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gwece 10-08-2009 08:25:24 74.84.118.226 85926 Report to Moderator	I am looking to upgrade my old IHC backhoe to something a bit newer and more dependable. Unit will be used for farm use only. I would like to spend 10K to 20K. I am kind of drawn to the Case 580 but am open to anything. Would like to hear some comments from those of you that have experience and knowledge with hoes. Would you go for the extendahoe and 4WD? (I know that may stretch my budget). Also on the Case machines can someone explain the differences between the model designations like the 580E and 580K! Thanks! gwece [Reply]   [Send Email]
kyhayman 10-13-2009 19:58:37 75.104.128.54 86004 Report to Moderator	Re: Used backhoe recomendation? in reply to gwece, 10-08-2009 08:25:24   Have you considered a skid loader and backhoe combination? Thats what I use, Case 1845C with a NH B414 backhoe attachment. The combination cost less than 10,000 though I shopped hard for both. While I cant run with a regular backhoe day in and day out, around the farm the backhoe does everything I need. Plus a skidloader is the cats meow to move hay with.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Phil in Pa 10-10-2009 17:50:17 96.61.6.141 85966 Report to Moderator	Re: Used backhoe recomendation? in reply to gwece, 10-08-2009 08:25:24   Over the years I've run the 580B, D, E, and M. I think they're great machines, you should be able to get a decent E in your price range for sure, not sure what the M's and Super M's go for used. Extend a hoe is nice but it is a luxury, not necessary by any means unless you load a lot of trucks with the back end. Same with 4x, it's great for plowing snow, and front bucket work in general. I would take a 2WD hoe, but it would have to be a good deal. A good operator can do the same work with a 2WD hoe, it's just not as efficient. I plowed snow for years with a 2WD 580D.   [Reply]   [No Email]
gwece 10-10-2009 06:21:45 74.84.118.226 85957 Report to Moderator	Re: Used backhoe recomendation? in reply to gwece, 10-08-2009 08:25:24   Thanks to you all for your comments! gwece   [Reply]   [No Email]
Ray 10-09-2009 12:55:00 76.2.67.141 85943 Report to Moderator	Re: Used backhoe recomendation? in reply to gwece, 10-08-2009 08:25:24   I have a 480E i have used on the farm for 10 years.It's a great hoe,easy to operate with the cummins engine that runs great.It's a little lighter than the 580 series,but it will do anything you want.I don't have 4x4,don't see any need for it.If it's that wet i don't dig.The E series only has one rear boom cylinder,the 580 series has two.I like it better that way,you don't have to lean sideways like on the 580 series to see your bucket when you dig.   [Reply]   [No Email]
scot in pa 10-10-2009 06:31:00 12.171.162.28 85958 Report to Moderator	Re: Used backhoe recomendation? in reply to Ray, 10-09-2009 12:55:00   We used to put in a lot of field tile. And we did a lot of site work for the gas company. Didn't have much choice about getting around in the mud.   [Reply]   [No Email]
scot in pa 10-09-2009 07:35:01 12.230.241.217 85940 Report to Moderator	Re: Used backhoe recomendation? in reply to gwece, 10-08-2009 08:25:24   We had a 555 A and B Ford, and now have a 580 Super M Case. The Case is too heavy, especially with those big wide tires. And the skid loader tires on front are worthless, you will blow the beads right out over the edge of the rim if you are sitting on a stone or something. Long before you max out the lift. 4x4 helps quite a bit while scooping. as you roll the bucket in and lift it plants the front wheels pretty well. The Ford was top-of-the-line til the M series Case came along. For the power they have A LOT of capacity. ANd they are built like a car, this, then this, then this goes on it on the line, and to get to part A, you may have to remove parts B,D,E,G, and L. Be prepared for stupid things while working on them, like removing the fuel filter bases to pull the starter. If you have wet ground the Ford would be the way to go, and the extend-a-hoe is very much worth it. As long as there is something solid under the mud, you can stretch the hoe out til you are balanced on the rear tires, and walk it about anywhere. One thing to watch, the last of the B series Fords were actually early C series machines with some minor cosmetic differences, and you have to order parts for a C series for them. Our B was one of those machines. If you can spring for the clamshell bucket, that is also quite handy. I wouldn't be without a machine that didn't have one. If we get another skid loader it will get a clamshell bucket too.   [Reply]   [No Email]
Bob Bancroft 10-08-2009 23:34:25 72.173.160.50 85938 Report to Moderator	Re: Used backhoe recomendation? in reply to gwece, 10-08-2009 08:25:24   I have a Ford 655A X-hoe. I bought it for the reach, and I use every bit of it for some of the deep ditches I have to maintain. I've never had 4x4. There's typically so little weight on the front end that the only time it would appear to me to be of value is backing up out of a hole with a full bucket. The bigger issue for me for farm use is how heavy the machine is. You just have to be careful where you go. One local farmer had duals on his JD hoe full time. I guess only you can decide what capabilities/options you need. I have a 2 foot trenching bucket and a 4 foot ditch cleaning bucket. I think your inclination of Case is probably a good one. Best of luck!   [Reply]   [Send Email]
AJ. 10-08-2009 13:54:03 195.93.21.97 85931 Report to Moderator	Re: Used backhoe recomendation? in reply to gwece, 10-08-2009 08:25:24   I am in the repair business and deal with a lot of owner drivers,my choice would be the Case 580SK 4x4 extendahoe with 4 in 1 bucket,the 580SK is much better than the series 1 K that had the Borg Warner shuttle,better transaxle as well plus oil immersed brakes,no hi tech electrics,a good relieable engine and most repairs can be done by yourself,the main thing to look out for is play in the swing tower,check all the povit joints for play,see that it spins the wheels when pushing in first gear and you wont go far wrong. Good luck AJ   [Reply]   [No Email]