I'm looking at a 1997 Cat 416C 4x4 loader backhoe tomorrow. Curious what are your thoughts about these machines? What should I look out for when inspecting it? The seller wants $25k for it and told me there are no issues with it except some of the hydraulic hoses are looking worn and need to be replaced. I'm not sure what the hours are on it but will find out tomorrow.
If you are not very well versed in heavy machinery, like me, HAVE someone go with you that is knowledgeable and you trust their opinion, even if you have to pay them for it. Hydraulic hoses are not cheap to replace and generally you do not replace them one at a time when they break because they generally have the same amount of use and after one goes, others follow quickly. hope this helps
416 c are probably one of the best cat backhoes ever made that said they do have there flaws such as the booms will crack up at the top about 10 inches back from the pin boss or the reinforcing inside the boom cracks and that's not really repairable It should have the updated swing cylinders at this point If the mounts on the steel lines that go to the valve manifold get loose they rub a hole in them The seals go out on the revolvers in the hydralic valves it's easy to replace the o rings on those not a big deal Really they are solid but they require a little attention
I'm looking at it this afternoon and will post an update. Hoping he'll accept an offer for $20k lol. What does it typically cost to replace all of the hydraulic hoses?