jcb 1400b how bad are they?

[case310350]

looking for a backhoe, i have read the posts here about jcb, they leak, hard to work on, expensive parts, did I miss something?

I asl because a local dealer has one for sale a 1400b that came from cp ward, (big contractor) says has new engine 200 hours and a new transmission, have not seen it yet but described as a very clean machine.

So I don't get tempted tell me I should stay away.. I figure if it needed new engine and tranny they can't be very good.

I am considering a ford 55b from the same dealer which looks rough, rusty and will be trying it out . wants 6k for the ford and about the same for the jcb

whats the changes for a 555a to b?

[itsgottobegreen]

I run JCB 1550 a lot. They are fairly easy to work on. Parts are cheaper than some brands. As for the leaking. YES!!!!!!!!! I got to dump a 5 gallon bucket of trans fluid in the one I run every 40 hours. Haven't gotten around to fixing the leaking seals on the trans.