

For a higher level of performance in a Zero House Swing excavator, choose this impressive model. By minimizing concern over accidental damage to machine or structures, you can work faster and easier. Like the 430 it also offers the available FastTrack drive system. With low-range speeds of almost 3 mph, there's no need to shift between speed ranges on most backfilling jobs. You can tackle all kinds of work by using 14 different Bobcat attachments to harness all the power, efficiency and convenience of the 435.

49 hp (36.5 kW) diesel engine
10,555-lb. (4788-kg) operating weight
11-ft., 3-in. (3420-mm) digging depth
18-ft., 5-in. (5611-mm) reach
7892-lbf. (35105 N) bucket breakout force
Available with long-arm option

442

Master the bigger jobs with this exceptional machine. Topping the Bobcat line of excavators, the Zero Tail Swing 442 means easier spoil placement, while the piston pump hydraulic system maximizes the power and operating smoothness of the work group. This sophisticated model features a protected top-mounted boom cylinder, self-cleaning undercarriage, multi-position front window and a comfortable, fully-enclosed cab.

73 hp (54.5 kW) diesel engine
16,538-lb. (7500-kg) operating weight
13-ft., 11-in. (4250-mm) digging depth
23-ft., 10-in. (7260-mm) reach
11,970-lbf. (53200 N) bucket breakout force