Buying used iron for the farm

[scgargoyle]

I have 7 acres in SC to play with, and will start building in 2 years or so. If I were to buy a used machine for excavation work, say, a loader/backhoe, what kind of money should I plan on spending? I have a pretty good idea what to look for when shopping; I just don't know what prices are running these days for something in usable shape. The ultimate plan would be to use it for a year or two, then sell it for roughly the same money, so I'll be looking at older stuff that's done depreciating. I'm thinking I can do a lot of work with something in the 50-70 HP range. I probably won't do my foundation dig, or tackle large trees, but there are a lot of other things, from grading to trenching to pond digging to moving logs around. What are the chances I can find something usable for $10k or less? Any input?

 

[capt_met]

you might check Construction Equipment at Machinery Trader: Caterpillar, Komatsu, Case, John Deere, Volvo to get an idea of prices then go from there
good luck

 

[Egon]

Just remember that a reasonable sized machine costing 10K can eat that amount and more very quickly in repairs when things go wrong.

 

[DmansPadge]

I have 7 acres in SC to play with, and will start building in 2 years or so. If I were to buy a used machine for excavation work, say, a loader/backhoe, what kind of money should I plan on spending? I have a pretty good idea what to look for when shopping; I just don't know what prices are running these days for something in usable shape. The ultimate plan would be to use it for a year or two, then sell it for roughly the same money, so I'll be looking at older stuff that's done depreciating. I'm thinking I can do a lot of work with something in the 50-70 HP range. I probably won't do my foundation dig, or tackle large trees, but there are a lot of other things, from grading to trenching to pond digging to moving logs around. What are the chances I can find something usable for $10k or less? Any input?

The logic sounds good but it's really doubtful you find a full size backhoe that is worth having for that price. As Egon mentioned... they are expensive to repair so it would be best to spend more up front and buy a solid machine that hopefully won't need any major repairs while you own it. Just one rear tire can cost $400-$700. I would imagine you would be looking in the $20k range for a good used unit.

 

[BarryinMN]

Depends on where you are. Local private sales/auctions and dealer trade ins would be best. Transport costs can eat the machinery budget fast.

I have a 1970 60 HP Allis Chalmers TLB that is fully functional 14' backhoe class. It has built several foundations over the years. Also have a '68 JD 350 dozer backhoe in that price range.

The TLB was bought in the early '80's to clear land & help build a pole barn. It's still here.

 

[geobar]

I bought a meticulosly maintained, carefully used Case 580CK via ebay for $6000. I've used it for two years and still has not cost me a penny, except oil changes and I am very pleased with its performance. It even came with 12, 18, and 24 inch rear buckets. After using it for a while, I found that I should have bought a backhoe with 4wd or at least a locking diff that mine does not have. Consider what you need and adjust your price accordingly. Bucket size is also important and alternate sizes may not be easily available in your area for older machines or by brand. I put in underground electric 200 feet to my barn, by utility company spec, 39 inches deep using the 12 inch bucket. If I wanted a second utility, such as phone, the utility company required a 24 inch wide trench. For most jobs, the 24 is best. But why do twice the work if not necessary. Also try craigslist.com for your area. Try to bring someone knowledgeable about hydraulics, diesel engines, pin/bushing wear, and frame/arm cracks/repairs with you to inspect before purchasing.

 

[AlanB]

I bought my Ford 555C for $14K

What I found cheaper then that involved more risk then I was willing.

Are you willing to work on it when it breaks? It will, and to plan on others working on it can eat up any "savings" quick.

One of my desires was to find something that I could readilly get parts for. In my location, the parts for Fords and Case's were easy to find. I found a decent shaped Ford before I found the Case.

I could have spent the same money and got a 2wd and had one in cleaner shape, but for me, as often as I get stuck, the 4wd was important.

What someone said about tires is exactly right too. In my area, you can figure about $100 by the time the tire guy comes out and fixes something. Not bad, but can add up pretty quick. I tend to do everything myself.

 

[scgargoyle]

I do all my own mechanical work, and know a fair amount about hydraulics, mechanicals, and engines. I would probably tackle anything short of a complete rebuild, although a friend of mine and I once did a complete rebuild on a dozer- that's a big job! Hopefully, I can find something that will get me by for a couple years with the various leaks, hoses, and mechanical gremlins, without anything major.

 

[ScottAR]

A solid machine around the south starts around $10k and goes up.
There's two ways to buy a Backhoe, All at once or a piece at a time from the parts counter.

 

[jimmysisson]

Around here, western MA, 2 wd wheel TLB tractors are often for sale in your price range. A 4 wd can do so much more work pushing most contractors want 4 wd. Case, Ford, JD all make very sturdy machines that last a long time. As always, prior owner's maintenance habits are best indicator of future life.
Jim