Ford 550 backhoe, opinions needed

[47sawdust]

I am looking at a 550 Ford backhoe,1978 model hours are question mark.It is fully functional and has been used the last 5 years as a snow removal machine for personal use.Asking $5k.Full cab,lights,block heater,radio,working brakes.Intended use by me is for home use only,woods road improvement,sawmill,firewood,etc.
What do you all know about this vintage backhoe?
Thanks for your time.
Mick

[Holmes]

 I always wanted a backhoe until I rented a small excavator.  Does not sound  [or look] bad for the money.

[sandsawmill14]

i have a 555 ford either an 89 or 90 model (i forgot)  i built a set of forks for it works great around the mill and for fixing culverts and stuff around the farm. if the machine  your looking at seems well maintained and in good working order i would go for it at that price we gave about 4x that for ours

[North River Energy]

Have done a bunch of work on the earlier ('72?), larger 6500.  Nice machine, good parts support from local Case/IH New Holland dealer. That tractor, and the 550 appear to have the same hind end as my '86 545 utility.
One perceived advantage of the Ford construction machines is the long production run of parts shared with with the AG division.
If the hoe uses a swing chain rather than bar link, bear in mind that it's expensive from the dealer, and the aftermarket version may be soft as a slice of American Cheese.

Which engine/transmission?
Check the condition of the hoses, and bear in mind that they often use JIC on one end, with SAE o-ring on the other.  I think Ford is also fond of using 5/8 hose and fittings rather than 1/2 or 3/4.

[ozarkgem]

IF its a good working hoe 5K is not to bad. I looked at a several hoes for that price range that needed another 5K spent on them and they would still be worth only 5K when I was done. You will likely be able to get your 5K back at any time. I don't have any experience with the Ford hoes but I do like Ford tractors.