Loader Ford Backhoe Serial Number

[hbrarm]

Hello,

A friend of the family has a Vintage Ford Backhoe for sale. I have not had the time to view the equipment. So I thought I would get preliminary information beforehand. I need to determine if it is worth buying to use on our farm.The family believes it to be a 1965 Diesel. They're not sure of anything else related to it, including the sale price. They did sent me a picture of the serial number.

The problem is: I don't under stand the serial number. The numbers appears to be prior to 1968. I have looked it up on several websites and have not found the correct combination.

Any information you can give me would be helpful.

T2411.71
C5NN4024Y
MH

First Number: The "T" may be a "1". I read that Ford used a "T" to represent a "1" in earlier models.
Second Number: Industrial Tractor with a back hoe attachment?
Third Number: ?

The HD-15 may be the attachment.

Thanks, Ricky

 

[herringchoker]

I think those are casting numbers. The production code/serial number will identify the model and build date. These are stamped on a machined surface on the right side of the bell housing just behind the starter. See this page:

FORD CODES and SERIAL NUMBERS

 

[Soundguy]

those ARE casting numbers.

how about look on the trans bellhousing flat AFT of the starter ( or if lucky, at the foil tag under the hood ).

both contain the sn, model ID and date code.

ford would have gone BROKE casting the sn and model id into each machine!

the numbers you want are hand stamped!

 

[joecdeere]

the "HD-15" was the 15' hoe used on mainly the 4500 TLB based on the 4000 series tractor. Should be a chain swing 4 lever control hoe, with a two lever loader control.
The loader will have a component ID tag #19-??? as will the hoe. The tractor main tag will be under the hood where it lifts up, and also stamped into the casing just to the rear of the starter mounting. A picture of the entire unit would help also.

should look something like this - https://www.google.com/search?q=for...2Fparts%2Fford_4500_backhoe_parts.htm;640;480

 

[LD1]

Agreed about the casting numbers. We need the stamped numbers.

That HD-15?? is that the same as the 755 attachment? Or did they change model numbers somewhere in there. The google images of the hd15 looks just like the 711-753-755 backhoes that were on the them old machines??

 

[joecdeere]

it is, it was just a decal Ford used to make people think it was something extra heavy duty, (which it was in it's day)

they had three choices the 750=13', the 753=14' and the 755=15'
You will notice Ford was big on showy decals that didn't mean much in the 60's and 70's

 

[LD1]

Okay.

But I think it is 750, 753, 755 being 10', 13', and 15'.

When I posted earlier I put 751,753,755 but that 751 was a typo.

 

[joecdeere]

now that I read that, you are correct, I left the Ford Dealership in 95, it's starting to fade a bit (like everything else!)

 

[hbrarm]

I can see that I came to the right place to get my thinking straight. We've scheduled a time this weekend to get some pictures and correct serial numbers.

Thank you very mucn for your input. We'll talk again soon when I have the info.

 

[hbrarm]

I have additional information on the Backhoe.I took a picture of the serial number located on the fly wheel housing. It doesn't seem to match the Ford serial number codes.

Over all the backhoe has been well used. You can see by the attached pictures.

Here is a recap of what I found.
Front loader: Bucket well used and loader arms are repaired in several places just above the hood.
Backhoe: No weld repairs, Bucket well worn. Uses a chain to swing the bucket.
Steering: It appears to have hydrolic steering. The steering wheel turns 3/4 turn before it tightens and starts to turn the wheels. I consider that a lot of play.
Hydrolics: Good shape except for 2 hoses located at base of backhoe. Showing signs of cracking. No obvious leaks
Tires: 25% tread left
Engine: Was not able to crank it due to a dead battery. I'll go back at a latter time to check the engine and hydrolics. The family said it was running well a month ago. It's been sitting since the owners death.
Brakes: Don't know if has wet brakes or not or the condition of them.
Hours Used: Don't Know.
Year: Possible 1965 to 1969.

I'm trying to determine if it would be worth purchasing, fixing up a little to do basic farm work.
Any Idea what it could be worth or what kind of trouble I'm getting myself into?

 

[LD1]

Unless I missed the pic, I didnt see one of the model code and serial tag.

That last picture looks like the info for the CAV injector pump only.

The model codes and serial # should be STAMPED into the casting on a little flat spot right by the starter. Might have to clean off some grime to see it.

But looking it over it appears to be a 4500 TLB for sure. With a 755 (HD-15) BH attachment and 740 series front loader. Which about all the 740 loaders I have see have multiple patches.

As to if its worth messing with, depends on if you can even get it to run, and how much you plan to work on it with upkeep. And any old backhoe needs upkeep. Fixing leaks, replacing hoses, breaking things. If you are able and willing to work on it, it could make a fine machine. But in the condition it is in, provided you get it running and there is nothing major wrong, 3000-3500 is top dollar IMO. And less if there is major issues. Like reallly sloppy pins in the hoe, major leaks, etc.

One thing to really look for is the loader frame itself. It acts as a hydraulic reservoir. If it has any cracks, or patches, look them over carefully. I am talking about the part bolted to the tractor, not the lift arms that are already patched.

 

[herringchoker]

Unless I missed the pic, I didnt see one of the model code and serial tag.

That last picture looks like the info for the CAV injector pump only.

The model codes and serial # should be STAMPED into the casting on a little flat spot right by the starter. Might have to clean off some grime to see it.

But looking it over it appears to be a 4500 TLB for sure. With a 755 (HD-15) BH attachment and 740 series front loader. Which about all the 740 loaders I have see have multiple patches.

As to if its worth messing with, depends on if you can even get it to run, and how much you plan to work on it with upkeep. And any old backhoe needs upkeep. Fixing leaks, replacing hoses, breaking things. If you are able and willing to work on it, it could make a fine machine. But in the condition it is in, provided you get it running and there is nothing major wrong, 3000-3500 is top dollar IMO. And less if there is major issues. Like reallly sloppy pins in the hoe, major leaks, etc.

One thing to really look for is the loader frame itself. It acts as a hydraulic reservoir. If it has any cracks, or patches, look them over carefully. I am talking about the part bolted to the tractor, not the lift arms that are already patched.

I agree completely. I owned and operated a 4500 TLB for 17 years. It was a strong machine. I sold it 10 years ago and I still see it on the go. This one appears to be well worn, but it may have lots of life left in it yet.

 

[john_bud]

2500-3000 is top dollar.

It needs $2000 in tires.
$200 in battery
$300 hoses (if not now, then soon. Full set is$1000)
$ 1500+ for pins and bushings. Thats the diy price too! Pro done is waaaaaay higher.
$2-3000 engine rebuild if needed, double that fi someone else does the split.
$2-3000 transmission rebuild if needed, double if someone else does the split.
$5-600 clutch ... parts only
$600+ for injection pump rebuild +$50 per injector
Then there is brakes, steering pivots, kingpins, etc, cooling system, hydraulic pump and fluid, filters, exhaust, etc.


After minimally going through it, you will easily have $8-12,000 in it. If you have to pay a mechanic, lots more $$. Is it a bargain at that price?

Unless you are a well equipped mechanic able to deal with 1000-1500 pound items, can deal with huge bolts rust welded in place and/or broken off .... AND you just love adversity and a challenge ... you will be better off with one decades newer for $8-10,000.

 

[LD1]

2500-3000 is top dollar.

It needs $2000 in tires.
$200 in battery
$300 hoses (if not now, then soon. Full set is$1000)
$ 1500+ for pins and bushings. Thats the diy price too! Pro done is waaaaaay higher.
$2-3000 engine rebuild if needed, double that fi someone else does the split.
$2-3000 transmission rebuild if needed, double if someone else does the split.
$5-600 clutch ... parts only
$600+ for injection pump rebuild +$50 per injector
Then there is brakes, steering pivots, kingpins, etc, cooling system, hydraulic pump and fluid, filters, exhaust, etc.


After minimally going through it, you will easily have $8-12,000 in it. If you have to pay a mechanic, lots more $$. Is it a bargain at that price?

Unless you are a well equipped mechanic able to deal with 1000-1500 pound items, can deal with huge bolts rust welded in place and/or broken off .... AND you just love adversity and a challenge ... you will be better off with one decades newer for $8-10,000.

All of that is only if you want it to be in mint condition. And one decades newer (but likely similar hours) may still need ALL of the items you listed.

For occasional use, there is nothing wrong with an old sloppy wore out machine. The pins may be a little loose, and the tires may slowly leak over time, and may run rough and leak a little oil. But for an occasional user, nothing wrong with that. You can spend 20k on a TLB if you want, it still isnt going to be perfect in all aspects, and is still going to need some upkeep and TLC.

IF I were interested in buying it vs one a decade or two newer, my decision would be based on how often I plan on using it. If a few times a year, I'd say get the older one provided nothing major is wrong and keep the fluids topped off. A few buckets of hydro oil is cheaper than fixing if it isnt used often. Now if you plan on using several times a month, its a different story for sure.