Looking to buy a backhoe loader. Ford 550 price?
- Thread starter Alexp08
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LD1
Epic Contributor
I said 3k hours because thats what you said it had in post #1
mguitas
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The 710 in my avatar was only 13,000.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Look for any cracks or repairs to the backhoe or loader booms. See how much slop is in the backhoe pins and bushings, especially swing. (with the backhoe tucked up like its ready to drive down the road), try to swing the bucket side to side by pushing on it. Look at the breather for the motor. Usually a hose coming off the valve cover and dumping out underneath the engine. Any excessive blow by or oil dripping out of it when running. In general just look for oil leaks and drips, and condition of hoses. Understand that a 4 year old 3k hour machine is gonna have some. But you dont want to see a quart size puddle under it after running for 15 min.
Raise the loader and backhoe, see if they hold or bleed down. USe the backhoe, loader, and outriggers to see if they all have enough power to raise the machine. Drive the machine. Does the transmission shift nicely? or do you have to fight gears? Any abnormal noises?
That is just a start.
If you arent comfortably mechanically, or never operated a hoe before, perhaps you should see if you have any friends that are knowledgable about backhoes and mechanically incline. Or even pay an independent mechanic $100 or so to go with you and look the machine over. And even if you cannot find a mechanic, or friend that has knowledge, I'd at least take someone. There is alot to look at on a machine. A second set of eyes may catch something that you overlook.
LD1
Epic Contributor
Good is subjective. 3k hours is better than 8k. But 2k is even better than 3k.
Point was, you are looking at probably a late 70's machine. Then mention 90's machines not being that much more money. All I am saying is, if the 90's machines (assuming 2wd) are 8-10k hours, IMO, I'd rather have the lower hour 70's machine any day.
Which brings me to something I forgot.....make sure the hours are accurate. I know there is no way to guarantee they are, but look at the hour meter / tach. Does it look newer than the rest of the dash.....red flag. Tach cable look new....possible red flag. Does the whole dash look newer than the rest of the machine....red flag.
IF everything looks kosher, and tach works, and hour meter ticks up when running.....odds are hours are accurate.
George2615
Super Member
Look at the filters to see if they are clean and new looking or maybe even dated when last changed. Check loader and backhoe pins for looseness and play. Check the clutch for slippage. Ask the owner if there are any service records and service manuals that come with it. Remind your Dad this is a 2 WD tractor not 4WD but it does have weight. I don't think you mentioned if it has a diesel or gas engine. That would make a difference in the price I'd offer. Here's some info on the 550.
TractorData.com Ford 550 backhoe-loader tractor information
TractorData.com Ford 550 backhoe-loader tractor information
jclaudii
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Hoses are a big one to check out, I have just a 3pt backhoe from the early 80s and it needs all new hoses. It could run almost 850 for all the hoses and that is with me doing the hose removal and install.
Other than what has been mentioned just look for oil and coolant leaks as the machine is ran and after running it. If a cylinder is shot it usually leaks a fair amount of oil while in operation. Keep us updated.
Other than what has been mentioned just look for oil and coolant leaks as the machine is ran and after running it. If a cylinder is shot it usually leaks a fair amount of oil while in operation. Keep us updated.
How difficult is the hose removal install? Does it require any special tools or knowledge? Or is it something that i could possibly do myself?
And my father has set aside about 10k for a machine after everything is said and done, machine, repairs, delivery, etc. So were kind of expecting repaira to nees to happen
