Price Check Ford 535A Backhoe

[Sfriend100]

Hello all,

I am in the need for a backhoe/front loader to clear off some acreage. I have found a Ford 535A locally for $6000.00. Looks to be in good shape. Looks to have a factory installed Backhoe, no PTO. No Cab or ROPS. I don't want to spend a lot, just need something to clear some paths across the land and clear a couple of acres of open area. Looks nice and heavy and good for what I need it for. Knock down over grown brush, small trees, dig up stumps, etc.

Thoughts! Guide me on this one.

Steve, GA

 

[Walkin Horse]

Nice 5 gal. tuneup. I would check it very carefully to see what leaking or spewing.

 

[Sfriend100]

Nice 5 gal. tuneup. I would check it very carefully to see what leaking or spewing.

Sounds good. Chesterfield, VA - I grow up there in the early years. Still have family in farmville and throughout VA.

 

[Walkin Horse]

I have a cousin that lives in Brunswick.

When I bought my hoe it was sitting on an auction lot dripping oil and fuel and the front tire was flat. I knew what needed fixed. I got lucky with mine and haven't had too much trouble. But I looked at some that had been repainted. One with the yellow pAint line on the ground around it.

Some years ago I had a horse for sale. I let my daughter paint his hooves with black and gloss. Fine for a show but when the lady walked up first thing she asked. Why are his hooves painted. What's it hiding. I stood there dumbfounded. So now when somebody comes to look I wait til they get there. Then we go catch the horse together. Bring him in and I or they can clean him up. But they see exactly what they are getting. No surprises and no questions that something's being hidden.

I guess some people try to pass it off as pride. But why would you wait right til you sell it to paint it. Keep up and maintained while you own it and show it in its work clothes.

 

[jacain]

We're in Chesterfield you at? I live off River in the Winterpock area.

 

[Wolfy]

Not everyone that paints an old machine to sell is trying to hide something.

 

[Walkin Horse]

We're in Chesterfield you at? I live off River in the Winterpock area.

I am at Second Branch.

 

[Walkin Horse]

Not everyone that paints an old machine to sell is trying to hide something.

I know they don't but it just seems a good sign for someone to be wary of. We weren't hiding anything when we painted the horses hooves but it made the potential buyer ask question. So I learned from that and don't do it anymore. I looked at a hoe that was sitting in a shadow of yellow paint. I can't say what all was leaking but I didn't stay around long to watch it drip.

 

[Sportsman762]

I would start it up and make sure there is no blowby on the engine. The backhoe on that unit is a side shift hoe, they are common in Europe but rare in the US. See how much play is in the loader and backhoe.
The bucket on the front appears to be a "snow bucket", they are good for moving light weight loose material like snow or mulch, however they will be destroyed moving dirt. There appears to be some sort of quick attach on the front loader.
The rear tires look worn, I would make sure they are not dryrotted.
The front loader has been patched, you can see the patch on the lower arm. On the front cowling there is an inspection panel missing.

As with any piece of equipment please inspect carefully. Make a check list and go through it when you are there. Determine what problems are automatic fails before you view the unit. I like to have a list of the cost of common parts that need replaced so I can negotiate if I find something that I feel needs repaired.

 

[RickB]

Not everyone that paints an old machine to sell is trying to hide something.

But to many of us, all give the impression that they are.

Which amounts to the same thing.