used compact backhoe/loader (was Re: [AT] Re: Off topic but greatreading ---- Somewhat back on topic

[Mike Sloane]

As an ex-New Holland tractor salesman, I can tell you that you aren't 
going to find much in that price range that will be in "ready to work" 
condition. You might find a compact diesel in that price range, but it 
will probably need $3000-8000 worth of parts and labor. If you can do 
the work yourself (including some serious welding), you might get away 
with half that amount. You can sometimes find older Case and Ford medium 
size (Case 430 or Ford 3500/4500) machines for around that number, but 
chances are very good that serious work will have to be done on the 
hydraulic pump, valves, cylinders, pins & bushings, and a fair amount of 
welding on the buckets. That is, if the tractor engine, clutch, 
steering, etc. is OK.

If I had a dime for every person who came into the dealership looking 
for a compact tractor with loader and backhoe under $10,000, I could 
have had free lunch every day. They may be out there, but I never saw 
one. We sold one 1710 that had been rolled over and looked pretty bad 
for $10,000, but the mechanics estimated that the list price of the 
parts alone (to make it whole and complete) would run to $6500.

That is what you are up against. I don't want to sound negative, Rob, 
but I think you are either going to have to spend more, do the work, and 
then sell the machine for not much less than what you paid, or be 
prepared to spend a long time reading Lancaster Farming and nosing 
around the back roads in your area.

Mike

Rob Gray wrote:

> That is true. I've been on this group since '95 I think (almost always a 
> lurker instead of a contributor). Every so often the off topic issue 
> gets argued about for a while and then it dies down.
> 
> I have a tractor question. I live on a piece of property that could 
> really use some heavy duty landscaping and rock moving and the like. I 
> rented a New Holland tractor last fall that had a backhoe and front end 
> loader, and that thing was awesome. It was exactly what I need around 
> here. Do I have any options that are in the reasonable range for getting 
> such a machine for less than say $7,500? I don't care if it is old or 
> new, I just need the front end loader and back hoe in a bad way...
> 
> Rob Gray
> NE PA
> 

-- 
Mike Sloane
Allamuchy NJ
Email: (msloane at att.net)
Website: <http://www.geocities.com/mikesloane>
Tractor images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>
Work: none - Retired!