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Crawlers, Dozers, Loaders & Backhoes Discussion Forum

best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations

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greg55555

01-22-2006 17:43:04




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Looking to upgrade my backhoe, figure my range would be mid 1980 machine. what machine was good in that era, case 580c/d, ford 555 a,b,c, johin deer 310 410 b/c, jcb.. don't know much about those machines.

looking at digging power, part affordablity, and well built soild design.

let me know your your selection for the best 80's backhoe




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DGH

01-24-2006 18:21:46




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 Re: best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations in reply to greg55555, 01-22-2006 17:43:04  
I have run hoe's for years, learnt on a 4lever Massey, now have a two lever JD, I preferr the two lever. But with practice you can be equally as good with either. The controls have nothing to do with speed, thats controlled by HP available in the hydraulic system. I can move my hands faster than any hoe will move!!



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430WLPG

01-24-2006 17:54:31




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 Re: best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations in reply to greg55555, 01-22-2006 17:43:04  
580C is the best operating machine I've used,BUT DON'T try to use them as a dozer,as they have a weak Ring gear and pinion,I've replaced a lot over the years.And the out board brakes suck they either lockup or you have NONE,Until you take off the auto adjusters and keep your pedal adjusted mid way not too tight and not too loose.



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Fluggie in Ia

01-23-2006 10:44:28




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 Re: best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations in reply to greg55555, 01-22-2006 17:43:04  
There's nothing like the mid 80's Case 580. Strong/reliable and easy to operate plus parts are easy to get if they ever break down. We have an old 580 C that has lived with a hydraulic viabrating concrete breaker for over 10 years now andjust keeps on going. try to stay with diesel too!



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Rodman

01-23-2006 08:09:08




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 Re: best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations in reply to greg55555, 01-22-2006 17:43:04  
If I were going out for a hoe of that age it would be a 580 Case, and nothing else would be considered. In my opinion it is the best all around machine of that time. Tough, easier accessability with repairs, and doesn't cost you like the Deeres do. It would be a Case for me.



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Kporter

01-23-2006 06:39:52




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 Re: best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations in reply to greg55555, 01-22-2006 17:43:04  
Some things I"ve learned-- John Deere has internal brakes, have to dismantle whole rear end to do a brake job. Also transmission work is unbelievably time consuming as most of the tractor needs dissasembled to get to the trans. Ford has good simple hydralic system, but boom swing could be pretty fast. I"ve never had a 555-655 trans apart but 4500 series use pressure plates (not a torque converter). Fords are very heavy, but it helps them dig well. Case has some of the easiest/best mechanical layout. Brakes are outboard, case brakes have a history of locking up when they sit for a while though. Trans and hydralic system are much easier to service/repair than deere. If I didn"t have an old Ford backhoe, I would look for a 1980"s Case. Probably a 580K, extendahoe if possible.

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Roy Suomi

01-22-2006 19:42:40




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 Re: best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations in reply to greg55555, 01-22-2006 17:43:04  
I've been a Deere guy for many years. But , If I were looking for a mid 80's machine, I think I would go for a 555 A or B or 655 A or B..I like the fact that the hydraulic systems are a simple gear pump. Less to go wrong than Deeres closed center system . Don't get me wrong , They all make a good machine, everyone has their own opinion . That would be my choice. Case made a good machine too..The only thing I didn't like about Case was the boom cylinders were on the outside of the backhoe boom obstructing vision. I'm sold on the later model Case. They are as good as any others out there. I ran a new Case with pilot controls on the backhoe. Man was that sweet...Very responsive , good feel..I would stay with a major brand of backhoe for parts availability and service..Watch out for engines with a ton of hours on them.. The engine cylinders are known for perforation of the cylinder walls causing coolant to leak into the crankcase. Ford are the only ones out there that have a parent bore block. Meaning the cylinders are not removable liner type. Removable liners make for an easy rebuild with no possibility of cylinders leaking after overhaul. Fords engines need to be bored and sleeved to prevent this... Good Luck....

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gg

01-22-2006 19:56:24




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 Re: best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations in reply to Roy Suomi, 01-22-2006 19:42:40  
have you ever run a 555 or 655? I was told by acouple of people that they were the strongest digging machine for that time.



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Roy Suomi

01-23-2006 21:00:15




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 Re: best 1980 ish backhoe recommendations in reply to gg, 01-22-2006 19:56:24  
Ford hydraulics are a strong set-up. fast , powerful and responsive. Get a veteran Ford guy on a 555 and he can make the backhoe a blur.. Lots faster than most...4 lever controls are faster than 2 lever. It does take a little bit to get used to it though....



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