Yeah, & the over center latching of backhoe boom is not real convenient. I believe they are prone to damage when operator is too rough with it. Don't latch it up, you're sure to do a wheelie. These things are very rear heavy! Best way to latch it is using a stabilizer to push it up.For every deere and cat I work on seems like I work on 2 case's.
I like the cases, could have done without the cast pieces on some hoes tho, but otherwise ok machines.
That is very creative way to do it Willie.Best way to latch it is using a stabilizer to push it up.
I get a dirt bath doing that. If I have a big rock in reach I use extend a hoe to do it, otherwise I use a stabilizer.That is very creative way to do it Willie.
I used to extend the backhoe all the way out. The boom has more momentum when latching it.
Well...I don't know really. But here's my two cents for what it's worth.
We were a small time operation mainly putting in septic systems for many years. My Pops was the primary (only) backhoe operator. We put a backhoe on the job 5 days a week for typically 8 to 10 hours each day depending on weather.
He used Ford backhoes exclusively for years and had good service from them. No real surprises come to mind except we broke the main backhoe boom on the last one (Ford 675D) after many years and hours of use. Must of been some fracture that was unnoticeable to us. Anyway, replaced the boom and it kept on getting it to this day.
Last backhoe he bought before passing was a CAT 420D. Several dealers let us try out comparable models before the purchase. And when I say "try out" we put them on actual jobs for full days work for 3 to 5 days. And they were new. Not from the rental lot although I'm sure these would end up being the new rentals or loaners.
We tried out:
Case
New Holland (Ford was being sold a couple of times and being re-branded just "New Holland".)
John Deere
Komatsu
Caterpillar
I went over them afterwards with the main eye towards if something would break. Fuel efficiency, cycle time, etc. didn't mean that much.
What I recall is that John Deere, Caterpillar, and Komatsu all did comparably well. Comparable power, similar sized hydraulics, and no issues after putting them through their paces.
-John Deere just seemed to want so much more for what you got compared to others. At least here and at the time.
-Komatsu was the best bang for the buck. Best price, performance, and features for the dollar.
-Caterpillar performed similarly to John Deere and Komatsu. It didn't really stand out by a landslide or anything. But enough and I think by Dad liked it. So he went with it.
Funny thing is he was so particular about it that he continued to run the Ford 675D more than the Cat.
-Case did ok. But I recall finding a leak or two in the hydraulics after only a few days of running.
-New Holland was a pale comparison of what the old Ford backhoes were. Seemed there were cuts everywhere in quality. Smaller bucket arm hydraulics, etc. And I found 3 leaks of hydraulic fluid as I recall after a few days running.
I know one of the mechanics that formerly worked at the Ford dealership and he told us that the 675D was one of the last "real good" backhoes before the sale with the New Holland brand launch.
It seems that the Italians can destroy an anvil with a banana if given the opportunity.
I have close friends who make their living digging. They are a small outfit, have pared down to 81 year old father, 58 year old son, and one 67 year old employee. They aren't in any hurry to jump into a new trend. Last few years they have bought new or near new New Holland machines. Bought a 5 yard articulated loader, a 7 metric ton excavator & 6 ton track loader.
They still do a lot with backhoes, they own property all over town, & the ability to drive a few miles rather than trailer is an asset.
They used a 655 1988 a very long time, then a 75B. They are agreed that the New Holland isn't the tractor the Fords were.
Doing some Googling, it looks like Case and New Holland are now owned by the same company. CNH
At the risk of being behind the times and old fashioned, I bet the older stuff of both was better. But I'm suspicious of computery new stuff anyway.
My personal experience with New Holland is limited.
In the case of Case, you'd run the new stuff & be very impressed in so many ways. I'll tell you when I see my newest 2014 backhoe. It has a great deal of computer stuff they call diagnostics. I'm worried too much diagnostics might stand in the way of repair.
My understanding is a large number of companies have combined their parts system CNH supplies OEM parts for numerous manufacturers.
The dealer is what makes the brand for most people 99 percent of the time!I don't know. I have had three Case backhoes, two John Deere. When a Case needs work, my Case dealer has gone above & beyond. John Deere, the standard response is "No Longer Available."
Problems I have had with Case have mostly been the result of wear or neglect. Rust, & wiring harness issues could have been prevented with indoor storage.
My newest, a 580 Super N 2014 model is new enough to have too many computers & alarms. Transmission won't go into first.
Took it to the dealer yesterday. I'll let you know how it turns out.
18 years I have had nothing but good to say about my Case dealer, they are fantastic with parts, and the few times I have needed service they have been excellent.