Ford Backhoe use during the 1960s/1970s?

[AMGeneral]

Well,I guess the title says it all,were the Ford TLB(3500 and 4500 series) industrial loader backhoes used by the military during the 1960s/1970s ?

If so,does anyone have any pictures of them in use?

I am asking because I just agreed to purchase a mid to late 60s Ford 4500 TLB and I am thinking about "converting" it to look as mil spec as possible.

 

[slantflat]

You can't beat those 3-cylinder diesel backhoes. I've been looking for a 4500 around me.

 

[11Echo]

Seen this unit at a Marlboro Volunteers event.

 

[AMGeneral]

Seen this unit at a Marlboro Volunteers event.

View attachment 440398

That is definetly a early 60s unit there,possibly a 4000 or similar unit.

 

[jdknech]

I dont know about military use, but I have one i use like a rented mule! I won't get rid of it, thats for sure

 

[Chief_919]

.

 

[jimk]

My 3500's transmission (2x2 w/H-L) shows a casting date around 65' (side, by your knee). If you need a page or two out of the manual I will scan and e-mail.

 

[monkster]

I have a 4000 series or that is what the tractor is, the hoe is a 735, circa 1967. Would like to have it find a new home, runs, works, and digs. They are tough hoes.

 

[Coffey1]

Is that like a free pet because I can give it a real good home

 

[zak]

Wished I still had my 4500. Great machine

 

[Ferroequinologist]

That one painted up OD looks just like my 1963 4000 4 cylinder diesel

 

[Triple Jim]

I have the gasoline version of your '63 4000, in blue and white. Nice tractor, but diesel would make it nicer.

 

[AMGeneral]

Thanks for the replies guys,I am still on the fence as to what I will do with it once I get it home,It definetly looks like a Ford sling loaded beneath the sky crane helicopter that Chief 919 posted.

 

[Ferroequinologist]

Bring it down when you bring the dump truck, we'll put it to use around the new AO!

I know, you have plenty of work for it right there though. lol.

 

[AMGeneral]

Well,after some thought today,I guess I am going to fix/restore it as a regular civilian 4500 with the standard Ford blue/industrial yellow paint. I already have enough green stuff in the backyard,even though I am downsizing again.

 

[AMGeneral]

Well folks, the "downsizing" is complete, and I picked up the 4500 Friday evening.

 

[rumplecat]

I have one just like it, a real work horse, unfortunately with mine I use it an hour and work on it for three! But it still does more in an hour than I can do without it in a day! Mine does have only one seat that folds forward and backwards.