Buying Advice hours of operation?

Raider43 · Feb 8, 2012

Hello all,

I am looking to purchase a "2002" loader/backhoe. Is 3000 hours something to be concerned about and what are questions a might ask the seller?

whodat526 · Feb 8, 2012

Raider43 said:
Hello all,

I am looking to purchase a "2002" loader/backhoe. Is 3000 hours something to be concerned about and what are questions a might ask the seller?

is it a 555e or a lb series if one of them series you will need to check every pin and pushing also check the drive shaft where it comes out of teh trans because there is a little hub that connects the driveshaft to the trans. and it has a tendcy of breaking

Raider43 · Feb 9, 2012

A tc40d with a woods groundbreaker 7500, 16" backhoe. Just learning about this stuff. going to check it out tomorrow.

whodat526 · Feb 9, 2012

Raider43 said:
A tc40d with a woods groundbreaker 7500, 16" backhoe. Just learning about this stuff. going to check it out tomorrow.

ok thats just a compact tractor with a backhoe but still check the pins and pushings in the loader check where the trans and rearend bolts together for leaks

Raider43 · Feb 9, 2012

thanks, will do. Just the beginning of the journey.

nickel plate · Feb 10, 2012

Check to see if the BH is subframe or 3-pt mounted. If it isn't subframe mounted and you would want to convert, check the Woods Equipment site as it has listings for tractors that they build BH7500 subframe kits for. If it does have a subframe mounting system, ask the owner if he still has the TC40 take-off steel and bolts from the swap-out because in the future you may want to sell the BH and subframe to another New Holland TC owner and replace the stock steel. It's a couple hundred pounds of plate and about 80/100 nuts, bolts and washers. Pretty far fetched but always a possibility.
Others will comment on the 3000 tractor hours but the BH probably has a lot less if it was purchased new by the current owner. Being a Woods BH and if it has been properly kept up, you will have a very well built piece of equipment that will last a long time.

Raider43 · Feb 10, 2012

Nickel plate, that's good thinking. It is at a dealer now, but good stuff to ask. snow coming tomorrow and will try and see it soon. I have a lot to learn, but all advice is great.

thanks,
Raider

Soundguy · Feb 10, 2012

overall appearance and condition plus maintenance mean more than just 'hours'

a bad operator can ruin a 20K$ machine in 20 minutes.. a good operator can get a LIFETIME out of a 5000$ piece of equipment.

soundguy

Ron JD670 · Feb 10, 2012

Soundguy said:
overall appearance and condition plus maintenance mean more than just 'hours'

a bad operator can ruin a 20K$ machine in 20 minutes.. a good operator can get a LIFETIME out of a 5000$ piece of equipment.

soundguy

I would second soundguy's comments. My brother, a marine engineer, made similar comments. See if you can talk to the former owner. Also consider what you want and ca do yourself or how far you have to go for service.
I looked at some equipment with less hours than you are considering and I'm certain I would have had no end of hydraulic problems because all the hoses were cracked and oily/dirty. Other equipment despite being detailed by the dealer still showed seal leaks so I passed.
Look for welding or new parts particularly on the fell and 3Pt.
I just went through the search and found a great machine. Most important when I found a good machine I made the deal.
One other point make sure you research what you might need to add. I've paid another 10% on little add on to meet my needs and make the machine more functional. A bucket of new tools and grease gun to begin with.
Good luck and best wishes

Raider43 · Feb 11, 2012

Good, I'm getting the gist of it. Service records, previous owner, photo these areas of concern, check for new welds, 3 pt mount, fell (??), bucket of tools and a grease gun and all by next Friday. jk.

thanks all,
Raider43