Which backhoe loader?

[D6c10K]

Probably been discussed many times before, but I'd like some advice on what backhoe would be a good choice for my use.

I'm thinking of getting one for use around the farm doing things like drainage tile, water lines/hydrants, fence building (hydraulic post auger attachment) and probably 100 other things around the farm.

I don't need a super fancy machine, just one that's sized for my needs and reliable. I'm am thinking I would like 4wd...2wd can be pretty helpless, even on wet grassy slopes. Aux. hyd on hoe would be nice so I could mount a hyd post auger.
Not sure how important an extendable hoe is...guess it just allows a little more reach down in ditches and avoids moving tractor quite as much.

I did see a '92 Ford-New Holland 555D with 4wd but without extendable stick...seems like it would be in the ballpark for size, but not sure since I haven't run one before. Not sure what price range it would be in.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[oldtanker]

Wife's uncle, recently retired heavy equipment mechanic says for parts availibility JD, then Case. I know cause I just ask in July. If you are farming you have to have a JD adn CaseNH dealer near you.

Rick

 

[oldtanker]

Oh forgot, Prices can run 3500 and up. The 3500 dollar ones are old and in really poor condition. Stay away from the orphans. I have a JCB thats really hard to get parts for. With 4X4 most I have seen in decent condition start at 9K and go up from there.

As far as that Ford goes, check with your CaseNH dealer about parts before you buy.

Rick

 

[Auctioneerhere]

I have been pleased with my Terex 790 its an 2005 model. {I think**

 

[johnny_waz]

I had a John Deere 310 for years, great machine. Within the last month traded it to a dealer for a, John Deere 410e, 2000 model year. The dealer has the 310 for sale at, $8500, its clean, and has no mechanical defects. I paid $19,500 for my new to me, John Deere 410e. I farm also, only as a hobby, and I always look for John Deere first. I have 5 Deere heavy equipment dealers within a 60 mile radius from me. John Deeres parts network is the number one reason I choose them. I can hop on the computer, look up the schematics, and part numbers, then order my parts. All while sipping a coffee in my underwear. Lol... If I want to pay shipping I can have the parts dropped right off at my house, or have them sent to a dealer of my choice for me to pick up. Its VERY hassle free.

This time I did look at some case 580's and 590's, but for the price they all had exhaust manifold issues, and the dealers are far and few between for me.

 

[D6c10K]

Thanks for the replys...dealerships for Case, JD, NewHolland, and Cat are within an hour drive...other brands might be hard to find nearby.

 

[tuney443]

You can't go wrong with a Deere 310,410,510--B,C,or D models,which would be 1983- 90's rigs.My old 510B was ''retired'' to the very same scenario as you are requiring.

 

[CCompanies]

I wholeheartedly agree with johnny_waz, the ease of parts ordering is ridiculous. Everything he said is how it works.

I would too suggest a JD 310(pick a letter). I hate dealing with CAT. Everytime I have to go there, I get what's known as their "CATtitude". It always seems as if dealing with a paying customer is a hassle. I have nothing but good things to say about dealing with Deere (Nortrax). They always treat me like a family member and actually remember who I am everytime I'm in there.

If a auxillary hydraulics is high on your lists for wants, I would suggest a "newer" (C or D) with aux. hydraulics already installed, or some that can be installed without too much hassle.

Having worked on a farm for years, 4wd is definitely something to invest in.

My advise would be to figure out a budget, then figure out a list of options you want with the more important ones towards the top. Keep looking and you'll eventually find what you're looking for.

Don't settle!!!!! Pay once, cry once

 

[denver m farms]

for what you are wanting to do i would want a john deere 310 or 410d or maybe a good c and 4x4 for sure aux hydraulics for a auger would be nice and in my area a cab with ac and heat is nice to.in a case i would want a K or L model nothing older but these would be fine.

 

[D6c10K]

I hate dealing with CAT. Everytime I have to go there, I get what's known as their "CATtitude.

Dealers vary widely...here the Case, Deere, and Case IH dealers can be difficult to deal with, especially if you want to ask a question of shop mechanics.
The local Cat dealer (Ziegler) will bend over backwards to help with parts or shop questions and will offer to photocopy pages out of manuals to help you out with doing your own mechanic work.
**********************

One other question I have is about the backhow controls. How new of a machine would I have to buy to get 2-stick contols? I run a vermeer trencher a little with 2-stick, but never a 4-stick.

 

[Dig_Texas]

I second the choice for a JD backhoe. I've owned a B, D and now a G model. I like the ability to go online to look up parts and order right on the internet. It's usually cheaper to have them shipped to me vs. driving all the way to town (200 mis. rd. trip)

The only problem I have with the G model is the piston bushing and O-rings in the stabilzer cylinder keep failing and the outriggers will drift down. It's a good solid machine otherwise. Had corrosion cavitation in the B model and the D model ventilated the block but both these machines were very high time with questionable maintenance.

Good luck with your purchase

 

[DGODGR]

To answer the OPs original question, the Ford 555, Cat 416, Deere 310, and Case 580 are all the same size machine (14' class of backhoe). All have pros and cons. If you are serious about the D model triple nickel it can be a good machine and will be relatively cheaper, to purchase, than the big three. Keep in mind that, in my opinion, the reliability of the Ford/NH became "hit and miss" when Ford was bought out by NH (started with the C models). The issues I experienced were relatively small and may not be so bad for the occasional user. As with any MFR, dealer location and level of support is key.
For me 4x4, extendable dipper, and cab/air are all must have. That being said, maybe not so much for the occasional user. Auxiliary hydraulics will be expensive, even cost prohibitive, to retro-fit. Try to find one already equipped or consider installing a diverter for the extendahoe circuit (can be used if the extension has a mechanical locking mechanism, ie. Cat).
In my experience, the best customer service, especially after the purchase, is in this order:
Cat; Deere; Case; then NH.
Of course this may vary in your area.
I'm not sure about parts for the NH (it has been a very long time since I have even operated one) so I would recommend some research here. Cat still offers parts fro machines several decades old. I'm not sure about Deere or Case, but I would feel much more confident with them, for parts, then NH.

 

[chroniekon]

I have a 310 (no letter) Deere I use on the farm. 6200 hours and runs great. Parts are easy to find. It's the 'Swiss Army Knife' of farm equipment. Mine's 2WD, I'd go for a 4WD next time and maybe a 4 way loader bucket. I added a thumb to the hoe and that's been invaluable.