John Deere 8A Backhoe Value?

C1carrier · Jun 6, 2018

I recently purchased a 1986 JD 850 with 75 loader. Been looking for a backhoe for it for a few weeks...hard to come by especially locally. Low and behold, a JD 8A (1991) showed up in the local paper. It appears to be in average condition, however it is missing the lower frame that runs below the tractor. Does anyone have an idea of the value of the BH w/o the frame? Is this frame available to order anymore? The BH is listed for $3k.

rScotty · Jun 6, 2018

I'd guess that means there's a good chance that somewhere nearby there's another compact JD that has an attached subframe but no backhoe. I wonder if the owner of the hoe knows where that other JD is? Or maybe the local dealer knows.

Little hoes are nice. I had a very similar size 3pt mount Wood's backhoe for my compact tractors during the 90s, used it for many years, and was glad to have it.

I remember those JD backhoes as being rather surprisingly light duty as compared to other makes, so you need to carefully check that the controls work right and that the bushing/pin wear for all the moving parts is acceptable to you. $3000 seems to me to be a premium price for such an old hoe so it should be nice. I saw there's an operators manual for that hoe on ebay.
Let us know how it turns out.
rScotty

paulfun9 · Jun 7, 2018

Too bad you don't live closer to me I have a factory Sub-Frame for a JD 855 Hoe sitting out back that I have no need for and would be willing to sell.

C1carrier · Jun 11, 2018

Does your subframe work for an 8A to an 850? I’m gonna need the subframe, mounting kit and power beyond kit. I’m a new JD owner, so any pointers would be much appreciated!

C1carrier · Jun 11, 2018

I offered her $1500 and she took it...now I need to find subframe, mounting kit and power beyond kit. I feel it might be tough to get those in the near future. Any suggestions? Are there any equipment salvage yards out there that might have what I need?

paulfun9 · Jun 12, 2018

C1carrier said:
Does your subframe work for an 8A to an 850? I’m gonna need the subframe, mounting kit and power beyond kit. I’m a new JD owner, so any pointers would be much appreciated!

My understanding when I got the sub-frame was it would bolt right on to an 855 and 955 and would accept any of the JD backhoe's of the time. As to if it would work on an other tractor I wouldn't know.