Looking at a purchasing a backhoe, but...

[AGreyMan]

I am tentatively in the market for a (well) used, older, smaller backhoe. This will just be for use around the AGreyMan property, and will not be used heavily or often. I grew up running my Dad's JD401A backhoe, so I am acquainted with them, but am a little rusty.

There is one in my price range, but I also found the equipment auction listing, showing that the current seller is reselling it for exactly double what he purchased it for 2 weeks ago. I know he deserves to make a profit, and I know that he probably paid a buyer's premium, but dang it, it just sticks in my craw!

Deciding on whether to wait until another one comes along, or to see if I can talk him down some.

 

[Sentinel one]

Speculators suck, don't they? I am on the prowl for a backhoe about the size of that one.. prices range from
$16,000 to 30,000 depending upon age and size up here.

 

[WhiteWolf]

I paid $17k for a bigger one.

 

[LostViking]

@AGreyMan

Some things to consider.
1. International has been out of the dirt business for a very long time.
Dozers like their TD-7 bring a premium because folks buy them to canabilize them. You can't get many I/H parts these days.
They were good diggers, but parts are scarce. Many were 4 sticks, tough to learn.

A good way to tell how beat an older hoe is, is to just push against the outriggers (back to front). If they move a substantial distance, she's tired.

If it were me, I look for and older Case 580 Super C,D,E, or K,
Simple Cummins 239 power plant.
4x4 is well worth the extra $$$ especially at resale time.

Or perhaps a Deere 310.

 

[240Geezer]

Tractors. Skid steers. Bobcats. Anything that'll take a bucket or blade is crazy and has been for quite a while.
People want literally 10 bucks MORE for a well used (abused) one than a brand new one.

 

[AGreyMan]

Thanks for the tips.

 

[O:gweh]

Personally i look for one with a bucket wide enough to trench out a body hole with a single pass....but thats just me.