71 ford 3500 backhoe loader

I have the opportunity to buy a 71 ford 3500 backhoe loader. it's a 3 cyl. gas engine. This machine was rebuilt in 2009. New clutch, brakes, hoses, tires are like new it was totally gone through ,engine sounds smooth and quiet, Asking price is $5500 I am wondering if this is a good buy as I don't know much about backhoes. I am at my spending limit at $5000 so I just was hoping for some advice before I jump into it. Thanks

I was told by a couple different backhoe owners that a backhoe is a good thing for you neighbor to own.

I have that exact machine, and paid that exact price for it about 10 years ago, however, mine was/is not in the condition you describe this one
to be in. My tires are poor, very weather checked with little tread. I had to replace my hydraulic pump which was about $1,000 with Ford dealer
doing the work, also had to replace the Holly carburetor with one sold on this website.
That all said, I find it to be a very well built and dependable machine. It now runs excellent and digs excellent too. If you are in the market for a
tractor loader backhoe, and can afford this one, I think you'll be satisfied.

Hey thanks, that's kind of what I needed to hear. Do you happen to know how much horsepower the gas engine is I can only find info on the diesel?

I want to say about 40 hp, but I could be off a little. They have plenty of power in my opinion.

I don't know much about the hoe but can help
some with the tractor.
The chassis is basically a 3000 with a heavy
front end and steering. If it's a gasser the
engine would be a 158 ci = about 37 hp.
Dry, outboard brakes are adequate but
nothing to brag about. Front end is kind of
a hodgepodge of parts from a 5000, 4400 and
a 4000 with side arm power steering. Very
simple, very stout, very reliable.
You say it has a clutch so not an SOS or 4
speed with torque converter - both of which
I would shy away from.
Most likely a twin stick 6X4 = bullet proof.
Serious PIA to put points in a 3 cylinder
Ford, especially with a loader on it.
Never, EVER trust the hours on a 65-75 Ford
unless you see run it long enough to see the
hours click over With Your Own Eyes!
Tachs/clocks failed early and often.
They made a big sister to that tractor.
3550. Shared all the same tin, steering,
front axle, hard nose, transmission. But
3550 was built on a 4000 platform = heavier
rear end, wet brakes (outstanding) bigger
201 ci engine ~ 50 hp.
I don't follow/know the TLBs much. Follow
that era Ford in general though and would
say price is in the zone.
Wish I could find a junker 3500 or
preferrably, 3550 - just the tractor.
Got a project in mind and want the front end
and steering from one.
If you need a place to store that machine,
or practice with, I know a place about 6 mi
south of Aitkin.
It would be completely safe there. Wink

I would not buy it. That is an old machine and they were pretty clumsy to operate. It would be a little better if it had a diesel engine. Ford sold a lot of the model 4500 hoes which were the same as the 3500 but larger and stronger.

I've got a 4400 Ford tractor, with a 753 Hoe on it, and it is really a digging beast in the right conditions. IF it is heavy/tight soil, it will try to scoot the tractor, rather than dig, but that is rare. I could see a size smaller maybe not digging quite as well, but if you are just using it around home / farm, who cares. Price sounds more than good to me?

In the condition you describe, sounds like a fair price to me. Make sure the bushings on the hoe are tight.

The local NH dealer wanted 5900 dollars for a very marginal 3500 diesel 2 years ago. The tires were fair at best and the hinge/pivot points were very worn. The motor sounded pretty good but had leaks.

37 TO 38 IS PTO rated HP... Engine hp will be more, drawbar hp will be less.