Are you looking for a loader backhoe for sale? It is important that you find one that is of high quality and suits the purposes you need it for; if not then you risk acquiring a piece of equipment that will only end up giving you a frustrating time. However, when you purchase the right loader backhoe for sale you will find that work will go easier than ever before. This article will give you a brief overview of new and used backhoe sales so that you will have the best chance possible of purchasing the right equipment for your needs.
The first step to finding the right loader backhoe for sale is to determine the model that will best suit your needs. You must also decide whether or not you even need a backhoe at all; another piece of equipment such as a small excavator or a skid steer loader may be more appropriate. In general, you will need a backhoe if the work you require of it will primarily be midrange digging and loading. You will need more power than the smaller machines will be able to provide, but it will be a less expensive purchase compared to the pricier excavators.
In order to help yourself determine which loader backhoe for sale you will need, first figure out how deep you will have to dig. If you will only have to dig holes that are roughly eight to ten feet deep, then you will probably make out fine with a smaller model. On the other hand, if you need to dig fourteen to sixteen feet deep holes, then you will probably require a full sized model. Since you will most likely be using this equipment to load dump trucks to carry off the dirt, make sure the model you purchase has a high enough lift height to do so effectively.
The next step to choosing the best loader backhoe for sale is determining which attachments you need. These days there are more uses for this equipment than ever before, but you will only have to set up your particular model for jobs that it will need to perform on a regular basis. If you are going to be using a large variety of attachments on your backhoe, then it will be a good idea to invest in an integrated tool carrier or a quick coupler.
There are several other important things to take into consideration when you are at new and used backhoe sales, such as choosing the right stabilizer, four wheel drive, four wheel steering, and cabs. If you will be driving around larger sized work sites, an automatic transmission may also be in order. Finally, remember that OSHA requires these backhoes to have the adequate protection from rollovers. Fully enclosed cabs are one such protective measure that must be taken.
So, are you still thinking about buying a a second hand backhoe? If so there is a few things to keep in mind. We've put together a short check list for items to keep in mind when going to buy a used machine.
One of the first things you can do is do an internet check on the make and model of the machine you are looking to buy. See what others have to say about these machines. Any machine or construction forum will have members who are quite knowledgeable about different machines and could very well put some light onto any questions you may have. Some questions would be about the brand and if there has been of a history of certain issues with that brand. Backhoes just like cars or pickups have years where maybe something new was added to the machine that didn't work out as expected or had serious break down issues. Other potential issues could be the make and model you are looking at has a history of having a difficult time obtaining parts or have a history of having to back order parts when needed.
Here's A Quick & Simple Checklist
When first taking a look at the machine, take notice of the serial number and plate. Make sure that it has not been tampered with and make a note of the serial number itself. You'll need this number to check for leins and such if you do decide to buy the machine.
Walk around the backhoe taking a good visual of the over all condition. Things like tire wear, engine leaks, hydraulic leaks. Just do a general overall look at it's appearance.
Check the oil level and coolant level, Take a quick look at the batteries checking for corrosion and age.
Check the boom, stick and front end loader framing for cracks or even painted areas.
Sit in the backhoe and get a feel. How's the seat? The steering wheel? The dash and other controls?
Start the backhoe up. Leave it idle to warm up. Look around the cab and take note of the hours on the hour meter. With the engine at an idle check the power steering and slighly move the hydraulics seeing if the engine lugs down or not. Check the gauges and warning lights.
Leaving the backhoe running, do a walk around and check for leaks of any kind. Check the exhaust and check for any blow by on the engine. Look for any drips of any kind anywhere on the machine.
Once satisfied climb back in and rev the engine up listening for anything unusual. If all sounds good try putting the backhoe in gear. Both forward and reverse. Take it for a run trying all the gears both forward and reverse. Check for front end play. If the backhoe has 4X4 make sure it engages and dis-engages. Keep a close eye on the dash gauges as well. Check the tempurature and oil pressures and make sure everything is running normal. If everything seems OK with the test drive, it's now time to put the backhoe to work.
Start by finding a place to do some digging. Put down your stabalizers. Make sure they have the power to lift the backhoe well into the air. Start digging. While digging under full force check for engine lugging and watch the exhaust once again. Be aware of any odors like hot oil or fumes. See about any kind of slop in the boom or looseness in the extend-a-hoe portion if it applies. See about slop in the buck pins also. By using max force you should be able to almost pull the backhoe backwards and then some. Once you have satisfied yourself with the digging end of things it's time to fill in the hole or trench you just dug.
When using the front end loader see about getting a full bucket of material and lift it as high as it can go. This is a good time to look for any kind of play in the loader arms or the bucket itself. If there is any kind of play or wear in the pins and bushings the bucket should flop slightly.
This kind of run and test should last close to 30 minutes. After you are completed your test, get out and check the machine while leaving it at an idle. Look for leaks around the pumps, around any hose fittings, around the engine, the transmission. Check for any wear under the buckets both front end load and digging buckets. Check for any smells like burned oil or hot hydraulic fluid. Notice any blow by.
This list is just a quick guide summary to what to keep in mind. You may have a few more things to add to this when trying out a used backhoe.
