Backhoe Too risky to invest in a backhoe on a 1980 IH 284?

[Gitche Gumee Kid]

Several projects have arisen where I could use a backhoe( that I've always coveted )

Question: Is my 1980 IH (model 284 4wd diesel ) too old to risk investing in a major investment such as a woods 7000 bh (or equivalent )?
I am the only owner of the IH. Always stored in the pole bldg. only 600+ hours on the meter.In A-1 shape & operating condition.
I'll try to post a photo. ( click on thumbnail to enlarge )



GGK

 

[murphy1244]

:welcome: to TBN

 

[murphy1244]

Maybe renting is better unless you just want a BH.

 

[J F]

What would be the "risk", if you could sell the B/H if it didn't work out? A bit of $, of course. You can always sell it (at a loss, of course).

Hopefully someone with some real knowledge can tell you how much of a "loss" you might experience over a certain time frame, and then you can judge if the "risk" is worth taking.

Cheers and good luck.

 

[Soundguy]

my 1955 ford 850 has your 284 by 25 years

I have a woods 6500 on mine. digs great. made my own semi-sub frame for it.

 

[murphy1244]

Looking good Sound Guy.

 

[Gitche Gumee Kid]

Looking good Sound Guy.

<==========================0======================================>

Murph,

Appreciate the welcome.

I've been on the forum lurking for a good while and some posts spooked me about getting parts for out of date tractors such as mine.
Here's a sample post --->

02-28-2012, 01:54 PM #13
beb91
beb91 is offline
New Member

Join Date
Feb 2012
Posts
4
Location
Lafayette, La.
Tractor
IH 284 gasoline

Default Re: IH 284

Yeh, an orphan of some sort. I'm with you on that note! Parts, if you can find any are priced higher than marine or recreational vehicle parts. Messicks fenders for the 284 are $8000.00 per fender. MY GOD, come on now. A carb is $350.00 and I'm not sure if it's new or rebuilt. Probably rebuilt. I just don't understand why this tractor is so unique as it relates to service and parts. I realize they are over 30 years old and probably not too many left in existance anymore but still. What kind of engine oil pressure does your 284 operate at? Mine has an after market oil pressure guage on it thats showing me between 15 and 20 pounds. Does this sound normal?

THus my question about risk

GGK

<

 

[Soundguy]

350$ for a carb is inline with some of the ford stuff I play with.. at least the 000 series. I also have orange tractors with carbs that cost hundreds. even the bsic fords have 150$ carbs in todays money.

i'm still not quite clear on your issue of getting a backhoe for the tractor, conditional on the tractors parts supply.

if the thing broke down the day you bought the hoe... just get another tractor. it's not like once you bolt it on.. it's permanently mated and can NEVER be removed...???

 

[rmorey]

I agree with Soundguy, there are always more tractors if yours craps out. If you need a hoe, then get one and do the projects. There is something lacking in watching a hired gun do your work. Besides, "life's too short to drink cheap wine" and once you die you're dead forever! Get the hoe!

 

[J F]

i'm still not quite clear on your issue of getting a backhoe for the tractor, conditional on the tractors parts supply.

if the thing broke down the day you bought the hoe... just get another tractor. it's not like once you bolt it on.. it's permanently mated and can NEVER be removed...???

Sounds very familiar...almost like a post or two above. :laughing:

 

[murphy1244]

Sounds very familiar...almost like a post or two above. :laughing:

your a funny guy.:laughing:

 

[J F]

You're a ......

Yeah, I am.

 

[kneedeep]

I had a similar decision on a 03 Mahindra 3510, really need a hoe for many reasons. Lots of advice to just buy a used backhoe or small excavator. I looked at several priced from $8-15 K and most looked like they were on their last leg. Most of the hoes were old rentals and had enough slack to need rebuilding, some would not even crank without a shot of starter fluid or jumping off. Some had fresh paint and new seats with clean oil.
I decided since my tractor at 500 hrs (bought it new) would probably last me a LONG time and I would onlyhave the one tractor to maintain, a new Mahindra 509 Backhoe / subframe (installed by dealer) was ordered 4 weeks ago with a 2 year warranty for less than the worst unit I looked at would have cost me after fixing what was obvious to me. Who knows what would have to be done that could not be seen.
Buy a new backhoe to fit your tractor and keep taking care of it like you have been and I bet you won't regret it!

Just my :2cents:worth!!

 

[Soundguy]

Sounds very familiar...almost like a post or two above. :laughing:

well.. kinda.. the removal part. your post #4 said he could sell the hoe if the tractor died. my post said he could get another tractor if the tractor died.

both ential removal of the hoe.. so in that respet.. / that part of the message is similar..e tc.

 

[pane056]

Hello; That's a nice tractor. We had a 284. 2 WD gas. Used it with back blade and trailer hauling.
I did not know they came in diesel and 4WD. I bet those are few and far between. We traded ours in on a
JD 3320 4WD cab. I sure hope the 284 has as good of a home now as it did here.

As for you backhoe. I'm with the other guys. Go for it. It's only money and it won't go with ya.

 

[Soundguy]

and they don't seem to drop terribly in value either... used, well maintained 'hoe' generally stay at 80% of new value... at least around here anyway..

 

[1SgGerald]

350$ for a carb is inline with some of the ford stuff I play with.. at least the 000 series. I also have orange tractors with carbs that cost hundreds. even the bsic fords have 150$ carbs in todays money.

i'm still not quite clear on your issue of getting a backhoe for the tractor, conditional on the tractors parts supply.

if the thing broke down the day you bought the hoe... just get another tractor. it's not like once you bolt it on.. it's permanently mated and can NEVER be removed...???

 

[1SgGerald]

Don't do it, repair parts for your 284 are hard to find, if none avaliable.