backhoes

I am looking for a older backhoe that is built like the old M or John deeres that just dont wear out. Been looking at some Case and Ford in different models but just know anything about the good old models. I dont think I want a 3 cylinder. I know there are some backhoe operators out there and would like your opinion. thank you so much.

What kind of soil? We have that "blue clay" here which requires a lot of boom force on a small bucket.

(quoted from post at 11:15:27 03/18/09) I am looking for a older backhoe that is built like the old M or John deeres that just dont wear out. Been looking at some Case and Ford in different models but just know anything about the good old models. I dont think I want a 3 cylinder. I know there are some backhoe operators out there and would like your opinion. thank you so much.

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I bought an older Ford backhoe several yrs ago. Model 755 made in 1980. It's a moose, 2wd, was designed for city sewer work mostly. It's seen better days, the pins are somewhat loose, I've had to replace the radiator, hydraulic hoses, but it is a rugged machine and a lot of the parts are readily available on the aftermarket. If you're not trying to make a living with the unit, you'll probably do okay with an older machine. I worry about the transmission the most but I talked to a dealer mechanic and he said that he's never had to tear one apart. Said they're pretty bullet-proof. Even the engine rebuild kits seem to be reasonable over the Internet. It's a 4cylinder turbo diesel, I've had the injection pump rebuilt and on cooler days, it needs a shot of ether to start so I suspect it's not running like it should and probably needs a ring job. But for my weeekend use (probably don't put 80 hrs per year on it) it's great. I figure it paid for itself by letting me put my gravel driveway in by myself. I use it mostly to move dirt around and pull stumps. It's great for that.

Anyway, if you can find a decent older Ford backhoe, I wouldn't be afraid of it. Can't say anything about other mfrs.

i picked up an old minnie-moline big mo 500 gasser. 650 dollars. needed a little work but runs good, has a few hydraulic leaks here and there, but it does the job real good!! came with 2 buckets, a narrow one for tile work and a standard size
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Well they all wear out ? even faster with backhoe loaders as most were used for construction and ran hard.
Why not a 3 cyl. ?

Case,Deere,Ford,Cat all good. Buy the best condition and newest one you can afford.

Why not a 3 cylinder Ford? I have a 3500 and it is a digging fool since I replaced the hydraulic pump. It was weak when I got it, and it was expensive to replace ($900 parts and labor), but now it will do any kind of digging you can throw at it. Plenty of power from a 3 cylinder motor for running a backhoe and loader.

I have an old Ford 4500, and it is one tough old hoe. No problems with only 3 cylinders, saves on spark plugs, but plug wires only come 4 to a pack.