Swetz
Senior Member
Hello All,
As some of you know, I intend to purchase a backhoe in the next couple of months. I am seeing a lot of units with 5-7k hours on them. My question is: Where do I draw the line in my search? I mean, what is the life expectancy of a backhoe? Years ago, it was more related to the engine. Today, the engines are very good, and it seems as though they will last as long as many other parts on the machine. In the past, I have been told to stay away from anything that has over 3k hours. As I look this seems like low hours compared to some of the units I see. I do understand that the maintenance will have a great impact, as well as will the type of ground the unit was used on. The bottom line is I dont want to buy a dog, but I also dont want to exclude a machine that is potentially still in good shape because it has 5k hours on it. I am looking for a "good used" machine, not a fixer upper. I mean if a light is out or a hose is looking poor, I am ok. Put another way, I am looking to purchase a unit that I can put right to work with minimal work, not one I must fix up prior to using.
On the same vein, if greased properly, when could I expect pins and bushing to become sloppy?
I hope this makes sense to youall
TIA
As some of you know, I intend to purchase a backhoe in the next couple of months. I am seeing a lot of units with 5-7k hours on them. My question is: Where do I draw the line in my search? I mean, what is the life expectancy of a backhoe? Years ago, it was more related to the engine. Today, the engines are very good, and it seems as though they will last as long as many other parts on the machine. In the past, I have been told to stay away from anything that has over 3k hours. As I look this seems like low hours compared to some of the units I see. I do understand that the maintenance will have a great impact, as well as will the type of ground the unit was used on. The bottom line is I dont want to buy a dog, but I also dont want to exclude a machine that is potentially still in good shape because it has 5k hours on it. I am looking for a "good used" machine, not a fixer upper. I mean if a light is out or a hose is looking poor, I am ok. Put another way, I am looking to purchase a unit that I can put right to work with minimal work, not one I must fix up prior to using.
On the same vein, if greased properly, when could I expect pins and bushing to become sloppy?
I hope this makes sense to youall
TIA