Looking at buying a Case backhoe

[Larsonet]

I have a guy I work with building a rock retaining wall right now and was talking to him about buying his backhoe. It's a Case 580D Super D, 4x4, 1983, turbo, with an extendable arm and a thumb. It seems to work awesome. There is minimal slop in some of the joints, but most are tight. I dont see any major sign of leakage from any pistons, and it seems to hold fine when extended way out and rocks in the bucket. I noticed that the paint is faded, and the edges of the decals are peeling. The bottom edges of the cab doors have some rot, but otherwise it's in pretty functional shape. He said he'd sell it for 14k. Is this a good deal?

thanks
Eric

 

[sweettractors]

Eric, That sounds like a "real deal"--That will be a awsome machine with the 4x4. I paid $6500 for A old Case 580B with a Pintel hitch, Tandum axle tilt trailer. It has a Little slop in the bushings and performs excellent. I just completed digging a basement and footers for my Sons new home, in addition to digging a 1000 ft water access line to the construction site and only blowed 1 hose that was old and looked to be one of the originals. Case built a tough machine in those days.--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *New 3 Point Hitch Backhoes for Tractors 20 to 60 HP, Starting at $4300*

 

[theonlybull]

excelent price, those newer turbo'd cases motivated themselves much better then our old '70 580ck, but it's still one tough machine.

around here, any case hoe that runs, is worth $10K canadian

 

[sweettractors]

We have just recently made a business decision to gradually start adding used Backhoes,dozers,trenchers and Commercial type equipment to our product line. Seems like a lot of mid sized landowners/farmers would like to have a Backhoe or Small Dozer. The more I run these machines, The more I enjoy them /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif--Ken Sweet

Sweet Farm Equipment LLC *Used Farmall C Tractor Just Arrived with 2 row Cultivators $1750*

 

[wilajo]

I have an 84 case 580 turbo d set up like the one you are looking at. Early models used a case engine, later models sported a cummins. The case engine is known for leaking coolant around its press in cylinders and into the engine oil . Mine had that problem. Watch your oil color, and use an anti corrosion treatment in your coolant.
Regards,
Wilajo

 

[Larsonet]

Well, I got the wife talked into it and worked out a deal on the 580D. Only stipulation is he needs to find a replacement. He wants another 580, just newer. Hopefully he'll get something quick so I can get some work done before the ground freezes.

I looked the backhoe over better and asked some more questions. The injector pump was rebuilt a couple hundred hours ago. I guess thats a common expensive repair on these. There are three rams leaking, one that moves the backhoe left/right, a big one on the loader and one steering ram. The leaks are minor, but I'll take them off and repack them. There are a couple pins with what seems like minimal play, but I'm starting from ground zero on backhoe knowledge. I plan to replace them. Hopefully someone local can tell me if they were minor or majorly worn. Other than that, the ignition switch sticks everyone now and then.

He has a triple axle trailor he's throwing in for 500 more. It has all new tires, and all new brakes on all three axles. The decking is aged, and it's a little rusty.

If it works out, I'll have to invest in some literature on mainting these things. I'm not even sure where to go locally for parts...

thanks for the input.

 

[jmc]

How many hours does it have? I wonder why he wants a newer one unless the newer ones have more power, etc. I would have a Case mechanic look it over. Those parts are expensive. He might find something to give you more bargaining power.

 

[coopers]

Good for you. I hope that backhoe works out for you. I'm a big fan of case backhoes, they make very good machines. They've come a long ways and they're more powerful than ever! Keep us updated and share some pics. of it when you get a chance.

Blake
WA