JD 440 loader/backhoe?

I ran across the following ad but can't find much info on this model.

"I am selling a very rare factory John Deere Loader 440 Back Hoe. good paint. Good tires. The only catch is the motor makes a a noise. This motor was bought a year ago, it was suppose to be rebuilt. I think the main bearings are wore. I am not going to repair. Motor starts and runs good. hyrolics work well. Heavy duty back hoe works great. If I don't sell this tractor off it goes to Omnie Source as scrap. No Emails, No Texting, I won't respond. Cash price is firm, but I am open for trading.... I have done a lot of digging with this machine. Would be a pretty simple fix if you have the time and space, since it is only a two cylinder motor."

He is firm on price at $2500.

I'm looking for something to use around home for small to medium projects. Also I have to run a new water line for my mom as hers is broken, trench will be about 100' @ 42" deep.

I don't mind buying something that needs a little work, as long as it's worth it. But I am working on a fairly tight budget.

Does anyone know this model? I couldn't find it on tractordata. I assume it's fairly old? Are JD 2 cylinders expensive to work on? Are parts readily available? Should I chase this deal or walk away?

Thank you for your opinions and suggestions.

Anthony

It would be helpful to know the location. If you are willing to repair something why not just fix what you have? 440's were made 1958-1960, is it gas or diesel? There are parts for either.

His ad only states "Lenawee county" for location. It does not say gas or diesel.

I don't have anything to do the necessary excavation at my mom's. Local operators are quoting in the $1500 - $2000 range. I was hoping, for that much, to buy something functional that would solve her problem. She also has an old barn that has fallen down. Would be very handy to be able to clean that up also. I'm attempting to find the least expensive solution to several problems for her.

Thanks,

Anthony

Are you sure about the price to bury the water line. I am in the excavating business in Michigan and I would do it for $200 not $2000. If that price is true I want to move there. I could dig it in 3 hrs with my mini excavator.

A 440 was made in late 1958 - 60. They were good uniots engines are easy to rebuild. If diesel it a Detroit diesel.

Since I don't know where you are that my statement was based on normal dirt no big stone or ledges .

I know she told me one guy was over $1200 - $1500 for putting in 100' of 1" black pipe and wire. He was the cheapest. That's what made me think, "Geez, for not much more we could buy something ugly but usable, get this project done and still have the equipment to do other things."

Location is just outside North Adams.

Thanks,

Anthony

Where did you come with the $2000 price on putting in the water line? 100 ft. is a pretty small job to buy a machine for. A crawler backhoe would make a big mess if it was on grass as well.

It seems odd to me that if the machine is as good as the seller says, he wouldn't find out what is wrong with it. I'd guess he knows it will cost a bunch to fix and it might not be worth it. It would appear to be a contradictory ad that says the motor has a noise and then say motor starts and runs good. It can't run that good if it has a noticeable noise.

Crawler or wheel tractor they made them both ways. Crawlers seem to be more of them around. The backhoes on those were a little too big for the machine. If not extreamly worn out it would be worth getting.
I once had a 440 crawler/loader with gas engine and backhoe.
I once saw a 440 wheel tractor with a front blade and a backhoe thought that was a rare combo.

Sounds like a cranky sort of fellow. Not particularly techincal in nature either.
He isn't going to get $2500 for scrap either.