The Backhoe

Do you remember last fall when I described Bill's earth moving, and I told you his life would be perfect if he had a backhoe?

Well now he has one, and so his life is perfect. The thing is he likes to call it a "hoe" for short, and he likes to say that now that he has a hoe, his life is perfect. I've noticed that his friends of the male gender really yuck it up over that one.

Bill stopped by Pape Equipment in Wenatchee to see what they had.  Pape Equipment is a John Deere dealer.  Bill was most interested in a John Deere because he likes John Deere orchard tractors.  Pape had a 2WD 310C that looked pretty rough.  They also had a 410D that was a 4WD. Bill was pretty sure he wanted a 4-wheel drive backhoe, but it was more expensive.  After consulting with a contractor friend, Bill called the salesman and asked if the owner of the 4WD 410D would consider an offer $5000 less than was being asked.  The next day the salesman called to say the owner would accept.  So, we to make a final decision.

Fortunately, the area where Bill did the test drive included a muddy slippery slope where he could test the 4WD. Bill was thinking, "Hmmmm, impressive."

The salesman is showing Bill the thumb on the bucket and how you can take out the pin to disable it. The thumb is handy for picking up things.

When dumping the bucket, the thumb mechanism lifts to release. When scooping with the bucket, the thumb mechanism closes.

It has an extendable dipper stick also called an extendahoe. This allows for a longer reach.  Bill really didn't expect to find a hoe with all these amenities.  Plus, it has a "heavy lift" option with stronger hydraulics for more lifting capacity.

Testing the lift.

Our mechanic, Alex, helped Bill make an assessment before purchasing. Here they're testing the wheel bearings, ball joints and tie rods.

Another wheel  test.

Checking the pins for wear.

Bill is testing the bucket. When Bill finished, Alex gave him the thumbs up sign. This backhoe passed all the tests, and we finalized the deal.

The first job will be down at our Chelan Falls block where it will be used to set end posts and anchors for the new planting. Hopefully by the time that job is completed the county will have lifted the weight restrictions on Boyd Road, so we can haul it up to the Gilbert block. We'll use it to install a septic and drain field system for the bathroom at the shop. Then we'll haul it back home to dig a ditch and install a pipe for an irrigation line to our property. Water at our house. I can't wait to tell you about that!

I want to learn how to use the backhoe. If Bill gets too big for his britches, it might come in handy.