New Holland 2003 LB110 - To buy or Not to buy

Hi Folks

Newbie to this site and newbie to the world of back hoe's.
I have spent a few hours on here now reading older posts on this unit. Now I am at the point need some veterans to make some comments to assist in me if I am making a smart choice with this purchase. Like I know everything that moves can break rule but I also know everything has its flaws.... I am just trying to find a machine that doesn't have a time bomb for a flaw example bad transmission with a 10K $ to fix

My neighbor has been running all sorts of equipment for 30+ years now. He said this exact yr and model he used for 5 yrs until they upgraded. He said it is a good over all just using a jack hammer kills the nylon on the extend-hoe. Also mentioned for loading material into dump trucks it was one of the best he has ever used. Now from this site I got the AC tends to be a issue? Also the side panels for the engine are a "pita" to on/off all the time... other then that from what I have read its been mostly brand bashing .... but no real "OMG the ______ is junk do not buy"

So the unit I am looking at has 3700 hrs on it. Which from what I have caught on so far, with its age the hoe has had a pretty easy life. There is a couple of Volvo's as well that have lower hrs but cost a bit more... so do I chase the over all good fair price on the NH 110b or pay more and get a volvo with 1200 hrs less but 7K more?

I have never personally operated a back hoe (crazy I know). I own a plumbing company and I have used the little tracked diggers and skid steers ( which I have rented on and off as I needed) I recently moved from the city to get away from the consumerism lifestyle. So now I am on nice house which is the last house at the end of a road with a decent sides driveway.
So the way I see it is 25K gets a good skid steer / 35K gets a good backhoe ... so for the 10K more the hoe was the direction to go in.
So besides snow clearing in the winter, also looking at getting into the septic tanks / fields with this. Not a full time thing, just a casual thing. So this unit would die a nice comfortable relaxed death with me.

As I mentioned earlier I am aware of the brand bashing which I get - I am pro gm / chevy trucks .... but others make good trucks as well... so that is what I want to learn. For a casual / home use - would this NH 110b with extend-hoe be a good choice?? Should I chase the Case 580? or a JD ? or Cat?? or a ???


The Ad:
ALL 4 NEW TIRES, MODEL LB110 BACKHOE, CAB HAS AC, 24 INCH HOE BUCKET, 4 X 4, EXTEND-A-HOE, WITH AUX HYDRAULICS, 3736 HOURS
TIRES HAS LESS THEN 1 MILE on them - STICKERS STILL ON TIRES

Sure, why not? The main downside to the backhoe over the mini ex or skidsteer is trailering them. Of course for shorter distance the backhoe is faster than the skidsteer any day. Backhoes are bigger and clumbsier on congested sites too, they're getting much less common with more mini excavators being used. If you mostly work in the middle of nowhere, then the size and speed and versatility are worth the trade off of occasionally not being able to get close enough.

How's getting away from the consumerism going so far?

Getting Away is great. It is so great to look out the window on all sides of the house and see nothing but tree's. Closest neighbor is 1/2 mile away.
Thanks for your reply

I wouldnt buy neither CNH nor Volvo. Volvo is a piece of **** of a Back hoe, there is nothin that i may say good about it. Now I work on NH115 i dont like it if to compare with CAT. Fron Axile is their week point, cause they are most fast runnig tracktor,week guidrauliks,

I bought an old backhoe 30 yrs. ago for working around home and ended up making a living with 4 up grades since then. If the machine is not banged up physically should be a good machine. I've only had experience with Case so can't give any particulars on NH.

Thanks Honcho
Good to know bout the Volvo... Its really hard to find reviews and people's comments on equipment. So thanks for taking the time to reply.

I think it would make a good machine for your needs. Good thing is should you decide to sell it the price range it would be in isn't stupid high. They're good machines, idk that they'd take getting beat on daily at a job site but for your use it would be darn handy and shouldn't give you too much trouble. There's a guy I know that's run Ford and New Holland for going on 40 years. Swears by them, just bought a new one a few months ago.

What's parts and service availability like in your area? If one brand is stronger than the other in that area it might influence the decision some but with technology and shipping like it is that's less of a concern. Not to mention it's not going to be your single source of income. I don't think you'll get hurt on it.

Junkyard

Thanks Junkyard

There is a newholland construction / small tractor dealer 20 kms away from me. I made a call to ensure they can / able to service this already.

Thanks

Just around the corner! Not bad at all. TLB's are awful handy. Good luck, you're welcome.

I know I am going to feel dumb for asking but what is "TLB's" you mentioned Junkyard??

Tractor, loader, backhoe. The very machine you're looking to invest in. Not a dumb question. That's how we learn.

Gotcha !!!! Thanks !!!!

Thanks Billrog for the reply
Ya that is kinda the plan... just do some local work around my place / the odd septic field etc . Not planning on making it a career but just a toy for the home and if it can make a little bit of cash on top of that... Bonus !!!

service book and keep up on the service will make that machine old with you---good choice with dealer close!!!!

rwoody said:

service book and keep up on the service will make that machine old with you---good choice with dealer close!!!!

Click to expand...

Thanks !!!