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I've been on the forum lurking for a good while and some posts spooked me about getting parts for out of date tractors such as mine.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