331 hydraulic boost

[plumber]

i have a 2002 331 and love it. it now has 2600hrs on it. it still runs great. no problems to speak of. a few day ago i decided to get a new machine. i found a 2007 331 with 400 hours. so i got it. sometimes i really think i need a little more machine. but not very often. i am a plumber and dig sewers mainly. i really only have problems digging in really hard ground and deep long holes for septic tanks. i am wondering if i should have got a 335but i really dont want the extra weight and width on my customers nice and sometimes small lawns. i have also heard rumors about people increasing the hydraulic pressure and gpm on the 331 to match the 335 since they have the same engine. i know the 331 very well and i think a little extra breakout would come in handy. i know the extra power may exceed bobcat specs but with some discipline it should be ok. please give some feedback. thanks, new member.

 

[Land-Tech]

I have a 331 and and it's a 96 and always thought it had plenty of power to run a longer stick for more reach,or an oversize bucket. I also have an 435 and the 331 is just much easer to get into tight places. I think you are ahead by modifying the machine you have if it is in good shape. Scott

 

[Dirtwise]

There are things to think about, more GPM thru smaller hose's. Means more heat so you may have to increase you hyd cooler size. price of 800- 2000 bucks plus the fan. Then you have PSI check all hose's making sure they can handle the added PSI. Then have fun keeping a EYE on the welds all over the boom, and the temp of the hyd oil. I found out bigger machine is just fine. Later Dirtwise