New Holland recommendations ??? Looking for used machine

[busted_knuckles]

Hi Guys and Gals, looking for a used full size machine, mid to late nineties is the budget, was looking at a 1996 LX885, anybody have 2 cents theyed like to throw at it? Looking for a farm machine, mostly moving bales of hay, materials, pallets, very little bucket work, would like at least 2,000 lbs of lifting capacity. Any reason not to buy the New Holland, any regular suspect "problems" to look out for? My main attraction to the NH is the way the boom lifts pretty straight up, instead of a arc. Ive run rented late models: ASV, Bobcat, Case, and owned a Mustang and Gehl in the past. Both where purchased very cheaply and where ok for what I paid for them (both where crappy, still have the gehl 4515) The one I looked at yesterday, the hydro howled when raising and lowering the boom, but not when moving the machine around. Anyone know who's diesel is in that machine, looked like it was made by the Ford Motor Company from the top of the motor? Also, it appears to me, if you lift the boom, unbolt the side covers, youd have excellent access to the engine and all the accessories? I liked the size of the 885, fact it had turbo and a 2 speed, was scared off by the wine of the hydro while llifting, it was an ebay auction, some one did buy it at $9,700. 2200 hrs where on it. Comments? Recommendations? Caveats? It would be appreciated, thanks, Bill

 

[mllud]

The pump that raises and lowers the boom and operates the bucket is a gear pump. The Two pumps that operate the steering are hydrotatic pumps.
If the pump howled when you raised the boom the gear pump could have a problem.
The engine is a ford engine. They are pretty much the same engine ford has used in contruction equipment for many years.
A far a brand I have a New Holland lx865 with a lot of power. It does have a fresh engine. I like it but Im not in a position to tell you whats best. This is my first skid steer. Some people are very partial to the brand they own. I think New Holland is probably in the top four.
You do have good access to work on them. You can also tilt the cab forward with about an hours work to open up the whole thing.
As far as the verticle lift goes a lot of the brands have that now.
The lx 885 is think is 75hp. One thing to think about. I rebuilt my engine and the parts are dealer only and very pricey. With the loaders with kubota engines there seems to be more options for parts suppliers.

 

[busted_knuckles]

The pump that raises and lowers the boom and operates the bucket is a gear pump. The Two pumps that operate the steering are hydrotatic pumps.
If the pump howled when you raised the boom the gear pump could have a problem.
The engine is a ford engine. They are pretty much the same engine ford has used in contruction equipment for many years.
A far a brand I have a New Holland lx865 with a lot of power. It does have a fresh engine. I like it but Im not in a position to tell you whats best. This is my first skid steer. Some people are very partial to the brand they own. I think New Holland is probably in the top four.
You do have good access to work on them. You can also tilt the cab forward with about an hours work to open up the whole thing.
As far as the verticle lift goes a lot of the brands have that now.
The lx 885 is think is 75hp. One thing to think about. I rebuilt my engine and the parts are dealer only and very pricey. With the loaders with kubota engines there seems to be more options for parts suppliers.

Thanks for the input MLLUD. Picked up a 1999 Lx885 with 1300 hrs for 17k, inclueded: 9' Angling Snow Plow, Nice set of manufactured Pallet Forks, Final Grade bucket, and a 16' Beavertail Redi-haul Tralier. One owner machine, bought it from a storage unit place, they stepped up to a JD544 Loader, last winters snows where too much for the "little" skid steer. Unit looks like its new! This thing is the bomb, for what I paid. Termendous power, and lift, 2 speed trans, High Flow, heat, Glass, Door, Wipers, AM/FM, Lights, runs like a scalded dog. Highly recommended for anyone shopping machines, Ive been in quite a few machines, working construction, all the way up to a Volvo L120C Loader, down to a gehl 4515. Love the access to the power plant, that is simply the best engineered piece of small equipment Ive seen. Just thought Id share my elation with anyone whos shopping. I was initaily drawn to the "super boom", but after a hard look, just couldnt walk away from it. Slept in it, in the shop for the first couple nights (LOL). Anyone know if changing out the bottom bushings on the Quick Tatch part of the boom is simple and straight forward? The pins are so worn, it took out half of the threads of the grease zerks? (already pulled them out when they would not take grease) So I know the carriage holes are oversize from wear, looks lik about 1/8" slop in the lower pins at the front of the carriage/boom, everything else is real tight.

 

[mllud]

Thanks for the input MLLUD. Picked up a 1999 Lx885 with 1300 hrs for 17k, inclueded: 9' Angling Snow Plow, Nice set of manufactured Pallet Forks, Final Grade bucket, and a 16' Beavertail Redi-haul Tralier. One owner machine, bought it from a storage unit place, they stepped up to a JD544 Loader, last winters snows where too much for the "little" skid steer. Unit looks like its new! This thing is the bomb, for what I paid. Termendous power, and lift, 2 speed trans, High Flow, heat, Glass, Door, Wipers, AM/FM, Lights, runs like a scalded dog. Highly recommended for anyone shopping machines, Ive been in quite a few machines, working construction, all the way up to a Volvo L120C Loader, down to a gehl 4515. Love the access to the power plant, that is simply the best engineered piece of small equipment Ive seen. Just thought Id share my elation with anyone whos shopping. I was initaily drawn to the "super boom", but after a hard look, just couldnt walk away from it. Slept in it, in the shop for the first couple nights (LOL). Anyone know if changing out the bottom bushings on the Quick Tatch part of the boom is simple and straight forward? The pins are so worn, it took out half of the threads of the grease zerks? (already pulled them out when they would not take grease) So I know the carriage holes are oversize from wear, looks lik about 1/8" slop in the lower pins at the front of the carriage/boom, everything else is real tight.

Those zerks get overlooked all the time, there almost impossable to see.those pins are tapered and can be driven out and replaced.The buhings are thin, More than likely the pins are damaged. NOT A BIG DEAL TO FIX.
Sounds like you have a bear of a machine. I have a lx865 . You have about 15 more horse.
If you have land it doesnt take long for you to get your moneys worth. Have Fun. Mike