Buying Advice John Deere 310D

[Martian]

Hi all,
You've probably seen some of my threads about backhoes on here. I've been trying to figure out what I want to do and I'm looking at doing something a little different. I have found a 1993 JD 310D, just a base model, no 4x4 ext. hoe or anything, but it's only $11500, which leaves me with enough money to get that and keep my tractor. This way I have the best of both worlds. I guess my question would be if you recommend doing something such as this or should I look at a nicer tractor and get rid of mine. The 310D would do everything I need just doesn't have a cab and such.

 

[Greenbriarduke]

A 310 is a great backhoe I have been in the construction business for several year now and I have used every backhoe made. John Deere has the strongest hydraulics probably on the market I myself am a case guy but I have seen and used alot of 310 510 and even 610 john deere machines. That would be a good buy

 

[jenkinsph]

If this will get up and down your slopes without issue it would seem like it is more practical than the larger hoes you have considered. Keeping your smaller tractor is a smart move imo.

 

[Martian]

A 310 is a great backhoe I have been in the construction business for several year now and I have used every backhoe made. John Deere has the strongest hydraulics probably on the market I myself am a case guy but I have seen and used alot of 310 510 and even 610 john deere machines. That would be a good buy

Definitely do like the Case hoes, just tend to like the JD 2 stick controls. Problem is I haven't been able to find a Case in as good of shape and as low of hours for the same price or I would definitely be leaning that way. I have always owned Deere so I do like the badge but have heard that Case has the best backhoe.

If this will get up and down your slopes without issue it would seem like it is more practical than the larger hoes you have considered. Keeping your smaller tractor is a smart move imo.

No real major slopes on my land, just some marshy areas, but definitely avoidable, figured I could get it out with the end loader and backhoe anyway. I looked at it today and it looks like a good size and the price is just unbeatable and like the thought of being able to keep my tractor, just not sure how much I like not having 4 wheel drive and some other extras.

 

[jenkinsph]

A wise man would use the lighter 3x20 tractor for the soft spots and keep the 310 on terra firma to pull the little one out if it gets stuck.

I think you will find that this will be a better combination for you all the way around. First of all the price for the 310 won't get much lower with a little care on your part and the 3x20 is a good size to perform cleanup and leave at home for the winter snow removal.

From my experience with the 110 tlb (much smaller) the backhoe and 3 point hitch with top n' tilt is great. I still wanted another tractor dedicated to the 3PH work. Now when doing work similar to your project I have the backhoe and assorted buckets, the 4520 with heavy boxblade or landplane/grader and the 820 with landscape rake. Makes cleaning up a mess a much quicker project to complete. All that said I think you will be much happier keeping the small tractor.

 

[Martian]

A wise man would use the lighter 3x20 tractor for the soft spots and keep the 310 on terra firma to pull the little one out if it gets stuck.

I think you will find that this will be a better combination for you all the way around. First of all the price for the 310 won't get much lower with a little care on your part and the 3x20 is a good size to perform cleanup and leave at home for the winter snow removal.

From my experience with the 110 tlb (much smaller) the backhoe and 3 point hitch with top n' tilt is great. I still wanted another tractor dedicated to the 3PH work. Now when doing work similar to your project I have the backhoe and assorted buckets, the 4520 with heavy boxblade or landplane/grader and the 820 with landscape rake. Makes cleaning up a mess a much quicker project to complete. All that said I think you will be much happier keeping the small tractor.

Yes, I definitely wouldn't want to take it somewhere I was sure if I would be coming out. As I got looking at them more and more they seemed larger than what I thought and I saw more of a use to keep my machine and get a cheaper machine to have the best of both worlds made the most sense.

They have two of the same machines on the lot, a 1991 310D with 9000hrs and a 1993 310D with 3500hrs both priced at $11500 so I have been checking them both over extensively trying to find out why a newer model with less hours would be the same price on the same lot and the only difference I have noticed is that the 93 has a slightly longer bucket to the 91. the 91's bucket looks more industrial and a little shorter and longer but the 93s looks taller and skinnier and the welds seem to be different. Is this just a model difference and should I prefer one over the other?

The first is the 91 and the second is the 93... the front buckets just don't look the same.

 

[nspec]

9000 hrs. is getting up there for that tractor. I'd go for the lower hrs without a doubt.

 

[AKfish]

9000 hrs. is getting up there for that tractor. I'd go for the lower hrs without a doubt.

Unless the hour meter has been rolled over, or replaced, or just quit working...

The bucket on the '93 model looks identical to the bucket on a '79 310A that I used for 3-4 days a month or so ago.

Single wall at the top lip and those "unique" chain-cable attachment points on the corners.

Pretty interesting running one of those 'ol hosses and comparing it to my 110! I could count to at least "one thousand two" for the reverser to fully engage!

But when you get all that iron movin' in one direction - things happen! :thumbsup:

AKfish