Backhoe advice

[GSmith4965]

I am interested in an older 2wd 1980s backhoe for general yard work and snow removal

I am looking at the ford 555b and case 580c machines. I don't know a lot about these but was wondering if the experts might weigh in on reliability, ease of mainentance, Cost, parts availability,etc. What are the weak spots of these machines?transmissions? Motors, Hyd pumps, etc Is there a model desirable over another due to reliability? Thank you

 

[EddieWalker]

Which dealer is closer and is one better then the other? Both machines are going to be very similar, but in what they can do and how much work it's going to take to maintain them. If the hours and price is similar, it really wont matter either way.

Eddie

 

[TomSeller]

I would tend to go with the Case. If you can get one in good condition, you will get a lot of use out of it.

 

[JasG]

Around here Ford were very popular, Case not so much in that vintage. Deere were also a very popular hoe and I see some 80's machines around still, I even owned till last year a late 60's Deere and can get parts very easy.

The biggest difference for me between case and Ford was I always felt Ford had nicer valves and you could feather the controls much easier. Both made good machines and I believe the early Cat backhoes were a hybrid of both Case and Ford parts. I believe the rear axles were Ford and much of the rest was Case. Which says a lot about both machines from the 1980's, Cat though very highly of both.

 

[2458n]

The Case backhoe probably uses foot controls on the right and left swing. The Case hoe was used by a pipeline company that I worked for because it was alittle lighter and did not sink as deep in muddy yards when working in town. Parts should be available depending on your local dealers.

 

[rmk700]

My choice of the two would be a Case. Case controls take a bit longer to get use to but IMO are far superior than any other controls. Even better than wobble sticks. Man...try like heck to get a 4x4 too. It's a must for backhoes. My father has an old 2wd case, very reliable but is miserable loading big hay bales in the winter, even with the extra hoe weight in the back.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have seen a lot of 2 WD hoes used on construction sites and in order to pick dirt from a pile, they had to ram the bucket in at a fast clip other wise they just spun the tires. I would also opt for a 4 WD if possible especially since you say you want to remove snow with it. Around here Case is the brand to go with. Not too many Fords or Cats available. It is going to be hard to find a early model (read reasonably priced) 4 WD. I don't think the became popular till the late 80's. Lots of 2 WD Case BH for $8-10K in pretty good shape.