Description:
The Ford 4500 Loader Backhoe is a classic workhorse from the golden era of utility tractors—designed for durability, serviceability, and power. Often found on farms, construction sites, and municipalities, it remains a popular machine thanks to its mechanical simplicity and widespread parts availability.
Specs at a Glance
Feature |
Specification |
Model |
Ford 4500 Industrial Backhoe |
Years Built |
1965–1975 (Approx. 1970 model popular) |
Engine |
Ford 3-cylinder diesel or gas |
Horsepower |
55 hp (PTO), 63 hp (gross, diesel) |
Transmission |
4-speed or Select-O-Speed |
Hydraulic System |
Gear pump, open center |
Bucket Capacity |
1/2 to 1 yard (varies by config) |
Weight (Backhoe + Loader) |
Approx. 10,000–11,000 lbs depending on attachments |
✅ For a 1970 Ford 4500, the typical weight is right at 10,100 lbs with standard loader and backhoe installed.
Weight & Transportability
Despite its size, the 4500 can be trailered with a medium-duty hauler or flatbed setup. Be mindful of axle load and tongue weight when transporting with both loader and hoe attached.
Engine & Hydraulic System
The Ford 4500 came standard with a rugged Ford 201 cubic inch 3-cylinder diesel engine, with gasoline models optional. These engines are known for:
It uses an open-center hydraulic system powered by an engine-mounted gear pump.
Featured parts:
Hydraulic Pump & Cylinder Components
Hydraulic power drives both loader and backhoe functions. Components are rebuildable or replaceable with items from our catalog:
Manuals & Parts Diagrams
Ford backhoes are mechanically straightforward, and manuals are widely available. We recommend the following:
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Ford 4500 Repair Manual (SE 8175 or IT Shop Manual FO-31)
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Parts Diagrams for boom, dipper, swing, and loader frames
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Reach out via our Parts Request Form for specific schematics and diagrams
Loader & Backhoe Attachments
Factory buckets ranged from 60" to 72" for loaders, and 12–24" for backhoe buckets. Modern-compatible and NOS (new old stock) parts are available:
Steering, Brakes, and Front Axle
A number of common wear points are covered in the Broken Tractor inventory, including:
Cooling, Air & Electrical System Parts
Keep your engine cool and breathing clean with OEM-style replacements:
Ford 4500 Backhoe For Sale
Used 4500 units remain affordable, typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on condition and included attachments. Many machines still operate daily thanks to their simplicity and rugged build quality.
Shop Ford 4500 Backhoe Parts
Here are top categories stocked by Broken Tractor:
Browse all Ford 4500 Backhoe Parts at Broken Tractor →