Backhoe

Backhoe loader is an engineering vehicle, consisting of a tractor, front shovel/bucket and small backhoe in the rear. They are characterized by a relatively small size and versatility, which makes them ideal for urban engineering and small construction projects (like building a small house or fixing roads). Compact backhoe loaders are divided into 3 groups depending on their dig depths. They can be either with less than 8 feet, 9 feet, and backhoes in the 10- to < 14-foot classes, which are the largest compact models available. Compact backhoe loaders are fast, easy to use and precise. They can also be used as heavy-duty excavating machine.

Compact backhoe loaders with dig depths less than 8 feet generally weigh less than 5,000 pounds in work configurations. This makes them easy to transport, hence they find application in light construction applications like site clearing, landscaping and residential utility work. Because they are compact, they can work in backyards, between houses and around common urban obstacles.

Many contractors using machines in the smallest class usually dig in the 4- to 6-foot depth range. It is quite advisable not to reach the maximum of a backhoe’s capacity, in order to make the most of the machine in the long term, and not have any breakdowns. So it’s important to make sure the arm crowd and bucket breakout forces are high enough to meet your production requirements when considering a potential backhoe. Furthermore, the front-end loader should have the lift capacity you need with pallet forks mounted, and have enough lift height to clear the sides of your loading bin or truck. It all depends on the job. There is no universal compact backhoe loader and that’s why they are divided into three separate groups. Of course, a loader from the third (largest) group will do the job of the smallest in terms of dig depth backhoe loader (class 1), but it’s much more expensive. As the manager John Deere Worldwide Commercial - Glenn Wright says, Size the machine to fill the ‘hole’ in your fleet.” It’s always better to look for equipment that is oversized, then the other way around.

Even though compact backhoes are small, they are designed to work in harsh environments. To do this, it’s best to get a machine with an integral main frame. This enables the backhoe loader to better withstand heavy-duty work or high-cycle applications while easing maintenance costs and downtime.

The compact backhoe loaders from the second group (9 feet) are quite common in utility markets, and most noticeably used by plumbing and electrical contractors. Their size and power is perfect for maneuvering in tight surroundings. Their hydraulic power allows the use of hammers, augers and other attachments, while their ability to dig 9-foot-deep trenches up to 36 inches wide is ideal for water and electrical line installation.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of compact backhoes is that they are easily transportable. All the models in the 9-foot-dig-depth class (and under) weigh less than 10,000 pounds. As a matter of fact, they weigh around 6,000 pounds. So they are small enough to be pulled on a trailer behind a heavy-duty pickup or small dump. Generally, the driver doesn’t require a CDL to transport them.

Backhoes in the 10- to < 14-foot classes are the largest compact models available and are used in a wide array of varying applications. They are usually used in farms, in landscaping equipment fleets and in hard-core construction applications.

Backhoe | Backhoe Equipment | Backhoe Loaders | Excavator |