JD310c worth the risk?

Camarrowman said:

Hi Marc, this is exactly my fear with this machine. Spending $5k and another $5k to get it back in shape is not as troubling as spending that time and money on a machine that is going to be a future “money pit” to keep it running each year outside of normal maintenance. Worse is constant break down while on a project.

I don’t mind fixing up something worth fixing up. Would I be better off spending $20k on a newer more reliable, parts available machine and removing the previous owner from that. It does seem parts for this model are a challenge. Still talking myself in and out of this deal. I don’t need the hoe tomorrow but soon.

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I want a few features in a hoe:
Most important is four wheel drive. Scooping into a pile, or a bank, lifting takes the weight off the rear wheels. Most traction scooping with loader comes from the front wheels.
Similarly important is a torque converter, for the same reason.
Female bottom member on an extend a hoe makes it far easier to add a thumb.
Size matters, I want as big as I can transport.
Joystick control is essential. I now have my first pilot control machine, I love it! Some prefer ISO control pattern, others want SAE. With pilot control, it's a flip of a rocker switch.
John Deere isn't interested in supporting older machines. I love my Case dealer, Cat has a great reputation.
I want a cab.
Old machines, low or high hour will need a multitude of rubber parts. If high hour, or ignored maintenance, every pin & bushing will be worn. You haven't seen frustrating until you squeeze a $150. bushing half way in, then it stops. Weigh heavily the comparative value of liquid nitrogen, or dry ice. You can't afford nitrogen, but dry ice won't do the job.

I've only mentioned the absolutes. Most old machines are put on the market because some mysterious problem stumped the previous owner. My list of problem machines is long. I've solved each, except current 580SN. I will prevail!

I would feel better about putting a $3000.00 pump on a $5000.00 machine than if I had to do it to one cost me $15000.00.
It is quite possible that 310 doesn't even need a new pump.

One thing I would check is this. Since the current owner says the hydraulics suddenly stopped working, on the the top left corner of the pump you should see a solenoid valve. The takes the pump out of stroke n start up for easer cranking. If it fails in the de stroke position then you will have no hydraulic functions. From what I remember the transmission charge pump supply’s oil to the reverser. The main pump up from does not. So if that is the case then that’s why you have forward and reverse but still no hydraulic functions. The transmission charge pump is a gear pump inside the transmission that supplies fluid to the main radial piston pump at the front of the tractor.

ala.millwright said:

One thing I would check ... ... solenoid valve. The takes the pump out of stroke n start up for easer cranking...

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All of that is true for a JD radial piston pump backhoe. According to google, this one is a gear pump open center system. Bad news is that it's a MORE expensive pump even though it's much simpler. Good part is it's simple and not likely to fail suddenly, and can be jerry rigged with any number of cheap pumps to get by, or test.