Backhoe loaders: two machines in one

A backhoe loader combines a tractor, a front loader and a digging arm (backhoe) at the rear. The operator turns the seat around to dig. Because it runs on large rubber tyres and can travel at 40 km/h (25 mph) or more, a backhoe can drive between jobs without a trailer. That combination makes it the classic machine for utilities, councils, small builders and farms.

How a backhoe is used

• Front loader: loading trucks, backfilling trenches, moving material, clearing snow; often with a multipurpose "4-in-1" bucket that can clamp, doze and grade.
• Backhoe: digging trenches and foundations, laying pipes, breaking concrete with a hammer.
• Stabilisers lower to the ground when digging to keep the machine steady.

Key features

• Centre-mount vs side-shift. Most North American backhoes have a centre-mounted boom; side-shift designs, common in Europe, slide the boom across the rear for digging against walls.
• Extendable dipper (extendahoe) adds roughly 1 m (3–4 ft) of reach and depth.
• Four-wheel drive and all-wheel steer improve traction and manoeuvrability.
• Ride control smooths travel with a loaded bucket.
• Pilot or mechanical controls: joystick pilot controls are easier on the operator; mechanical levers are cheaper and simple to maintain.

Typical specifications

Most "standard" backhoe loaders weigh 7–9 tonnes (15,000–20,000 lb), have 70–110 hp engines, dig 4.3–5.9 m (14–19 ft) deep and carry a 1.0–1.3 m³ (1.3–1.7 yd³) loader bucket.

Backhoe vs mini excavator

A mini excavator digs more precisely and swings 360 degrees, but cannot load trucks efficiently or drive on roads. A backhoe is less precise but much more versatile across a working day. Many contractors run both.

Price

New standard backhoe loaders typically cost about US$100,000–160,000 depending on brand and options.