thinking about getting a back hoe for farm purposes and to push snow in town in the winter. I want the 4 way front bucket, extend a hoe, 4x4, and cab with heat. Any other must haves? Also what brand is best and why? All our farm equipment is John Deere, but I like the looks of the case and cat back hoes. Guess I am open to any brand just want a good reliable back hoe to get some work done around here.
backhoe
- Thread starter mjdeutsch
- Start date
rocketman356
New member
You can't go wrong with a Case backhoe,our family business have owned over thirty Case backhoes over the years and they just keep getting better.Cat and John Deere since you are familar with them would be a good choice also.It really comes down to what you want to spend.
groomerdave
New member
We have run cat, deere, and case at work. Have had good luck with all of them, but it seems like the cats and deeres have better power. Extendahoe, 4x4, clam bucket, thumb for the hoe, and differential locks are all must haves. Snow Pusher if moving lots of snow also.
Think Snow! -Dave
Think Snow! -Dave
chevytaHOE5674
New member
Go look and some and run them. Buy something with controls that you are comfortable with and like, one that you can run without having to think about every move you make. Some machines have funky controls that are hard to get used to.....
1200renegadeskidoo
New member
That is exactly true! we have a case 580 super l with all the options on our farm awesome backhoe cant complain.
trick_ultra
New member
700classic
New member
1 of the biggest things you need to consider is the dealer. How close, reputation, service etc. All the above backhoes are good. Just like sleds, each has their good and bad points. Just don't get the Case with the three lever( 4 with extend a hoe) and foot swing, just a PIA to run.
We have a Cat at work, it's a good machine.
If using it to push snow, I would invest in a snow-pusher attachment. They are to light on the front from the hoe hanging off the back that they do not steer very well. The snow-pusher would give it the weight on the front to make it easier to manuever.
If using it to push snow, I would invest in a snow-pusher attachment. They are to light on the front from the hoe hanging off the back that they do not steer very well. The snow-pusher would give it the weight on the front to make it easier to manuever.
bobsledder
New member
We bought a ford hoe on price, it has good hydro but is a touch light and you can get tossed around the cab when digging. We had 70's Deere that was shot so we definatly moved up but not all the way. Service on construction equipment is different than farm macheinery. If you go Deere make sure your farm dealer is able to service your needs.
Our Deere dealer could do some work for us but some required a 50 mile haul and a construction equipment dealer that we had no connection with.
All the options you mention are exelent, if you plan on driving alot on the road get the roading hydraulic option. This helps level out the pounce when driving in road gear. It gets scary when you meet a car hit a bump or the pitch of the road changes. We mostly haul ours so it is no big deal, have you considered a trailer?
Bob
Our Deere dealer could do some work for us but some required a 50 mile haul and a construction equipment dealer that we had no connection with.
All the options you mention are exelent, if you plan on driving alot on the road get the roading hydraulic option. This helps level out the pounce when driving in road gear. It gets scary when you meet a car hit a bump or the pitch of the road changes. We mostly haul ours so it is no big deal, have you considered a trailer?
Bob
I ran a Case 580C for a number of years and it never failed me. The only repairs included hydraulic hoses and routine maintenance. Lube-oil-filter, grease and fuel filters. Are you looking for new? I bought mine for $12,000, sold it for $12,000. I run a Case skid steer now. The extendahoe was too much tractor for my one acre property.
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I am not looking for new, but 2000 or newer, I do not intend to trailer it, we have semis but no flat bed trailers, our farms are only spread out about 10 miles e to w and 5 miles n to s. definatly will use a blizzard snow box or something for pushing snow. I had not thought about the ag dealer not supporting construction equipment but that is a great point. I have a feeling a back hoe is like my fork lift, really couldn't justify it when I bought it, but use it everyday for stuff you wouldn't dream of using it for and couldn't go without it now. With all the options I am wanting it is starting to look like some serious money....
bobsledder
New member
luxury / necesity
So true, it took several months for us to replace our Deere when it died. We had projects that were on hold and did some projects the hard way and for sure a backhoe had become a necesity. The cost will go up the closer the construction season gets, just keep that in mind as you start talking price. We have bought on price and there is some frustration involved in having to wrench instead of dig so if you don't haul spend the trailer money on a quality machine.
Bob
So true, it took several months for us to replace our Deere when it died. We had projects that were on hold and did some projects the hard way and for sure a backhoe had become a necesity. The cost will go up the closer the construction season gets, just keep that in mind as you start talking price. We have bought on price and there is some frustration involved in having to wrench instead of dig so if you don't haul spend the trailer money on a quality machine.
Bob
If you are thinking of a used machine check out Machinery trader.com. I found it to be a great help in finding out what was available, where and current pricing. Great site http://www.machinerytrader.com/drilldown/manufacturers.aspx?etid=1&catid=1046
Bought a mid 60's Massey backhoe a couple years ago. It was cheap (translation: I've spent more time working on it than with it) but it has quickly turned into my favorite piece of equipment. Bought it to clear fencelines and digs stumps out but keep findng more and more things to do wth it.
My piece of advice? Never loan it out unless you go with to operate it (also highly recommended for chainsaws, power tools, Bobcats, and trailers).
My piece of advice? Never loan it out unless you go with to operate it (also highly recommended for chainsaws, power tools, Bobcats, and trailers).