What's considered "high hours" on a backhoe?

[George]

I'm trying to get a better feel for what people consider high hours on a backhoe. I know it depends a lot on maintenance, how it was used, and the brand, but I'm curious what the general consensus is.

For example, at what point do you start expecting major repairs-engine, hydraulics, pins/bushings, transmission, etc.? Is a well-maintained machine with higher hours still a solid buy, or do you usually draw a hard line somewhere?

Would love to hear from owners, mechanics, or operators who've put serious time on these machines. What hour ranges have you seen hold up well, and where do things usually start getting expensive?

 

[IamBruce_Driver]

Look at the foot pedals and the floor mat. If the hour meter says 2,000 but the metal on the brake pedals is worn smooth, someone might have swapped the cluster. The iron doesn't lie!

 

[DanDozerlover]

I usually start calling it "high hours" around 6-8k, but good maintenance can easily matter more than the number on the meter.

 

[winston_wisdom]

Well maintained with high hours will beat out a lower hours machine whose owner neglected the service recommendations. You can ask for service records, a responsible owner should have some sort of tracking. That's usually a good sign.

Brand is a huge factor in my opinion. Go with the tried and true CAT or JD.