First decision: CUT vs construction backhoe

[rScotty]

I paid $12k for it delivered to my property. It needs wiring and has a few leaky cylinders. Some hoses are new, some will need to be replaced. Parking brake needs help.

Well, just judging from the photo it looks lke a decent deal. Congratulations.
It only takes some wrenching to turn one of these older commercial hoes into a great homeowner machine. The price gives you a lot of upside & still be able to do OK costwise.

Wiring is usually no problem for a guy with average mechanical ability. It pays to invest in good batteries right from the start.
Cylinders are real simple and kits are available....depending on which one they are. The backhoe cylinders are the heavy ones. Generally that will take a block and tackle capable of lifting an engine out of a car - or another tractor.
Most rural areas have a one-man hydraulic shop somewhere within 50 miles. I find that they can do the cylinder work as cheap as I can put in a kit.

Our JD310 4x4 is approx. the same machine. And I sure do use the parking brake a lot. On the JD they are difficult to get to. But Case is well-regarded among mechanics for having mechanic-friendly design.
You won't go wrong to get a full parts manual, ops manual, and of course the shop manual. Ebay is a surprisingly good source. I like my computer, but prefer printed manuals in spite of the price.

What's the first job? How is the engine?
rScotty

 

[Industrial Toys]

I just hope you spent enough. In my experience, it's always good to spend more on used stuff like that, than the cheapest machines out there, that you will end up paying dearly for. In endless repairs, parts, downtime and frustration. Hope you got lucky though, and got a good one. It can happen.