Help with Buying a Backhoe

[scott t]

I am looking for a used backhoe/loader. I found a 1981 International, 2WD, model 250 with 4000 hours? Does anyone know anything about this machine? Value? Are spare parts still available? Pros and Cons? Please respond. Any other suggestions? This will be a homeowner machine only. Does anyone know a website where you can look up values for this type equiptment?

[dayexco]

it would be my recommendation to buy a case or a deere, parts availability being the key issue. many of the engine components, filters, etc. can be bought over the counter at many parts stores, and there are many more of them laying in salvage yards where you can get parts if necessary i think international ceased manufacturing in the early 80's? the sweetness of low price can be quickly offset by not being able to work because of availability of repairs.

[Kevin]

About a year ago I sold a 2wd case loader backhoe that was built in the early 60's. It was a model 2424. It was worn out when I bought it and I owned it for over ten years. I was able to get any parts that I needed from the local case dealer. They got me a complete set of parts manuals for it so all I had to do was call them with a part number. I could get ignition parts, filters and a starter from the local Napa store. It was a very dependable and tough machine but looked like a piece of junk. I bought it for 2700 and sold it for 4500. I wish I still had it! No regrets here with my old International.

Kevin

[cat320]

Well if your gonna use it for like a one time big project and the machine is in great condition go for it.But like every one said it will be near imposable to get a part if it breaks ,I would go with the case or deere. You can go to www.machinerytrader.com to find out listings for just about all machines .

http://www.machinerytrader.com/listings/forsale/detail.asp?OHID=4865285&guid=01BF181469B54B5D995638AD77E38AE9


That is a 260A that was one that was listed for sale close to what you saw.

[Steve Frazier]

I was in the market for a used backhoe in 1988. The local IH dealer had one for sale and I went to look at it. It was pretty played out with about 6000 hours on it and the salesman told me that IH was not strong in backhoes. The pump was about shot and the pins were super sloppy. I ended up finding a JD 410 in pretty good shape.

A word of caution though. Some manufacturers have an equipment line manufactured overseas. These are very hard to get parts for so keep this in mind. My 410 was manufactured in Belgium and was always a chore to even find the listing for parts, they were different than domestic models.