Backhoes

What kind to get? We currently have a 3pt model we put on the loader tractor but hook-ups are a real pain, so it ends up tying up the tractor. Plus its slow going (anyone that has used one much can understand, I'm sure) and the loader on the tractor is about shot. It was adequate for fixing a few tiles a year and the occasional yard work/house remodel job, but now we have some more serious demolition and tree removal work that needs done, so I'm thinking its time for a real machine. I'm a CIH guy so I'm kinda partial to the 580 series Case machines. You sure do see enough of them around this area. All construction guys I know swear buy Deeres, but none of them own the equipment, they all work for larger const/excavating firms. Anyone who has ever watched a 4020 sell for 15k on an auction knows the resale reputation Deere has. We have a Ford/New Holland dealer close that sells alot of industrail equipment and has a good parts dept. A man I work with has a 555 Ford and is very pleased. Plus they seem to be about the newest and cheapest priced used hoes out there. What do you guys (and maybe gals, I don't spend much time on this forum) use/own? What are some good options to look for? What are some good problems to watch for? Call me cheap, but I'd like to keep it under 15 grand or so.

BOBM2,
First thing I bought after acquiring bare acreage was a Ford 755 TLB. Little larger than a 555, but I got it for under 10K, it weighs 19000# and I've used it to put in over a thousand feet of gravel driveway, culvert, and pulling countless stumps, which it is great for. I wouldn't be afraid to get a Ford 555, though. I've spent some money on hoses, injector and pump rebuild, front tires, radiator, etc. but I've never regretted buying it and figure it's paid for itself already. It's a tired machine (1980) , pins are a little sloppy and probably doesn't have the same power it had when it was new, but I'm also just using it on weekends, I don't push it to its breaking point and it does just fine for what I want it to do.

It was made mainly for sewer construction work in cities, so it's not very good in the mud. I've got it stuck plenty of times, but always have been able to get myself out by jacking it up with the stabilizers and putting logs, planks, etc. underneath to walk myself out. (Probably would help if I bought new rear tires :lol: )

The parts from the NH dealer are pricey but I've found a lot of things in the aftermarket arena (check out this website). Example, NH dealer wanted $2400 for a radiator. Found an exact fit replacement for under $400 online.

Bottom line is that a true construction backhoe (TLB) is worth it, IMO, if you've got some serious digging to do. And Ford built those TLB's like tanks.

I have never ran a 580 series Case but they sure are popular around here in Ohio. I have ran several Deere's,but if they were neglected you can end up with hyd. nightmares. I owned a Ford 555B . Better frt. loader lift then the Deere's and they have seperate hyd. pumps so if you have a failure in one spot it doesn't go through the whole machine. I like the Deere 2 stick type controls. My Ford had 4 stick controls which may be fine if you never ran the 2 stick ones all your life before.
The biggest thing about the Ford was the slow going on the road when you hit a small grade it would really slow down that torque converter drive. I was told the Case fly down the road ? don't know never drove one. Case does have a unique setup on their hoes where they don't stick out as far in transport position as the others.
Now if you can get a deal on one or pay some extra Cat backhoes seem to be all the rage now. The one a neighbor has will really lift alot on the backhoe.
And if you plan on doing much lifting and then moving around with stuff lifted go for a 4x4 model as the others once you lift something up you can't go anywhere too good.

After doing a lot of reading and asking questions my choice came down to the Ford 555 or Case 580.Both are great work horses and should be more than you need.I bought a 580c to use around the property on weekends because it was the best available deal at the time.If buying a Case I would recommend a 580c or newer because the transmission can be serviced without splitting the machine.Parts are cheap and plentiful as so many machines were sold.

get a mini excivator and a loader tractor if you can those little things can really dig and tear down houses and with a thumb welded on it can load the larger trash or stumps. of course it depends on the size as to what it can pick up but no tires to have to worry about a flat.

You're getting a bunch of good advice here. I'll add my two cents.
A neighbor and I owned an old IH 3444 for years and it was a fine machine. When we sold it and ended the partnership he got a 555B and I got a 655A. I don't regret getting the 655A because it was close by, priced right, does what I need it to do, and is basically a good machine. But parts are absolutely right out of this world. Given a choice I would go for a Case or Deere. As common as these Fords are and as long as they've been around this amazes me. Believe it or not my Fiat-Allis FD-5 dozer(made only in Italy and now with the same parent company as Ford)has been more reasonable to maintain!

Case 580 Super K best tractor/loader/backhoe ever built. Spend a little more and get a good one. A cheap, worn out one will give you nothing but trouble.

Im with Roy in Georgia-minmi excavator or trackhoe handiest machine made when it comes to digging and with tracks almost impossible to get stuck. I have 10000 lb machine, easy to haul and it amazes people as to how much it can do.

Construction equipment is different than farm equipment at auctions. Cat generally has the best resale value. You should be able to find something decent for around $15,000. Check pins and bushings on the hoe for an idea of how well it was serviced. Ford made a good hoe as well as Case, JD, JCB, Cat and a few others. Check on machinery trader to get an idea of prices. 4x4 and extend a hoe are nice to have as well as a quick attach for the backhoe buckets. It's nice to have a digging bucket and clean up bucket. A ripper tooth is also good for roots or hard/frozen ground. Have someone that knows machines look at them before you buy. It could save you a lot of money and frustration. Dave

555 ford would be first choice,..655 second,..the 555 has about all the weight on rear wheels, good for gettin around and is about unstoppable but hell to road....

BOBM25 - I am located in Cushing, Oklahoma. I just (August 28) sold my farm. I have a 580C backhoe/loader I will be selling in about a week or two (using it to load/move some stuff I didn't sell with the farm). It is in pretty decent shape. Has one cylinder on front bucket leaking (seal kit), alternator not charging, power steering hose or pump is leaking slightly, one stabilyzer leg pin is worn out and cylinder on that leg has small leak. Rear tires about 70-80%, hydraulics all work good, two digger buckets with teeth, most (if not all) pins and bushings pretty good. Engine (diesel starts easy and runs good (no smoke). Transmission and rear end good. Good, straight loader bucket. Battery about one year old. Also have a used set of engine liners (from another tractor of a friend of mine - good shape - gotta find them). Has transport lock on boom. Ive had it for about 10-12 years and used just occasionally - not worked every day. I think everything that needs fixed could be done for 2-300 dollars or so.
Also have a IH 424 Diesel tractor that runs perfect, looks bad (paint), alternator out, needs glow plugs, nearly new rear tires (95%), one finger power steering, two stage clutch (live hydraulics), nearly new battery, high/low differential with a 5' brushhog type rotary mower (good driveline, gear box, bad trail wheel, frame skirts need straighting and a couple welds. Starter rebuilt a year ago.

I'm located in central Oklahoma (Cushing). If you (or anyone else)is interesed give me a e-mail. I have a throat condition that keeps me from talking much on the phone (70 years old and doc can't diagnose). I'm going to price them to sell quickly. bob farrell

BOBM25 - Forgot to add. Has a four speed transmission with lever shift shuttle transmission. Great for loader work.
Bob Farrell