2WD or 4WD Backhoe for application?

Jado127 · Feb 17, 2015

Tried to bump this Q from 03 but was archived: first post for me

I'm looking at 2 different used JCB 1400B's for home use

Need a hoe for stump clearing mainly, also a few ditches, and moving a little dirt and not sure what benefit a 4x4 would have. I'm on flat land but very marshy and sandy and soft.
2 options:
1. Cheaper, more hours, full cab, extendahoe, 2x4
2. Newer with less hours, 4x4, but a few $K more

I'm leaning towards 4x4 but will drain my bank, however don't want any regrets. love the extended hoe option, not sure what a cab will do for me in VA. If anything good AC more important.

Any opinions or prior issues with JCB 4x4 issues appreciated.

Bob Bancroft · Feb 17, 2015

You mention marshy/soft. All the time? I'm wondering if a small track hoe would serve you better?

I upgraded from an older smaller backhoe 10 years ago. My criteria included- torque converter/shuttle drive, and extendable boom. Didn't even think about cab. It's a necessity here in NY! This Ford 655A cost me $11,000 some at auction. It was the only one there. Several newer four wheel drives were selling $23-25000.

I use every bit of the extendable boom for some of my ditches. The front end is so light, that the way I use it, I don't think front wheel assist would make much difference- that is- until now! With this current extraordinary snow situation, I could use some more traction.

Frank 41 · Feb 17, 2015

Like Bob said, with the extended boom, the front end is light. The 4x4 will give you more weight but you could leave the bucket full on the 2 wheel. I bought a Case 580 K 2 wheel, cab with heat, extend, not too bad except the converter is a little weak but good enough for me, and 4K+ hours. I paid $10K for it. I plow snow and tile work. I have buried cows for neighbor.

Super Trucker · Feb 17, 2015

I would have a 4wd hands down if the funds allow. A lot of work
was done by 2wd hoes also. Ran them both ways and the 4wd
was way better for working with the front. They all work about
the same in the back. Figure what you're needs are and buy
what you need.

Joe Blackeby · Feb 17, 2015

JCB.....run away.
Used two wheel rental for a month, (it was cheap) according to Boss.
Limited slip my butt. Run Forest!
I'm just saying.

markct · Feb 17, 2015

The place where 4wd is realy put to use is extensive loader work. I have a JD 210c that is 2wd and it does most anything I could ask of it and at less than 2/3 the price of anything 4wd from that vintage.4wd on a truck saves you many times in slippery situations to get unstuck. 4wd on a loader mostly just lets you dig better with the loader bucket. Its nearly impossible to get a loader backhoe stuck to the point you cant free it using the bucket and backhoe to push yourself free. Just last week I had to get a sap tank, old dairy tank, set in place down over a steep bank, used the backhoe to carry it and swing it in place. Couldn't drive back up the steep part over the side of the road, 4wd likely woulda done little as the front wheels barely touched ground it was so steep but easily pushed it up and back on the road with the backhoe. Don't get me wrong 4wd is convenient and handy, but not as crucial on a tlb as it is on a truck in the farm world

Pair-a-dice farm · Feb 17, 2015

It depends on what it will be mainly used. If loader work the 4x4, if backhoe the extend-a-hoe. A few years ago I bought a Terex 760 4x4 and extend-a-hoe for farm use. I would hate to do without either, but if I had to choose I would rather have the 4x4.

JD Seller · Feb 17, 2015

Well I would not own another backhoe without 4x4. If you use the loader much at all in soft ground the 4x4 will soon make a believer out of you. Also the front ends are heavier with the 4x4 so even the rear is more stable.

Now for the part you have not asked about. I would look for some other brand of Backhoe over a used JCB. They are not a bad hoe but your severely limited in parts availability. Not near as many if any after market parts are available. I would stick to Case, JD or Ford. These are the more common hoes and they are much easier to find parts for. You also have after market parts as well. This helps keep the OEM parts more in line.

Billy NY · Feb 17, 2015

One thing you should be aware of, in the conditions you describe, a rubber tire backhoe, will pump water up and turn a work area into a mess, and or get stuck. I can recall many times where you had just a few passes in areas like that, then water gets pumped up and its unworkable. Even with 4 wheel drive, these like to make ruts and stay in them. I've run many models of Case, Ford, Caterpillar, Deere, Dynahoe and even a few JCB's in backhoes and most with four wheel drive, some not, its nice to have in some conditions for sure.

G.Fields · Feb 18, 2015

4wd hoes are nice, especially when doing a lot of
loader work. Extenda hoes not so much in my opinion.
I would get what my bank account was comfortable
with. Having a 2wd hoe is not the end of the world.

Jado127 · Feb 18, 2015

Invaluable information guys.

Consensus seems to be for the 4x4 if I can afford it. I will be moving dirt at some point in land that's always boggy. I do wish the 4x4 had extended hoe option.

Lots of bashing on JCB. I expected some. Problem is i'd be paying $5k more for a comparable JD or Case. I run all Euro cars so have a plethra of metric in garage. Will have to fix issues as they arise.

I'm sure this is posted elsewhere in forum, but aside from basic working order, tires, hours, is there anything else folks check on used backhoe equipment? How do I check wear on hoe arm joints? Anyway to tell if hydraulic lines need replacing? ...

-James

Chris Jones · Feb 18, 2015

The cost of each one would have a lot to do with it for me-- several thousand difference is all you say. Are we talking 20k vs 23K or 8K vs 18k? I don't want to know but it makes a difference that only you would know.

Next thing only you can answer is your expected usage. If your doing stuff for you under no time pressure you can quit when it's too cold or hot so no need for a cab. Also kinda hard to justify a huge expense for occasional use.

4x4 on a loader tractor IMHO makes a world of difference because the back gets light and looses traction when the bucket is full. But before 4x4 became widely used people just heavily ballasted the back with all kinds of weights--I'd think a backhoe hanging off the back would kinda take care of that and you might find even a 2wd backhoe to be an effective enough loader.

Also consider how much maintenance each will need and how many things might go wrong with it. You might find a simpler, cheaper 2wd enough to do your work while saving you money. But if your like me make sure whatever you get is in good condition. I assume you're buying it to use vs buying it to have fun fixing all the things that are wrong with it.

HenryO · Feb 18, 2015

JCB= lots of down time. Had one once . I prefer 4 WD in almost any case. Extended booms mean extended digging time because of small bucket I prefer Case 580 but then that was in Florida where we were digging most sand. Check all the hydraulic hoses, filter etc. Can be expensive when you start replacing them.. Good luck

Blackhole49 · Feb 18, 2015

Primarily a loader, 4x4. Primarily a backhoe,
extendahoe. Ideally, both. Not familiar with
JCBs, but you hardly ever saw them with government
agencies. There must have been a reason.

Jado127 · Feb 18, 2015

Good Qs:

Primary use as a backhoe.

Difference in price is $3K between 2x4 with cab and extended hoe vs 15yr newer 4x4 with over thousand less hours.

I think the 2x4 fits my needs but 15yrs older is 15yrs older right?

I know the UK folks stand by their JCBs but I think they're doing more upkeep then average folks are doing on this side of the pond.

Can't thank you folks enough for the info and help. I did find a 580 nearby that I'm now considering.

1130Leo · Feb 18, 2015

I Have a 1400B 4x4, While I do wish it had the
extend a hoe, it has been a great machine for
me. Of course, buying it used, well, it was
used, had to fix a few minor issues. Worst was
blowing the seals out of one of the swing
cylinders, but even that was under $100.00 to
fix. Personally, Love the JCB, mainly because
of the Perkins Diesel, Very fuel efficient. Of
course, this is coming from a guy who prefers
Massey Tractors. I have other brands, but will
never own certain green tractors, had them as a
kid, they always were broke down and the repair
parts are always alot more costly than red
parts... Everyone has their two cents, a good
JCB IMHO, is a great find. Any brand backhoe
that is not maintained is a piece of junk.

MikeJM · Feb 18, 2015

For what its worth we run a 410 and a 310 John Deere with dourogrip chains year round on the farm, I've seen the 410 out push a 4 wheel drive Ford 655 in a leaf pile.

Part Time Pete · Feb 18, 2015

I was in a similar situation. I could get a 4x4 regular hoe for about the same price as a 4x2 extend-a-hoe. I went with the 4x4 and am glad I did. I need it a lot.
I got a Case 580 Super E, and I've had great luck with it
Pete

JD Seller · Feb 18, 2015

Jado127 A Case 580 is a pretty good hoe. They are about the easiest to find parts for. You can find used parts for them as well. The JCB would be harder to find parts for.

T in NE · Feb 19, 2015

4x4 helps when using the loader, and some in mud. What I found best for mud is tall skinny rear tires and the ability to balance it on the rear tires by extending the boom. I've drove a 555B around a 580 SM by balancing it on the back tires, so I could hook the front bucket with the backhoe and pull the 580 through the mud to trench in some field tile.

2WD or 4WD Backhoe for application?

New User

Well-known Member

Member

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

New User

Member

Member

Well-known Member

New User

Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Similar threads