Moving over from excavator. Got advice on best backhoes?

RenoHuskerDu · Oct 7, 2018

Hi guys,

I'm a fan of midi excavators, pretty good with a bucket. I usually rent one, but now we've decided to buy our own. After thinking it over, and considering the long distances between jobs here in TX (just our dirt driveway is 2 miles long), I think a backhoe would be a better compromise for a first machine. I need to do construction, road repair, small pond building.

So, here I am, I don't know much at all about backhoes. Asking y'all for advice about which are good used backhoes to consider in the 5-8 ton range. So I can tow it behind my F350 if needed. I'd like to spend no more than $30k.

I hear that John Deere introduced pilot controls a few years back. As an excavator guy, I love 'em. Are pilot controls available on most backhoes now?

RenoHuskerDu · Oct 7, 2018

Is Iron Planet worth trying?

AzIron · Oct 7, 2018

For 30 grand your probably not going to find a whole lot of choices with pilot controls there are some but in that price range you will find a lot of warble stick machines witch work just fine you might just look at deere or cat unless you come across a case with pilot controls otherwise they are 4 sticks

Just my opinion but I personally wouldn't move a backhoe on a 350 there are easily a half dozen threads explaining why

JL Sargent · Oct 8, 2018

AzIron said:
Just my opinion but I personally wouldn't move a backhoe on a 350

It really is right on the edge. Somehow, the latest Dodge 1 Tons are actually rated for it. Around here we do see them going up and down the road all the time. I have a goose neck 25K lb trailer dual tandem and it does haul a 13K lb backhoe nicely, but oh what a heavy load on a pickup.

JL Sargent · Oct 8, 2018

As far as buying a backhoe goes, I would suggest buying one close to you if possible. Operate it for a couple of hours if possible and get it good and hot. Check all fluid levels carefully and inspect machine with a bright flashlight. Are you a good mechanic? You'll need to become one LOL.

RenoHuskerDu · Oct 8, 2018

This one only weighs 7k so would be well under the limit on my biggest 14k trailer. https://ritchiespecs.com/model/john-deere-110-tlb-loader-backhoe
To tow tandem duals requires a commercial licence in TX, but I can tow a gooseneck triple single axle rig, which is 3x8k = 24k overall. Ford says 34k max with drw and gooseneck, so I'd have 10k spare, seems reasonable.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/2018-ford-super-duty-can-now-tow-34000-pounds/

Delmer · Oct 8, 2018

I'd stick with the midi/minis if you're looking at a 110. If you go with a backhoe, a 310 is the smallest commercial machine, a 110 will work if you have a small cemetery, in pure sand, and only bury midgets.

Backhoes are being replaced with a mini and skid steer combination, easier to haul with a pickup, and more productive. Of course you can't buy a decent pair for $30k and you can get a decent backhoe for that... Decent being relative...

JD8875 · Oct 8, 2018

The John Deere 110s are intriguing little machines to me. The loader has standsst skid steer quik tach, most hsve aux. hydraulic connections on the loader, you get a much heavier hoe than the aftermarket 3pt versions. A 3pt that you can run all kinds of attachments on. A 110 wouldn't be the productive horse that a 580 Case/410 John Deere would be but it would be a versatile little machine for most of building a new house.

John

RenoHuskerDu · Oct 8, 2018

It looks like heavier backhoes go for around $20k with a couple thousand hours on them. But they're in Iron Planet, and so far I don't know anybody who recommends that route. I'm looking locally, so i can go see it, test it, etc.

AzIron · Oct 8, 2018

I know people that have done iron planet with no issues it's just knowing what questions to ask and what things to look at on a machine

As far as a 110 I really wouldn't consider that a decent backhoe it's just so limited in size and power you can't do much else than hobby work with them and they are still limited in that

JL Sargent · Oct 8, 2018

If I bought a late model JD 310J backhoe with 2000 hours on it for $20K I would expect there to be something wrong with it. That's more like a $30K+ machine it seems. I would suggest being patient with the shopping. A deal will happen if you can take your time shopping.

Bumpsteer · Oct 8, 2018

JD8875 said:
The John Deere 110s are intriguing little machines to me. The loader has standsst skid steer quik tach, most hsve aux. hydraulic connections on the loader, you get a much heavier hoe than the aftermarket 3pt versions. A 3pt that you can run all kinds of attachments on. A 110 wouldn't be the productive horse that a 580 Case/410 John Deere would be but it would be a versatile little machine for most of building a new house.

John

Since Deere dumped the 110, prices on good used ones have gone crazy......

Better deals can be found on full size machines.
Ed

Karaya · Oct 9, 2018

JCB makes a compact backhoe loader, model 3cx that has pilot controls. I've seen them in the $30,000 range but you have a lot more options if you can go up to $40,000. There are some here: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/used-equipment/jcb/backhoe-loaders/3cx/

I think these are the Deeres you're thinking of: https://www.constructionequipmentgu...ments-total-machine-control-on-backhoes/11037

Again there are some in the $30,000 to $40,000 range:

310sj: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/used-equipment/john-deere/backhoe-loaders/310sj/
410j: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/used-equipment/john-deere/backhoe-loaders/410j/

Incidentally if you want to compare specs, I really like CEG'S backhoe charts since they give a good overview of all the makes and models and what they can do. The charts don't include info about the pilot controls but they tell you a lot of other important specs. You can find them here: https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/charts/backhoe-loaders

Grady · Oct 12, 2018

It's possible to get a good deal on a machine sight unseen but there are plenty of horror stories on here from people who thought that was a viable option - only to find out otherwise. There's no substitute for being there in person and running it.

oceanobob · Oct 13, 2018

May I add the idea to try the rental yard for machine purchase? Sometimes their machines are a bit newer than the budget allows, but I thought I would include it for sake of discussion.

Hokiesmokes · Nov 1, 2018

I find the Case 3 stick style easiest to run of the backhoe controls. I'm used to Cat pattern in an excavator; if you're used to Deere going to a 2 stick backhoe won't be too bad. I can run them but it takes me a minute to think it through and I look like a goof doing it. I've never been on a 4 stick machine. A lot of fords are 4 stick; they also made 2 stick though. Deere will probably be a 2 stick machine. I'd look for a Ford or Case with your budget. A benefit too, they're lighter than Deere or Cat machines so they'll haul easier. Pilot controls are just sweet but you'll need a fairly modern machine to get them. Honestly the mini x and bobcat/tractor loader are the way to go for versatility I think.

Moving over from excavator. Got advice on best backhoes?

RenoHuskerDu

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RenoHuskerDu

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AzIron

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JL Sargent

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JL Sargent

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RenoHuskerDu

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Delmer

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JD8875

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RenoHuskerDu

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AzIron

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JL Sargent

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Bumpsteer

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Karaya

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Grady

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oceanobob

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Hokiesmokes

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