Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire New Holland 655D Backhoe - 1995 - Value opinion. Thanks

Cash, take a close look at the swing barrels. You mentioned one was dripping already. The 555E I had showed some wear on the flange nut that holds the seals. The holes meant for a spanner wrench were buggered. If someone has been chasing a leak and damaged the nut, it could lead to a problem. Not a deal breaker, but something to look for. If I thought the previous owner had tried and failed to fix a leak there, I'd be trying to knock a grand off the price. In 2022 parts and labor prices, maybe 2k. Good luck.

Cash, did I miss your evaluation of the pins and bosses on the loader and hoe?
IMHO, those are right next to hydraulics in importance when evaluating a used piece of equipment.

My backhoe is a 1974 Ford 7500 model and still works when needed. We've sure done a lot work with that old machine, including setting 50' barn trusses 24' high at the peak. Hardly ever use it anymore but I can't imagine why I'd ever sell it.

Value, $ 15k to $25k depending on condition, past useage and hours.

The 4X4 front axle is a wonderful option in your steep terrain, but examine the 4x4 drive train carefully. Part are available but very expensive. Check all oil seals for axle center, drop box, and planetary hubs. Open fill plugs and examine the oil. Sometimes owners will cure a leaking seal by pumping grease into the compartment, instead of the specified gear oil.

A 655D uses a 4 cylinder version of the bullet proof 3, 4, and 6 cylinder diesels that are used in millions of Ford agricultural and construction machines from 1965 till the early 2000's. Parts, including good quality, reasonable cost aftermarket parts are widely available.

Summary...

$20k is the price... I am having my mechanic give her a hard look at... and will buy if all checks out like I suspect it will. Use here on the Bay for some projects (stand up a barn, prefab some WV cabins "flat walls" and load on a trailer and stand up there)... make sure she is right and tight here 3 -15 months (haul to WV in the spring of '22 or '23)... if anything disappoints cut her loose here and try again.

$20k should be in and out money I reckon... +/- $3k

Thanks for the opinions guys...

That sounds reasonable for this day and age.
I hope it checks out fine for you.