back hoes

1190 bob · Dec 17, 2012

no nothing about back hoes but want one for my small place am going to look at one states it is a ford 4500 has slack all over but still will push & dig with minimal trouble says all else is good price is 4,000 what am I in for with something like this THANKS FOR ALL REPLYS

Fritz Maurer · Dec 17, 2012

4500's will come in various degrees of looseness depending on their service history. $4000 is a good price, even more if it's a Diesel. Better-than-average machines with torque converters are still bringing $7 to $10,000. A 4500 is a good choice because it has the highest resale value of the machines from that era.

Jack L · Dec 17, 2012

I bought an Industrial 4000 several years ago and paid $4,000 for it. I immediately replaced axle seals, wheel bearings and brakes but since then just a cylinder rebuild and an occasional hydraulic hose. It had three new tires so I just replaced one front tire. Once you get comfortable with the machine you will find it very handy.

I've put in a septic system, well and done some excavating with it. I also use it for snow removal and hauling firewood. I'm considering putting in a pond with it next.

I respect the age of the machine and know it's limitations and I expect it to last me for eons. If the engine and transmission work well on the machine you're looking at I would consider everything else secondary.

Jack

PeteTheRookie · Dec 17, 2012

I love my '66 4500 TLB.
The diesel runs well, the tranny still works!
The Hoe is a mess. Loose, but it works.
Loader is strong as a ox.
Using a choker chain I skid large White pine logs with it, 15-20 ft up to 24" diameter. Pick up small boulders, 3 by 4 feet.
Hoses do go occasional and left lift cylinder needs to be rebuilt.
Paid 5K for it in Dec. 2010.
Pete

1190 bob · Dec 17, 2012

thanks for the advice that's what I need to no thanks for replys

JF in MI · Dec 17, 2012

I bought a 4500 about 6 to 8 years ago and never regretted it. Killer machine. The hoe was also real lose. I rebuilt it and is pretty tight now but I remember the bushings were tough to come by back then. Don't know about now.

Pops1532 · Dec 17, 2012

That's a decent price. They seem to sell in the $4K-5K range around here. I see them advertised for more but I don't see them selling. Everyone that's ever had one says they're good machines. You can expect any hoe in that price range to be loose.

back hoes

1190 bob

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Fritz Maurer

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Jack L

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PeteTheRookie

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1190 bob

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JF in MI

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Pops1532

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