How to Find the Best Used Backhoe for Your Needs?

Answer 1

While a shovel is definitely cheaper and may be able to get the job done, there will always be times when more power is needed. Big jobs just can’t be done effectively without some extra digging power. In this situation, a backhoe is necessary. Purchasing a used backhoe saves the owner significantly on the investment. Knowing what factors to consider when buying a used backhoe can ensure that you end up with the best machine that money can purchase.

Check Reputations

There are some models that have better reputations than others. This is true whether your used backhoe is an older model or whether you are looking at machines that are still fairly new. The best way to determine which brands and models to avoid to ask several backhoe operators. This should give you the inside track on which machines are known to have specific problems in design and performance.

Know the Controls

There are three distinctly different types of controls that you will find on a used backhoe. The most common type is the kind that is used on Caterpillar machines. However, other brands use the same setup for their controls. There is also Case controls, as well as the JOHN DEERe configuration. If you are familiar with one type of control, it can be difficult to learn a new configuration, so always check the control setup before making a decision.

Determine a Price Range

The range of choices for a used backhoe will largely depend on what your particular budget is. A brand new backhoe runs around $80,000. If you are purchasing a late model used backhoe, you might save $10,000 off the showroom price. The more hours a machine has seen, the cheaper it will be. The older the machine is, the more of a discount you can expect to see. A used backhoe that is over ten to twenty years old, but still in working condition, may be found for around $10,000 to $30,000. It’s best to figure out what you can spend and then target your search parameters based upon what is available in that range. This will save both time and effort, ensuring that you find a machine that can meet your needs at a price you can afford.