Loader Ford Backhoe Serial Number

hbrarm · Feb 10, 2014

Hello,

A friend of the family has a Vintage Ford Backhoe for sale. I have not had the time to view the equipment. So I thought I would get preliminary information beforehand. I need to determine if it is worth buying to use on our farm.The family believes it to be a 1965 Diesel. They're not sure of anything else related to it, including the sale price. They did sent me a picture of the serial number.

The problem is: I don't under stand the serial number. The numbers appears to be prior to 1968. I have looked it up on several websites and have not found the correct combination.

Any information you can give me would be helpful.

T2411.71
C5NN4024Y
MH

First Number: The "T" may be a "1". I read that Ford used a "T" to represent a "1" in earlier models.
Second Number: Industrial Tractor with a back hoe attachment?
Third Number: ?

The HD-15 may be the attachment.

Thanks, Ricky

herringchoker · Feb 11, 2014

I think those are casting numbers. The production code/serial number will identify the model and build date. These are stamped on a machined surface on the right side of the bell housing just behind the starter. See this page:

FORD CODES and SERIAL NUMBERS

Soundguy · Feb 11, 2014

those ARE casting numbers.

how about look on the trans bellhousing flat AFT of the starter ( or if lucky, at the foil tag under the hood ).

both contain the sn, model ID and date code.

ford would have gone BROKE casting the sn and model id into each machine!

the numbers you want are hand stamped!

joecdeere · Feb 12, 2014

the "HD-15" was the 15' hoe used on mainly the 4500 TLB based on the 4000 series tractor. Should be a chain swing 4 lever control hoe, with a two lever loader control.
The loader will have a component ID tag #19-??? as will the hoe. The tractor main tag will be under the hood where it lifts up, and also stamped into the casing just to the rear of the starter mounting. A picture of the entire unit would help also.

should look something like this - https://www.google.com/search?q=for...2Fparts%2Fford_4500_backhoe_parts.htm;640;480

LD1 · Feb 12, 2014

Agreed about the casting numbers. We need the stamped numbers.

That HD-15?? is that the same as the 755 attachment? Or did they change model numbers somewhere in there. The google images of the hd15 looks just like the 711-753-755 backhoes that were on the them old machines??

joecdeere · Feb 12, 2014

it is, it was just a decal Ford used to make people think it was something extra heavy duty, (which it was in it's day)

they had three choices the 750=13', the 753=14' and the 755=15'
You will notice Ford was big on showy decals that didn't mean much in the 60's and 70's

LD1 · Feb 12, 2014

Okay.

But I think it is 750, 753, 755 being 10', 13', and 15'.

When I posted earlier I put 751,753,755 but that 751 was a typo.

joecdeere · Feb 12, 2014

now that I read that, you are correct, I left the Ford Dealership in 95, it's starting to fade a bit (like everything else!)

hbrarm · Feb 14, 2014

I can see that I came to the right place to get my thinking straight. We've scheduled a time this weekend to get some pictures and correct serial numbers.

Thank you very mucn for your input. We'll talk again soon when I have the info.

hbrarm · Mar 4, 2014

I have additional information on the Backhoe.I took a picture of the serial number located on the fly wheel housing. It doesn't seem to match the Ford serial number codes.

Over all the backhoe has been well used. You can see by the attached pictures.

Here is a recap of what I found.
Front loader: Bucket well used and loader arms are repaired in several places just above the hood.
Backhoe: No weld repairs, Bucket well worn. Uses a chain to swing the bucket.
Steering: It appears to have hydrolic steering. The steering wheel turns 3/4 turn before it tightens and starts to turn the wheels. I consider that a lot of play.
Hydrolics: Good shape except for 2 hoses located at base of backhoe. Showing signs of cracking. No obvious leaks
Tires: 25% tread left
Engine: Was not able to crank it due to a dead battery. I'll go back at a latter time to check the engine and hydrolics. The family said it was running well a month ago. It's been sitting since the owners death.
Brakes: Don't know if has wet brakes or not or the condition of them.
Hours Used: Don't Know.
Year: Possible 1965 to 1969.

I'm trying to determine if it would be worth purchasing, fixing up a little to do basic farm work.
Any Idea what it could be worth or what kind of trouble I'm getting myself into?