TLS - I want a tractor so bad I can taste it. We keep talking about eventually buying siome land in TN or GA. I would like 20 acres or so. All I want is a green tractor with a back-ho and scooper in front so I can just go around digging holes and pushing dirt around. I want 3 miniature cows, some dogs, and the ability to relax on my pseudo farm. It would be a complete 180 from where I'm at today. I'm looing forward to it. I've also thought about getting a small herd of those fainting goats (google it). I think it would a lot of fun just to sit in a lawn chair all day drinking beer with my air horn!
If you want a green tractor with a backhoe you will need something fairly modern.
The backhoe was invented by a Scotsman, Robert Ewan of Fife in 1947. However the first production of his design was by Whitlock Brothers, of Essex England. This was the Dinkum Digger Mk 1 which came to market in 1951.
We had two in the firm "Pardix" of Chestunt Herfordshire. They were not a good machine, and broke their jibs regularly.
The first successful backhoe was by James C Bamford (JCB) on the Fordson Major tractor in 1954. The firm added them to the fleet right away and scraped the Dinkums.
I don't know the date of the first JD backhoe but I'm guessing around 1960. The first US backhoe was from Case 1957. A JD of that era would be industrial yellow.
A JD backhoe would not be green until the introduction of the newer range of light utility tractors. That will cost you a few dollars.
On the whole vintage equipment is a good deal and very cost effective, and great fun to own.
I use the 1948 model A for road grading and snow removal mainly. I use the 1958 420 utility tractor for mowing, spraying and moving boats and trailers about.
Both tractors are very useful round the place and more than earn their keep.
