Backhoe- Build or Buy?

[wmgeorge]

I've got the plans ordered for a 608 CADDigger for my tractor, a 3 point attachment at perhaps 500 - 600 lbs. My total cost without the Hydraulic outriggers is about $2500 - $2600. With outriggers $3,800 or so. Plus my time to build, I figure about 50 hours.

I can get a Wallenstein GX500 for about $4700. This one has the outriggers and is professionally built. About the same weight and digging capacity.

I am concerned about resale or getting a decent price out of either when I'm ready to sell. I have no idea about used prices for these smaller ones, I know I can't find one to buy!!

I'm open to suggestions...??

I know a 3 point is not the mount of choice for those folks with new tractors. But mine is a older model JD 650, only 16 HP, but a cast iron transmission and rear axle housing.
BG in Iowa

 

[bx24]

Tough choice .... I love to build things, but for $900 more, I would consider buying the built one.

If the price difference were larger, I would go the other way, but when it comes to sell it, unless all of your work is really clean, regardless of how it works, people may shy away from a "contraption"

 

[MrJimi]

$900 difference, Thats $18 per hour based on your 50 hour build time PLUS materials, rods, grinding disc, paint and primer and all the little things that will nickel and dime you to pieces and cylinders, fluid, fittings Yeeesh
I would go with the built one
Jim

 

[RonMar]

There is a lot of detail work to properly fit up all the bushings. I have too many projects and was going to build one, but once I totaled up all the parts plus the time, my wife suggested that it might be better to buy one(Sure do love that woman)

 

[john_bud]

Let's see. 900 bucks - 50 hours - lots of shop supplies - $50-200 in paint depending on quality. Hmmm then for resale the Wallenstein will have a resale that is probably $2000 higher than the cad-digger. Hmmmm

I vote store bought.

Or look for a used one. I bought a tractor loader with a 14' hoe for $1500 total. Hoe did need about 10 hours of hugs & kisses, but works great.

jb

 

[2manyrocks]

You might find a Terramite, JCB or similar utility loader/backhoe tractor for $5000-7,500 used.

A 16 hp tractor may be low on horsepower and frame strength for a backhoe. One dealer advised me against putting a backhoe on my 22hp yanmar saying it could break my axles.

 

[wmgeorge]

You might find a Terramite, JCB or similar utility loader/backhoe tractor for $5000-7,500 used.

A 16 hp tractor may be low on horsepower and frame strength for a backhoe. One dealer advised me against putting a backhoe on my 22hp yanmar saying it could break my axles.

Thanks guys... BTW my old John Deere is cast iron (manual) transmission and rear axle housing. The one BH I'm looking at is 560 lbs... and with 16 HP I think I can safely say its not going to tear itself apart. I think with the losses in a hydrostatic drive vs manual transmission this is equal to a 20 HP tractor.

It does have enough gpm and pressure to operate the #67 loader, so I think it can handle the backhoe, not at the same time of course.

My concerns were you like most of you pointed out... when I get done building it, I would not find a buyer at any price.
Had that happen on a bucket and blade I built for my old JD 318, got nothing out of it when I sold it. BG in Iowa

 

[EddieWalker]

Plus my time to build, I figure about 50 hours.

Since I've never done anything like build a backhoe, I wonder where you came up with 50 hours to build one? Is that what they said it will take in the instructions? I'd imagine it taking twice that long. If you can do it in 50 hours, it might be worthwhile.

I wouldn't worry about resale, nobody knows one brand from another when buying used. All they care about is if it works, does it leak and what you want for it.

Name five backhoe brands and tell me what one is better then the others and why?

Eddie

 

[jeff_jeff]

you might want to check with Coldwatertractors.com he builds a 3 point backhoe, and as of a few years ago was selling it for $2500 - even with shipping it might be a good deal. I bought one of his FELs and was very pleased with it.

 

[Ductape]

I bought a Woods BH6000 used but in new condition for $2800. Look at the condition. I guarantee i can get $2800 for it next summer. Look around, they are out there...... new and used. Its a no brainer !