Looking at a 580C

[wmonroe]

I've been looking on and off for a backhoe for a little while now and have come across a 580C for $8500. Talked to the owner tonight and he said he has owned the machine for 13 years, hoses are in good shape, tires about 75%, engine runs fine with no abnormal smoke, some rust but nothing abnormal for the age, he couldn't remember the hours (keeps it at his farm and couldn't look) but said they were low. All the guages work except the fuel guage.
Here is the quote from the ad:
"2 WHEEL DRIVE,FULL CAB WITH HEATER,RUNS GREAT,NEW BATTERY,COMES WITH 24 "& 12 "BUCKETS,GOOD TIRES."

I'm going to look at it on Sunday so will know more then. Does the price sound like it's in the ball park? Anything specific to look for?

Thanks for the help
Will

 

[TraderMark]

Will,
Check all the pins and bushings in the backhoe, but don't forget to check the ones in the loader too. People often get so tied up on checking the backhoe, they forget about the loader pins and bushings.

Try to drive the unit if possible until it warms up. So you can check the transmission operation.

Of course, check for leaking cylinders and leaks under the machine.

If its a later model 580C with the 207 diesel, and it really is in good shape, I think it's well worth the asking price.

Mark

 

[caver]

Look for cracks/welds in the loader arm pivots.

 

[Bigfoot62]

The price is reasonable, IF the machine is really in good condition.

My cousin and I went to look at one about 5 years ago. Talking to the guy on the phone, my cousin was convinced he had found "the one." On first observation, the "really good" tires were about to pop, the "tight" machine had enough slack in the boom to tie it in a knot, and the "clean and dry" tractor would spew hydraulic fluid every time you tried to move something. Oh, yeah, he had to crawl under it to shift the shuttle.

BTW, the machine that you're going to look at isn't near Pollock, Louisiana is it?