What to look for in used backhoe

[plowjockey]

I'm considering purchasing an older backhoe, for work on the pond, leveling some ruts and moving snow. Also for moving field rocks. Some are available for under $4000.

Any tips on what to look out for, or any models that hold up well over time, appreciated.

[Old Vet]

Originally Posted by plowjockey

I'm considering purchasing an older backhoe, for work on the pond, leveling some ruts and moving snow. Also for moving field rocks. Some are available for under $4000.

Any tips on what to look out for, or any models that hold up well over time, appreciated.

If the tractor is in good shape the only thing you need to look out for in the backhoe is worn pins at each of the joints and if it has a lot of leaks in the cylinders. To do this pick the back hoe and extend it out as far as possible and shake it from side to side and work each joint by itself. You can have some play but the least the better.

[Big Dave]

I bought one a couple of years back. Check the hydraulic hoses. See if they are in good to fair shape. See if the tires are suffering from dry rot. Mine had a slash in the side wall but it can be repaired. A new one for me would be 300+ dollars. My front tires do not even match in tread. They hold air. The bushings are worn on mine which gives it more play than I would like , but you can learn how to work it. My front end bucket had to be welded on and the Carb leaks some. I have a 420 Ford. My seat is off a Kabota. I tradeed a snowcone stand for 5 grand and traded that for this machine. Mine is diesel and it does what I need it to. I have had it two years and in two more it will be sold cause I will be done with it. I am needing a dump truck to go with it right now.

[mr.breeze]

O.V. is correct about how to check for loose pins by shaking things around but you really need to keep a eye on the cylinders,a leaking hose can be a cheap fix but it can also be a sign that cylinder is kinked and that ain't cheap to fix and that's if you can find a shop in your area that does that kind of work.Good luck on your hunt for a machine there are some good units out there ya just got take a good look at each one.

[fantasymaker]

DIG WITH IT! It should feel strong and quickly dig and dump a bucketfull . Try it with each cylinder extened and closed. Leaky cylinders and wornout pumps show up this way. Both are pretty pricey.

[ronbre]

here we can rent one for about $200 a day and if we go weekends $200 for the weekend as they are closed on Sunday...working steady my son can get a LOT done in a weekend if the weather cooperates..we find it is cheaper for us to rent one when we need it rather than buy it..we have the tractor with the bucket, backblade, beam, brushhog..etc..which does a lot of the work ..the backhoe is mostly just for the deeper stuff like the pond and things like stump removal here..

[artificer]

Are you talking about the full TLB (tractor loader backhoe) or just a 3pt attachment? If its the whole machine, then any of the major brands are good. (Case, Cat, JD, NH, Ford)

One hydraulic test is to see if it can raise itself off of the ground. Do the stabilizers lift the machine? If they can't, then the hydraulics are really weak. Can you put the hoe bucket to the ground and lift the back end up? Can the loader bucket lift the front end?

For work in snow, you need to get a set of good tire chains. For $4000 its probably not going to be 4x4. Our JD310 was almost useless for snow. 5 minuets plowing down the tractor road, and then 45 minuets crab walking up the road using the hoe. Going up wasn't plowing, just trying to get to the top of the road for another run down. Sliding backwards down the hill while in forward is a fun experience. One I added the v-bar chains, this thing became a snow moving machine!

Like a 4x4 ATV/UTV for farm chores, if you can afford it, the backhoe is a really nice luxury to have.

Michael