Thoughts on a Woods back hoe...

RickB · Jul 27, 2005

Hey, IDF. You may recall reading that I am not a big fan of Woods equipment. But they certainly make a decent backhoe. They used to OEM backhoes for Kubota, not sure if they still do. If you don't have a ready need for it, it should be marketable for sure. I will let you decide about the legal end of it.

MichMan · Jul 27, 2005

I have a 750 Woods Backhoe, and love it. I picked mine up for $400, which is a great deal. It is a 3pt mount, and I have had no problems with it. Make sure you're lift arms are rated for about 2,000 pounds, and always use the stabilizer pads to reduce torque on the top link...MM

KiotiJohn · Jul 28, 2005

I think you're getting the idea as to what the hoe is. Woods makes many variations on backhoes, often designed for specific tractor models. I would think this hoe is made for a pretty large tractor as most CUTs require subframe mounting to avoid ripping out the rear end of the smaller-framed machines.
Now, I know that Kubota does offer some 3pt hoes for some of their models, but most, such as my Kioti, specifically recommend against, and do not warranty the use of a 3pt. hoe.
Woods does indeed make very good backhoes. I've used several of them and have always been admiring of the construction and smooth operation. Their newer 4pt mounting system is awesome, providing really great structural rigidity and a fair change over time.
As someone else stated, no way I'd use one on my smaller tractor. The subframe model can make it dance. I couldn't imagine that stress on my hitch alone.
John

Indydirtfarmer · Jul 28, 2005

OK... I've already considered the "legal" aspects of the deal. (I recently went through an estate "battle" with a sister over my parents estate...BTDT) The brother AND the sister (who is exec. of estate, and has P.O.A.) agree on trading the hoe for "services rendered". As Kentucky law allows, they have already dispersed about 80% of the cash assets of the estate. (I'm not sure that was such a good idea, but it's not MY decision to make) Now they find themselves in the predicament of having to maintain the property until it's dealt with (sold?) They would MUCH rather trade off remaining equipment than ante up cash to cover expenses. Brother admitted yesterday that he has the 3 tractors, and much of the equipment that was left in the barns. He will be deducting their appraised value from his remaining portion of the estate. (All assets, including tractors were already appraised at one point. That was done by a local auctioneer who is "up" on the values of the equipment) The hoe was appraised at $3750 (used) They know what it's potentially worth, but only want to get the value of mowing for the remainder of this summer.

IF... the property remains in their hands NEXT summer, there is a low-houred Case 350 'dozer still in the barn. They have already offered that as trade for ONE YEARS mowing services. ( Less than 500 hours, hydraulic tilt/angle blade, logging winch on rear, full R.O.P.S.. Sure like to have THAT TOO!)

I'll get "everything in writing", and have both concerned parties sign off on the trade.

(It looks like the property will become a sub-division in short order. Offer on the table from 3 different developers, far in excess of estimated value of property. Land was bought in 1960 for $31,000. Top offer currently at $2,175,000. )

GeneD14 · Jul 28, 2005

( IF... the property remains in their hands NEXT summer, there is a low-houred Case 350 'dozer still in the barn. They have already offered that as trade for ONE YEARS mowing services. ( Less than 500 hours, hydraulic tilt/angle blade, logging winch on rear, full R.O.P.S.. Sure like to have THAT TOO!)
)

I need to get in the unsettled estate mowing business!!! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Clyde · Jul 28, 2005

Indy - Congratulations on landing one heck of a good deal. You are getting and excellent Wood's backhoe and possibly a Case dozer if the property doesn't sell. It sounds as if the brother is rethinking his greed and hopefully the two can get on with life. It also appears that you have all of your bases covered as far as the legalities. Best of luck to you with your new "toys".

Clyde

Tom_H · Jul 28, 2005

( OK... I've already considered the "legal" aspects of the deal. I'll get "everything in writing", and have both concerned parties sign off on the trade.)

Excellent!

kensfarm · Jul 28, 2005

All the neighbors are going to be wondering why you're smiling so much! Does the brother currently farm? Maybe he knows how well his Dad took care of the equipment(barn stored).. that's why he snatched it up.

Any of those 59 acres worth haying?

Indydirtfarmer · Jul 28, 2005

( All the neighbors are going to be wondering why you're smiling so much! Does the brother currently farm? Maybe he knows how well his Dad took care of the equipment(barn stored).. that's why he snatched it up.

Any of those 59 acres worth haying? )

The brother owns a small construction company. He lives on 3-1/2 acres. He impressed me as the type that wouldn't dream of getting dirty. I don't know what he plans on doing with "dads tractors".

And as far as "hay ground"? I mowed 25 acres of it earlier this evening. (Orchard grass/alfalfa mix)

Indydirtfarmer · Jul 30, 2005

(

Indy, I'd take the hoe and have her sign invoice in case something happens like Tom stated. You could always give it back slightly used and get your pay for cutting (before giving hoe back /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). )

Hoe Hoe Hoe, MERRY CHRISTMAS.... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Well, I'm now the proud owner of a Woods model 750 back hoe. We finalized the deal this morning. There was some last minute bargaining from both sides. I gave a little, and I got a little in return.

I get the hoe, with a "bill of sale" signed by the owner/executor of estate/P.O.E. and her brother. (The only other heir involved) It was drawn up by their attorney. It lists several items. (1.) The Woods #750 hoe, (2.) A (VERY well built) home-made log splitter, (3.) the Case 350 'dozer, (4) A Miller wire-feed mig welder, (4.) New Holland 273 baler and #256 Roll-a-bar hay rake. (5.) Danhueser (sp?) PTO post hole digger, with 6",9",12" , and 18" augers.

I agree to maintain the property at $60 per hour, until $4500 worth of services performed. (I've done almost $2500 already this summer, for which I've already been paid) This SHOULD cover all work until the end of next summer.

I'll sell the baler, PHD,log splitter, and welder. I'll keep the rake, the 'dozer, and the back hoe.

I'm figuring after expenses, and after selling baler/welder/PHD, I should have less than $500 out of pocket.

I'm happy, they're happy, we're all happy! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif