Fordson with BackHoe (new thread-- feedback requested)

hey everyone, I am creating a new thread on this, (I asked this question inside a thread about an idle issue I am working on with my existing Power Major)

I'm planning to go have a look at this unit: http://albany.craigslist.org/grd/5468628346.html
in the next few days. Spoke to the owner: Apparently running well, though one of the cylinders on the backhoe needs a rebuild. Used to dig a foundation 15 years ago, lightly used since then. Injectors & fuel pump replaced 15 years ago, but no other work done since then.

looking for general input on this unit (price, performance of the hoe, etc).

My current Power Major is quite an impressive unit, but lacks bucket; I like having mulitple units that are identical, as it makes easier to work on for me. I figure one for plowing and 3 pt implements, and one for digging / dirt moving would make a nice farm combo for the coming years.

What i'm wondering is how functional were these units with BackHoe attachment / how did it come to be (both loader and Hoe are aftermarket?).

My primary uses will be trenching to bury water line (600'), trenching for electrical and water around a new homestead, and digging for various agricultural needs.

My secondary goal is to preserve and keep these old engineering marvels running and in use.

Anyone operate these? Will I be able to get stuff done with the unit? Or better to invest in a newer PurposeBuilt BackHoe?

Thanks for any feedback, and also the feedback already given under my other post.

E

That looks like a Ford 713 backhoe, they did make attaching kits for
the FPM according to the Ford Backhoes Series 713 & 723 Parts book. I
have a 713 mounted to a Ford 840 agricultural tractor with subframe.
They are an O.K. hoe for their era. They were designed and
manufactured by Wain-Roy and rebranded by Ford. I actually used mine
today for some demolition. Compared to a purpose-built TLB they are
kind of "flexy" - can't really muscle your cuts or you may break stuff
(on the hoe that is). They are O.K. for occasional use. The hoe uses
non-standard hydraulic fittings and that can be a nuisance, sometimes
called bump tube or O-Ring Port (like is common in auto air
conditioning tubing). The hydraulic cylinders use V-packings which
are now obsolete, hard to find, and expensive. An over 50-year hoe
many times has accumulated much wear and tear and can require a lot of effort to bring up to speed.

thanks for the great feedback Andy.

Anything to keep a close eye when I inspect it? I am familiar with the Tractor at this point, but not the bucket and backhoe.

The owner already indicated one cylinder needs a rebuild... and I take it from your note that may be a job involving hard to find parts.

In doing more reading it sure seems like this one of the first backhoe's commercialized, would be great to keep it alive and well.

E

Yes, in 1958 the Tractor-Loader-Backhoe concept was still evolving.
When inspecting I'd just look for the general state of "woreoutness" -
pin/bushing looseness, frame cracks and repairs, state of hoses and cylinders, fluid leaks, operation when started, etc. At the asking price of $4500 and a condition listed as "fair" it's not going to be a late model Cat 420F!