EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
I paid $18,000 for my 1998 555E Loader Backhoe with less then 2,000 hours on it four years ago. It's 2 wheel drive with an open cab. I shoped around and didn't see anything cheaper that was in as good a shope with the hours on it. If I was to do it over again, I'd get 4wheel drive and a 4 in 1 loader bucket. I'd also have to spend allot more money, but think it would be more then worth it. I do all my own repairs and have put several grand back into it over the years. Sometimes it's my fault, other times, it's just basic wear and tear.
The older the machine, the more hours on it, the more money and time it will take to keep it running. There is a reason that the bigger construction companies buy brand new equipment for big jobs and sell it off when done. New equipment takes less work to keep it running.
If you plan on selling it when you are done, then the price you spend will come back to you if you buy right. Think of resale when you buy, not initial cost. Old iron can be hard to sell, especially if you break something on it while using it. Parts can be expensive, and/or dificult to find. Think name brand, major manufacturer.
Eddie
The older the machine, the more hours on it, the more money and time it will take to keep it running. There is a reason that the bigger construction companies buy brand new equipment for big jobs and sell it off when done. New equipment takes less work to keep it running.
If you plan on selling it when you are done, then the price you spend will come back to you if you buy right. Think of resale when you buy, not initial cost. Old iron can be hard to sell, especially if you break something on it while using it. Parts can be expensive, and/or dificult to find. Think name brand, major manufacturer.
Eddie
