I was doing some seaching around for a newer than our backhoe and was thinking that a 580K would be about what we where wanting to spend. After looking online at a few we decided we should look at a local 580K for sale, turned out it was a higher hour hoe but had 4x4 e-hoe and was 16,000cnd. We where going to buy this machine but it was sold before we could by it. My question is, should I keep looking for a machine that's in that price range or pool some money with my Dad and look for a newer machine like a super L?
Many of the old timers around here say the L was the best one they ever built. My uncle has a K, and I like the L's much better.
I have a 580K. It's been a great machine for 14 years now. A lot of people say that the L is better. They are probably right, but the K is also a fine machine that wont let you down. It was the first model with the cast boom, and built in quick coupler. One thing about the K though, is that there is the 580K, than, there is a 580K "phase 3." There were upgrades on the phase 3. You can tell a phase 3, because the gear shift comes up through the console on the right side. On an early 580K, the gear shift comes up through the floor. Also, a phase 3 serial number starts after JJG0020000.
The one we looked at was a phase 1. Are the phase 3's a better hoe as far as being more reliable? Or are they just different as far as the transmission goes. Would anyone say that a 580l would be worth $10,000 more for a farmer that doesn't put a lot of hours on the machine a year? I was thinking that the newer machine might be a better investment for the long term. We would be upgrading from a ** 40 that is getting a little long in the tooth, so even a ck would be a step up.
The shuttle and transaxle are one unit on the phase 3. I don't know if that makes it more reliable or not. As far as what to buy, seeing as you wont put that many hours on the machine, if the K is in good condition, buy it and save $10K. You could use that money for additional attachments. But, if your heart is set on the L, than buy that. Either way, in your situation, I don't think you can go wrong with either machine.
We went to an auction last weekend that had a 580sl series 2 that we were going to bid on but went about $1500 more then we figured we would like to pay. It ran good, everything worked except the turbo wastegate as far as we could tell. It sold for $20,000. How much more is a decent L worth over a simialar hour K. The only thing is with the 580L at the auction we had to figure in the costs of getting it back to Canada.
Auction price is usually a little lower. The L is a bettor machine with a stronger fram. The latter K tranaxle does not like going on the road for many milis. Better to pay $5K more for a L. Good time of year to by.Mudpile
Thanks, I think we are going to look at a couple 580l's on the weekend. Anyone know a good site for breaking down serial numbers. I know on tractor data they list what number lot goes with what year machine, for farm tractors? Anything like that for case backhoes?