CAT 420D IT vs Ford/New Holland 555E

[hunterdan]

I'm trying to decide between 2 backhoes.

#1) 99 Ford 555E 2WD 2100hrs Nice shape overall with 5-6 repacked cylinders 17K

OR

#2) 2004 CAT 420D IT 4WD 5500hrs Average shape work ready Quick disconnect loader end. 17K

I plan to use then sell either one when the work I need is completed. I think the ford with 2100hrs would do the job and keep running so I could recoup my funds.
I'm scared the CAT would break down and I would be in a bad situation although I've seen many online with 6-8-12k hrs still running. I think the CAT could be re-sold for a profit but.... I dunno

What would you guys do? I will not hold anyone to blame for any advice but advice would be appreciated.

Consider work I'm planning to do;
widen road bank about 5' for a 100',make a ditch 1000' long, septic tank hole and 5 road pipes and dig out walk out basement 35x35' along with other basic digging of stumps small to medium size and mics. stuff

Thanks for any input

 

[jeepinmatt]

4wd, no question. All else is secondary. The added weight in the front and steering control with a load makes 4wd worth a lot more in my opinion.

 

[Junkyard Dog]

the CAT resell value will be more I would think

 

[jeepinmatt]

After thinking through your intended usage, you might be better off with a mini excavator with a thumb, and just rent a skidsteer or tractor as needed. And if you go that route, I'd likely do some tractor barter with you since I have some dirt pushing equipment

 

[hunterdan]

Thanks for the insight guys. I went and looked closer at the 555e 2wd nd found the trans full of water. That basically did it for me as I've had engines/trans with water before and it takes many fluid swaps to get it all out. I'm supposed to get the CAT tomorrow and I'll post a few pics. I guess I'll need one of those CAT hats and a bumper tag

Matt, I thought about a mini excavator but the property is 31 acres with work to do everywhere. 3mph vs 20mph pls a loader and the TLB won. I also plan to weld a mechanical thumb to the hoe for the mess the loggers left.

Sooo.....what kind of dirt pushers?

 

[krehel24]

Just a thought...would all the work you need done cost more then 17k???

 

[Loganwayne]

Looks like you've done made up your mind, but a mini excavator hands down most have a high speed when traveling. They aren't as easy to tip over. There is a reason every landscaping company, grader and construction company has one over a backhoe

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Ron]

Just a thought...would all the work you need done cost more then 17k???

Maybe not. But when he is done he can sell the hoe for likely exactly what he paid for it.


In theory.

 

[frankenyoter]

It its not a CAT it's a dog

 

[hunterdan]

Yes, we figured up what it would cost by bringing a grader buddy over and getting a quote. He has done a good bit of work for me in the past on other homes and to be frank...when he says 10-12K for a job it's always 5K or more higher. He and I have become friends but business is separate. His quote is around 15K which translates to the bare necessities and probably 20K+. For all the other chores that need to be done figure another 10K.
I realize that a backhoe is a bit cumbersome compared to a mini excavator but I'm not too worried about tipping over and I'm not going to be in a tight spot like a sub division.
I plan to sell the hoe as Ron mentioned when I'm done and probably get a smaller tractor with some attachments for upkeep.

 

[jeepinmatt]

I've got a skidsteer, tractor, and small dozer. I could easily sell the dozer or skidsteer for what I paid for em, and they have saved me tens of thousands of dollars, and made me a few thousand through the years.

 

[hunterdan]

I've got a skidsteer, tractor, and small dozer. I could easily sell the dozer or skidsteer for what I paid for em, and they have saved me tens of thousands of dollars, and made me a few thousand through the years.

Sounds like a win win idea to me.

 

[hunterdan]

Here are some picks. So far, I have done 200' ditch and buried a road pipe. Just learning the controls but getting better by the hour. Thanks for the help and info.

 

[hunterdan]

 

[hunterdan]