OLD JD400 - 2020 Buying Advice Please

smadjuster

New User
I am thinking of buying an old JD400 Backhoe, or at least I think that's what it is. Serial Number is 4219DF01320921T. The thing is a mess. No engine cover or radiator. Front weight at the tip of the hood is broken in half and the half is missing. Engine and front of tranny covered in oil/dirt. Valve cover removed, starter detached with some wear to flywheel teeth visible. Engine will not turn over and manifold has been filled to the brim with oil (I assume to protect it against weather - but water is heavier than oil!) Hydraulics appear decent, with a couple of cylinders leaking. Some hinge pins will require replacement. Front wheel bearings are probably shot/ wheels wiggle when I pull on them. Injector pump is covered in fresh oil/diesel.


Guy is asking $850 for it which is less than scrap value, I think?

I have no problem replacing a short block (if economical) and can eventually get to the rest of the issues. But can anyone tell me anything about this backhoe, since I an a total nube to this kind of equipment and know nothing about it. Thanks.
 
Those are good machines when working good. Problem is it could have all sorts of issues hidden until you get it running. That is a good price , but I'd think of it as a parts machine and go buy one like it that runs.
 
The sounds like a parts tractor at best. Scrap iron is under $100/ton and it might weigh 4 or 5 tons. To get it back into working condition could be a money pit, $10,000 or more.
 

smadjuster
Serial number you posted is engine serial number not VIN. Tractors with closed center hyd's & wet disc brakes can be a major money pit to repair. I'll bet it was parked because of a major problem.
 
(quoted from post at 11:18:32 10/03/18)
smadjuster
Serial number you posted is engine serial number not VIN. Tractors with closed center hyd's & wet disc brakes can be a major money pit to repair. I'll bet it was parked because of a major problem.

Thank you, yes, that engine plate was the only one I could find on the thing. It definitely has some problem with the engine. Overall, how reliable were these machines? Tranny/hydraulic issues?
 


It's really too bad. This machine is noticeably more stoutly built than Case and Ford Backhoes I have been looking at from the same era. A tank!
 


It's really too bad. This machine is noticeably more stoutly built than Case and Ford Backhoes I have been looking at from the same era. A tank!
 
If it is anywhere near Ohio I know a guy with a JD400 and might jump at it for a parts machine !
 
I've got 1. Has the backhoe. Mines been used but well maintained. It has a 24" bucket on the hoe and will dig in a hurry. I gave $5,000 for it. The gentleman I bought it from delivered it, he didn't think my 14,000lb trailer was heavy enough. I've put seal kits in some cylinders and have some more to do including the joy-stick. It's a diesel and starts easy down to 20 degrees.
 

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