I-400 worth?

[Rod Reidnauer]

Hello everyone. I'm new here, and it looks like there is a lot of knowledgeable folks on this forum, so I'd like to pose a question. I'm looking for thoughts on an I-400 backhoe/loader that I'm going to check out tomorrow. All I know so far is, the gas 4 cyl motor is frozen and missing the starter. Assuming that's the worst of it, what would be a fair offer. I hate to make an offer on blind faith that the hydraulic pump, tranny, etc may or may not work, but by the sound of opinions here regarding I-400's, it's hard to go wrong?

 

[SteveinCT]

Rod,

You have a big challenge. If this was just a tractor, no backhoe, you would say $800-1200 because it is stuck. With the backhoe, you can't tell what works and what doesn't. The Henry backhoe has parts you can't get thru normal channels, if at all. Plus transportation, which may kick your butt, depending on the distance. On the plus side, it's a strong combo when it is running well. Good luck,

Steve

 

[SteveinCT]

Rod,

You have a big challenge. If this was just a tractor, no backhoe, you would say $800-1200 because it is stuck. With the backhoe, you can't tell what works and what doesn't. The Henry backhoe has parts you can't get thru normal channels, if at all. Plus transportation, which may kick your butt, depending on the distance. On the plus side, it's a strong combo when it is running well. Good luck,

Steve

 

[Anonymous-0]

Since its a I-400, it should have the same motor as a d-14, or a series III d-10 (149 cu in). IMHO, one of the best engines ever built. As far as value goes, ask the man what he will take for it, first, sometimes you get pleasantly surprised, sometimes not. Then you might get the price down a little, cause the steel scrap price is about down to nothing, now. $1200 sounds close to right, Steve.

 

[WD Tom]

I suppose that fact that you would be getting a backhow counts for something, but I would consider a tractor with a stuck engine a "parts tractro" in valut. It might take a complete engine rebuild whcih could cost $1000 in parts along. And what else doesn't work that you can't tell about because it doesn't run?? It is one big question and you can't answer it. As I said, value is as a parts tractor because of the unknowns. Unless you put more value on it because you like it or want it, or whatever makes us buy something sometimes.

 

[Rod Reidnauer]

Update: I took a look and decided to pass. It was definitely more than just a stuck motor to contend with. It would require nearly a full restoration. And to boot, he was pretty set on asking $2250 for it.

I'll just keep my nose to the pavement.

Rod, in S.E. Pennsylvania