backhoe

justintimemoto · August 15, 2009, 07:52:00 AM

im might be going to look at a backhoe for sale used w 2000hours its a cat 416d what should i look for? thank u

DanG · August 15, 2009, 11:52:19 AM

A way to get it home and a place to hide it from your wife? ;D 8) 8)

martinf · August 15, 2009, 12:43:30 PM

Yep, first what DanG said! Then:
solid hydraulic hoses, no leaks at cylinders, a strong pump (check by lifting the back hoe's back end up in the air with the digger bucket, then also by extending the hoe arm as far out as possible and then lifting it in the air), no unusualy noises in all gears at all speeds, leaky injectors....
a firm handshake and a solid look in the seller's eyes.....
~martinf

Gary_C · August 15, 2009, 01:09:42 PM

Quote from: DanG on August 15, 2009, 11:52:19 AM
A way to get it home and a place to hide it from your wife? ;D 8) 8)

Then you also have to hide it from your friends, relatives, and especially your kids.

And don't do work for others unless you have plenty of insurance.

John Woodworth · August 15, 2009, 01:59:42 PM

pins and bushings along with what others have said, understand one thing though being Cat. you will pay for the name when it comes to repairs.

scsmith42 · August 15, 2009, 03:22:25 PM

If you have the option, take a fluid sample from the engine, transmisison and hydraulic system, and send it in for analysis at a good lab (Cat has one).

416's are great machines and fairly late model, and 2000 hours is low time. The fluid analysis will give you a great idea of the condition of the internals (assuming that all of the fluids have not just been changed).

DanG · August 15, 2009, 03:52:32 PM

I have a question that might help Justintime, or anybody else that is considering buying a backhoe. I'd like to have one, but it would have to be a cheapie, like under $10,000. Most any machine in that range is going to have some issues, like worn pins, etc. The question is, what are the real dealbreakers? Like the things that would make you say something like, "I wouldn't have that SOB if you gave it to me!", or "That thing would cost more to fix than it is worth."? :P

zopi · August 15, 2009, 09:06:15 PM

Main pin where the main boom attaches to the chassis..look for excess movement when you lift the machine with the boom...not a big problem to replace, as it is a sacrificial part anyway, but at 2000 hours, will give you and idea of how often the machine has been maintained, those things last a long time if the machine is greased regularly, not so long if it has been run to death by the yard birds...

woodmills1 · August 15, 2009, 10:01:50 PM

I recently bought a 93 416B no IT but it is a beast. At the 15K I paid I can fix it.

justintimemoto · August 16, 2009, 10:39:00 AM

thanks i was supposed to look at it guy never called back so idk plus me and my dad were goin to split the payment but he will probably change his mind

shinnlinger · August 16, 2009, 11:15:20 AM

SOmething else you might consider is what is your primary use for a backhoe?

If I could only have one machine a backhoe would be fine, but a backhoe is a compromise machine. If digging is your main goal You can find mini excavators for under 10 grand that are solid machines and 3x the digger a hoe is. Being able to move the machine while sitting at the hoe controls is a huge plus.

A bobcat compliments a mini ex nicely for moving fill, but I don't see the screaming deals on them the way I see them on Mini ex's, so a cheap dumptruck might be a better thing to do. MIne was $400 and has served me well.

justintimemoto · August 16, 2009, 11:23:51 AM

well we would gert forks for it for work and do side jobs and stuff plowing in the winter...my opinion is a backhoes very use ful

ErikC · August 16, 2009, 11:42:24 AM

Replacing an engine or transmission is the dealbreaker for me. I rebuilt the hydraulic reverser in my JCB transmission this winter, and parts alone were almost $3000. Most won't take on that kind of DIY project, so add a bunch of labor. A little wear or slop in the pins is no big deal, and a lot of things can be welded on the Iron. But if you are going to have to do a major overhaul on a recent (last 20 years

) machine it may well go 5 digits. Should be a good ways off on a 2000 hr machine if it was maintained at all.

Georgia Boy · August 17, 2009, 10:55:13 PM

I bought a 416B with 2800 hrs. the machine had a perkins engine. The only money I spent once I had it for about a month was the bushings on the main boom were busted and they had to be line bored which was about $ 360.00. The perkins engine is great, as for the hydrautic's I had no problems. I've run Case, John Deere, and Cat, in my opinion the Cat backhoe is the Bull of the Woods. About the wife issue, I bought the backhoe and built my wife and children a swimming pool. I now have a really nice pool, the problem is I sold the backhoe to pay for the pool. Don't say it, I know I had issue's.
Take care. :-\

Magicman · August 18, 2009, 10:21:35 PM

Georgia Boy, Welcome to FF. Honesty will get you everything/nothing...... :D :D :D

What kind of bandmill are you looking at?

sjfarkas · August 19, 2009, 01:11:31 AM

I agree with shinnlinger a mini Ex and a skidsteer could be better. I personally hate backhoes and would rather run an Excavator anyday. I also think that an excavator would be better in the woods. Either way you go get a thumb. I couldn'tlive without.

cheyenne · August 20, 2009, 06:47:14 PM

I've got one for sale in the for sale section. 200 hrs on a rebuilt engine......Cheyenne

jim blodgett · August 20, 2009, 10:28:36 PM

What would be deal breakers?

If it were my one piece of equipment it would have to be 4 wheel drive - critical in the woods and very nice when lifting/transporting logs and lumber around the mill.