Looking to buy a used backhoe. What to be aware of?

[Gary Fowler]

I am looking to buy a used backhoe like a Kubota B21 or similar sized one. What are some of the things to look for related to wear and tear of the hoe. I have never had a backhoe and about the only thing I have heard to look for other than cylinder leaks is looseness in the swing. Any thing else one should look at?

 

[Gary Fowler]

Hard to believe that with all the back hoe owners here, no one has any idea on what to look out for when buying a used one. For example, did any of you do anything with yours that you regretted afterward due to minor stress or damage. Any particular wear points one should look for on high use machines or rental machines? Any stress point on the attachment brackets that need to be closely examined?

 

[Jim Miller]

A year ago I bought a used Kubota L39 with 800 hrs that had been in a rental fleet with a business a few miles from my house. I had checked and re-checked used prices across the country and felt like the owner was giving me a fair deal. He was also the local Kubota Dealership. I rented the backhoe for a weekend and put 5 hours on it and found a few minor things and he agreed to fix them plus a complete fluid and filter service and give me a 90 day full warranty.

Look for leaks on all hydro. fittings and connectors. Check for leak-down and steady movement throughout all ranges. Look all the hoses for dry rot and cracking. Check every inch of the backhoe frame for recent welds or newly painted areas. Does all the wear and tear seem consistent or do you have anything that just doesn't look right. When you stop the side-to-side and up-down swing - does the arm jerk excessively? All hoes will have some movement - especially if extended (you'll know excessive when you see it). Are the zerk fittings in good shape and does it appear that the hoe has been greased regularly? If the zerks are dry - move on - that hoe has not been serviced by the owner. Backhoes need lots of tender loving GREASE!

If you aren't experienced with a backhoe - bring someone who is and let them operate it.

I absolutely love my L39 and don't regret my purchase. It's a great machine!

Good Luck!

 

[LD1]

If you aren't experienced with a backhoe - bring someone who is and let them operate it.


Good Luck!

That is the best advise.

You need to check ALL the pins and bushings to see if there is any excessive slop anywhere. NOT just the swing. It is a major job and expensive when you start replacing worn pins.

Take a few rags with you, wipe off excessive grease build-up on the BH and look for cracks.

Look at the cylinder rods. Check for pitting/rust.

Look for any repairs/welds. They all will eventually break, but do they look like good repairs or a hack job.

Check the slop in the controls themselves. Wether 2-stick or 4-stick, sloppy controls are a bear to operate.

Leaks. Any oil soaked areas on the BH? Cylinders are easy/cheap to rebuild either.

Good luck

 

[Gary Fowler]

Thanks guys. I just knew someone would have some advice.