whats the best 1980s backhoe for the money

[case310350]

looking for a backhoe and canafford soething from the 1980s. how are the ford 555, i here they had engine problems but otherwise a good machine.

I like case machines but the 580c, d, e machines have the double cylinder on the boom which I don't really like block the view, but can see where service would be easy.

john deeers mybe the 310c or 410c machines, the 410's seem to have a weak loader frame but otherwise good machine.

from the post here jcb's have to many problems.

i am running a 500a JD which has been a good machine, but need something with a cab.

so the main factors are reliablity, how strong the machine is. any suggestions?

[cat320]

I started with a 580C that was my first cabed TLB and it did alot to get started from there i went up to a 580L now i would like to up grade from there to a case 580M Turbo or super M

[Dozerboy]

The 410s I have ran have seemed to of held up ok, but I haven't ran much else that old to compare it to.

[NWH]

I owned a deere 310c and it was an excellent machine.
Changed to a case when I needed a 4x4 as the local Deer dealer
changed to Nortrax became terrible to deal with
The ford machines seem to have a weak area at the backhoe
attaching area. I know several people with them and they all to
seem to have problems with frame cracking in that area.

[dayexco]

my vote goes with the deere if for nothing else but parts availability

[hillrancher]

I would recommend the 580 D case, the best hoe I have owned. Deere 410 sorry the worst hoe. In my span of digging I have owned around 16 backhoes. Since the ductile iron booms came about the breaking of the booms stopped. The life usually is around 5,000 before break downs start. The last years I buy case because the other dealers don't want to trade for the case.

[rino1494]

We have a 580D Extendahoe that we still use to this day. We dug foundations, sewer lines and water lines with it. We don't use it too much anymore, but comes in handy when we do need it. Last year we put a new rear in it and rebuilt the motor once. If I remember, i'll look to see how many hours are on it.

[Cat420]

B&G at my college has a 580D and if those idiots haven't killed it then it must be pretty good. The one time they were compacting a load in a dumpster by slamming the boom down from full height with the extendahoe all the way out:Banghead .

[case310350]

whats the difference between a 580 c and 580 d?

[Cat420]

Model HP Engine Model Bucket Cap. Yrs of Production
580C 55 G-207-D .63 cy/ 1975-1981
580D 55 207-D 1 cy/ 1980-1985
580D Turbo 78 4T-390 1 cy/ 1993
580 Super D 60 207-D 1 cy/ 1980-1985

Here's some information off of a chart that I have of various equipment. The 580 C and D appear pretty similar from this, but someone else may know more.

Sorry about the confusing look to the information, it looked way nicer before I posted it.

[cat320]

I don't think there was really too much difference between the c and d besides a lottle more hp and cab configerations. Nothing really changes a great deal till case went to the K series the e was the just a liitle better than the cand the d but not aslot of change .

[hillrancher]

whats the difference between a 580 c and 580 d?
The main difference that I remember was the breaks. C had outboard breaks the springs and ball ect when mud and rust came about had no breaks. D had inboard breaks. higher hydrolic pressure, a little more volume,vilibility was better and got around on hills better.

[xkvator]

...and the E got the Cummins diesel

[Ford LT-9000]

I would say the better 80s backhoes would be the Case as it was really the only manufacturer of that era that didn't use a clutch. Dad has a old 310 Deere its tippy and if you let up on the clutch to quick you do a wheelie. I also ran a 410 Deere it was the same as Dads 310 both 2wd. The 410 thou had more power it would easily sink the rear wheels. These are the Deeres with the square boxy cabs.

[coopers]

My vote goes for Case as well, they made and still do make, excellent backhoes. What exactly do you mean by the double cylinder? You mean on the loader end?

Blake
WA

[Cat420]

My vote goes for Case as well, they made and still do make, excellent backhoes. What exactly do you mean by the double cylinder? You mean on the loader end?

Blake
WA

I believe he was talking about the backhoe boom cylinders. On older Case backhoes, they used two cylinders mounted on the sides of the boom.

[cat320]

I had a 580c and they did have the duel cylenders for the boom.As far a sightline into the hole it was not as nice as the new ones but hey if your starting out it's a good all around machine to start with and it is infact heavier than the new ones alot of steel on them.My old one was a 2wd and std hoe The trannie was not good and I had only one good brake but dame i made it work and most of the stuff i had to do was up or down hills .

[case310350]

Good input, seems case is the backhoe of choice for the 1980's. For some reason there are a lot of 555 and 655 for sale arouind here. I know the motors in these machine were a problem. I'll keep looking.

[tuney443]

Have had my 83 JD 510B since new.That machine can still out-perform 50% of much newer hoes around here.It has 5800 hours on her and owes me NOTHING.Always dependable and gets the job done.It's unbelievable how I know that rig-it will dance for me.So why am I getting an almost new 410G this week?I guess that thingy about boys with their toys--maybe I should schedule a lobotomy.Anyway the 510B is for sale,all loaded,2 buckets,mech. big thumb--$18,000:Banghead :Banghead

[rextafier]

I was wondering if anybody knows where I could find parts for a ford 755a ford backhoe it was built around 83-84 year.


Thanks

[WB Automotive]

I think my 580 b has 2 cyl on the backhoe boom as well.

[NJfarmer]

Case310350,
I own a double cylinder boom and never had problems when digging. My two cents, Case is one of the better hoes out there, and Hydro trany, cluching all day tires you out.

[Phil]

Rextafier,
What parts are you looking for? Phil:)

[Bumpsteer]

I'll toss in amother vote for the Deere 310c or 410c.
A friend has a 310c 4x4 turbo, 89 vintage, currently pushing 8000hrs. He's the second owner, I'm also friends with the original owner and have ran the machine since new.
It's had some major work done to it (trans & rearend) but it's all been because of operator error and abuse, not poor design. The rear valves need a rebuild and the cab floor is due to be replaced. Bucket linkage is due for pins and bushings. The extendable dipper is overdue for a rebuild also.
This machine has spent most of it's life doing septic fields, shes carried a 36" bucket on the hoe most often. It was also eqipped since new with oversize rubber from a 510 machine, it floats pretty good on soft ground and sand.
The worst I can say about it is cold weather starting, in single digit temps, not gonna happen without heat.
You do need to look out for the machine going into 4x4 by mistake, Deere put a handle through the floor to engage & disengage. Down is 4x4, it's easy to hit the handle with your foot and lock it in by accident, not good when roading the machine on asphalt. Easily solved by putting a block of wood under the handle to hold it up.

Ed

[blee62]

i am wondering the same thing

[firestarter]

Caterpillar all the way i hope.... I've just bought a 1988 428. Its my first backhoe so im hoping they are good!!

[melben]

Firestarter, From the evidence given by multiple owners/ users, If you had bought Case you wouldn't have to hope!! Mel

[firestarter]

thanks for that Mel...
Unfortunatly for me I live on a small island (80,000 people) and backhoes (at least in my price range) dont come up for sale to often...
I will let you know how i get on with the cat

[melben]

Firestarter, certainly no meanness or downgrading intended!! I have worked 47 yrs in the service dept.for a Case dealer and hoes are my forte. Although I believe that Case hoes are the premier hoes in the industry that by no means indicates that they are the best at everything. I have been priveleged to anchor an excellent shop that prides itself in customer satisfaction. That being said, if I were in a customers shoes and there was not a strong dealer presence in the brand of my choice I would buy from the strong local dealer that gives good service. Sincerely, good luck with the Cat, they are a good unit , I hope that the one that you have chosen has been cared for and gives you years of good service. Mel

[firestarter]

because of the lack of choice I just bought the machine which, for the money, was in the best condition.
I did look at a Case 580 (Id been recomended Case by a family friend) but it had a garden growing in the cab, some glass missing, was just a bit too rough....
even all the lights work on the cat, which is quite impressive for a machine 21years old.
I'm just a boy with a new toy at the moment....
Didnt think you were being mean Mel. Made me laugh. If i was you i think I'd have been a tad harsher!

[1shannon]

I like the bobcat model 843. It's strong and mobile.

[taggmann]

Isn't the bobcat 843 a skid steer ?