Backhoe info wanted

GubNi

GubNi

8 lug disc brakes?
Joined
Mar 20, 2005
Location
Jonesborough, TN
I am looking to buy a used backhoe this year. It will just be used at my place for a dozen projects and help some friends, not commercial use.

I see many for $7000 - $15,000. How many hours is a lot? Any year that there were changes for the better? I see transmission problems are common in John Deere so I'm thinking case would be best. Is an enclosed can good or bad? Any advise is appreciated.
 
Is a backhoe required or would a mini excavator work? If you don't need the loader bucket (or could live without it) you can work a LOT faster with an excavator.

For that price I doubt you will get an enclosed cab, if you do make sure the a/c works, sweat box without it.
 
Like ^ said, hours aren't as crucial as condition. Use it and see how worn out (or not) everything is. I've seen 6000hr machines that were nicer and tighter than 3000hr machines. Enclosed cab is nice in the cold no matter what, and nice in the summer if it has AC.

Backhoes have a place, but they are cumbersome for the same reasons they are versatile. Longer and more difficult to maneuver than a comparable tractor with FEL or skidsteer or excavator. You definitely want 4wd, and I'd highly recommend an extend-a-hoe. A cab is a nice touch, but I'd prioritize 4wd and extendahoe over either of those.

@shawn has a Case backhoe. Maybe he can give you some insight.
 
Tacoma747 said:
Not sure I agree with the 4wd requirement. It takes a lot to get one stuck so unless you get stupid with it an old 2wd would be fine. It REALLY takes a lot to get one stuck somewhere you can't pull yourself out with the hoe.

I still vote excavator haha.
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4wd for the sake of moving around on soft dirt or mud with a load in the bucket. I agree there are plenty of ways to get unstuck, but maneuverability with 2wd and a ton of dirt out front sucks.
 
We've had a few at work. 4x4's, 2wd's, open cab, full cab, etc. I purchased a 4x4 New Holland 555E open cab for myself with a 4in1 bucket. Whatever you do get one with a 4in1 front bucket. You will always be glad you did unless you want to pour concrete out of the front bucket frequently. John Deere is the most expensive machine to work on it seems. Make sure the machine feels tight and there's not a lot of slack at the pivot points and put the front bucket on the ground and try to lift the back in the air with the backhoe attachment. This will give you an overall test of the hydraulic system. It should lift it straight in the air. I bought mine 6 years ago. It is a 1999 model with 3200 hours, 3 rear buckets, 4x4, and a 4in1 front bucket for 19,000.
 
Totally forgot about the 4 in 1 bucket. A definite must have. That's the reason I use my skidsteer more than any other piece of equipment. I can use it opened up like a dozer blade, scoop stuff with it closed, pickup logs/rocks/heavy stuff by pinching with it, rip small trees out of the ground stump and all, and drag with it like a box scrape. You can also use the center tooth to move trailers in a pinch.
jyaks said:
As we always say, when was the last time you said “man I wish this was 2wd”
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Once I found out about Christini 2wd dirt bikes :p
 
Yea +1 on a 4-n-1 bucket. It's easy to get one for a skid steer but most loaders are not quick-attach so be sure to get one with a 4-n-1. Fantastic for picking up logs, don't expect to use it for picking up brush though like a grapple would.

As for hydraulics, @thebrotherinlaw made a good point. A good rule of thumb for anything with hydraulics is it needs to be able to lift the machine off the ground at engine idle. Being 'slow' is ok as long as there is no hesitation in the lift. If it won't lift itself at idle don't buy it.
 
Don't rule out a JCB hoe,some like em some don't but I know a comp that's used em for years w no maint schedule on em and they've held up pretty well.Check the buckets for cracks and worn teeth.The teeth aren't that big of a deal but could be a bargaining chip.Check the cylinders for leaks,esp a JD w extenda a hoe,seems like leaking cylinders are pretty common on them.Keep in mind that in cold weather and w cold hyd fluid they will be slow(er) and a lot of times the pump will be noisy until the oil comes up to temp.As with a tractor rear tires are expensive and often on used hoes will be worn slick.Also check the wheels for rust,esp around the valve stem.Calcium filled tires have been known to eat up rims.None of those are deal breakers but things to keep in mind as it will add cost to the machine.
 
Dragging this back out, any new advice? I'm looking for a backhoe to do a bunch of work on a property we bought. Any leads on places to look?


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