Backhoes backhoes backhoes

I am not finding much info on backhoes so here I am. Learn me up. I am looking for an older unit, prolly 70-80s. Preferably Deere from what Ive read, maybe Case. What do I need to know? Im looking for it all. Specs, details, positive/negative experiences, pros/cons, comparisons, features. . . Im here to learn. And learn as much as I can. Fuel my youthful curiosity. And thank you for taking the time to educate me. A specific unit I have my eye on is a 710b I spotted. . . . Any info on that unit specifically would also be appreciated

get at 4x4 for sure.....

I've been around Deere, Case, ford, and Allis. Buy a Case. No parts for All is getting hard to find for ford.

We have a 1984 Case 580 super E extend-a-hoe and it's been a great machine. Personally, I would prefer the 4 in 1 front bucket and 4x4, but the extend-a-hoe is very handy. One thing is look at the weight of the machine if you will be working in soft ground, the 580 we have is a fairly light machine compared to our new 580 super N WT which is extremly heavy. The old 580 is easy to walk itself out when stuck. Just my thoughts and opinions

have run all of them Case hands down

I like the Ford 555, but most were beat to death a long time ago & a good many parts are used up. So, I'll add my vote for the 580 also.

One thing there is to say about the 555 is, they sure cling to life forever. Especially when you wish the boss would trade the darned thing in for something that wasn't ready to kick the bucket. Had a catch pan under the hinge pin to catch the hydraulic oil on the job site & it burned oil & every other fluid in the engine. Dang thing was dead & wouldn't lay down.

Mike

I would recommend only buying a used backhoe built from the ground up as a backhoe and one that you can find parts for.
Nothing can replace dealer support.

When I was looking for a backhoe an old man told me I don't want his old ford with an addon hoe and loader. He said I couldn't afford the gas to operate it.

I've had a Case 580 Super E for twenty years - it's been a great machine. On my budget, I could afford either 4x4 or extenda-hoe, but not both. I went with 4x4 and I'm glad I did.

First of all, what are your needs? Are you looking to go into business? Will you be using the machine regularly? Will the machine get worked hard? What kind of terrain will you be working on; flat? hilly? rolling? steep slopes?

First answer these questions, then we will be able to steer you to what will be best for your needs.

All I have really ever seen in mid to southern KS is Case. Never have seen a Deere that I can recall.

I know very little about backhoes, did run a small one years ago for a bit. But what I want to ask is where and how close to dealers are you. Can make a big difference. I know of one industrial Deere dealer only and don't know where you would even go for Case dealer for parts. So first thing is locate all dealers in your area and then see if they seem competent to provide service, After that then only start to check for models.

A 710B is a monster of a hoe. I own a 1983 straight 410. It's been a really good machine for me. What are you planning on doing with it? You might find that for a similar amount of money you could get a mini excavator that would be faster and more capable in a lot of ways than a backhoe.

A lot of the older backhoes didn't come with the extra hydraulic circuit on the hoe for running attachments. Most mini excavators have that and those can make a world of difference as far as capabilities are concerned. However, if you are wanting to do loader work, only a really big skid steer is better than a backhoe. Like others said, a 4x4 is best.

Around the farm it will be used for, well, everything. Foundation
work (barn and houses), stump removal, electrical and plumbing
installation, land clearing, erosion control, maybe even pond
building dependin on how adventurous I get. It will also be used
to do some business related work. Likely much fo the same. We
will be on rolly ground. Some can get pretty steep but some
good flat ground too. The machine will be worked hard, and it
will be used fairly frequently. We wont be mean to it or abuse it
really, we dont beat on our equipment and we are thorough with
maintenance, we like things to run as long as possible. But at
the same time, its gonna be used for work, not just digging
flower beds.

Got a John Deere dealer that Ive seen sell skid steers and excavators, and a Case construction dealer within an hours drive. And Im fairly certain there is another Deere construction dealer in the area but I am not certain. . . Hence those 2 brands being my first pick. Plus a local place that is basically a Napa for farmers. I swear they can get anything for anything.

We thought about mini ex, but we want to do a big range of stuff, some of which require a little more muscle than what wed want to ask of an excavator of that size range. We would definitely be looking for a backhoe that had aux hydraulics for a 4in1 or grapple bucket and maybe a thumb on the back. Another factor for us is having the front loader, and having better transport speeds, both thru field and the ability to shuttle on the road.

Used hoes in decent shape are like hens teeth. I've been looking for a few years now and most I find are junk or just before they see the scrap guy. The 4x4 I don't know if that is so great. We were digging tile at my brothers with his the tires are round and black like an inner tube abd we get around with it. IF it is greasy or slimy it just goes with the hoe to get in to dig. We had to push or pull it in to the wet spot to get to the tile and I don't believe any of the 4x4 or other hoes would have been any better unless they were on tracks. Big thing is dealer support and parts for them. Wear you will need to look at is the swivel for the hoe and pins at every joint. Oil leaks will be something that comes with ownership. 710 Deere was the biggest hoe they made at that time I believe. they are big and heavy. Loaded one once with the transmission out. Lifted with the loader bucket and hoe pushed it on till the front wheels were on trailer then lifted bucket slightly pushed the rest of the way on with the hoe till the rear wheels were on held with front bucket to suck hoe in closer and then pushed it on till I could get the hoe on the trailer and pushed it all the way to the front of the trailer. Loaded a roller behind it. I don't have a brand particular hoe just would like to find something in the larger mini excavator or bigger hoe line something in the line of like a 308 Cat or your 580,710 hoe. Yes a lot of difference in the size there.

Thanks for the info. That helps a lot.

My recommendation would be a Case 580K. Lots of them around, so parts shouldn't be a problem.

If the price difference is manageable for you, get the biggest tracked excavator you can afford and transport. Anything the backhoe can do, at least 99 per cent of it, the trackhoe can do better.

You mean a 710B like this.

This one we keep at our farm. It is a big heavy powerful machine. I never liked it. I trade it in a minute for another 755 Ford. Like we use to have. My brother has a 665 fwd Ford with a clam shell bucket now that's a handy machine. Older machines be prepared to spend a bunch of money putting hoses and packing cylinders.
Ron

You're looking for some pretty modern features on this backhoe, so you're not going to want to look at very old machines. I'm thinking a 710B might be a little before the time of thumbs and aux hydraulics.

Frankly the 710B scares me. It's a land whale. I'm sure greasy ground will stop it in its tracks and if it is at all soft it's down on its belly, all 11+ tons of it.

A later series 580 Case may not weigh much less but it is more "tractor-like" with measurable ground clearance and appears that it might be able to get out of its own way on other than hard dry going.

There's a reason they don't make big backhoes like that anymore.