What is a Backhoe? Everything You Need to Know
Considered the ‘swiss army knife of construction equipment, backhoes are small excavation machines. They feature a digging bucket at the end of a two-part articulated arm jointed arm. Many also feature a front loader attachment on the backside.
The name refers to the bucket used to pull dirt back before lifting and moving it. Commonly used for light to medium-duty work, they can rotate left and right 200 degrees
Backhoes share some key similarities to excavators in terms of general purpose. However, there are some key differences when it comes to size, rotation range, and versatility.
Backhoes utilize hydraulic outriggers and stabilizer legs which allows them to stay extra stable when moving heavy loads. The stabilizer legs, which sit behind the rear wheels are very important. They take the brunt of the weight when digging and keep them from bouncing, jostling, or slipping.
Backhoe loaders are very popular pieces of equipment within the construction industry, with several advantages including:
- Versatility
- Ability to multitask
- Adjustable attachments
- Moveabality through various outdoor spaces and types of terrain
- Available in multiple sizes, from large to small backhoes
- Fitting for digging ditches and laying pipes and foundation
- Decrease labor cost
- Safe
- Operator friendly
Due to the size and versatility of backhoes, they are commonly seen in small construction projects, landscaping work, and urban engineering jobs. Common uses include digging trenches, leveling roads, deforestation, cleaning work sites, and removing snow. Backhoe attachments can also be added to maximize usability. These attachments can include:
- Hamers
- Couplers
- Compactors
- Brooms
- Street Sweepers
- Snowplows
- Snow pushes
- Buckets with thumbs
- Augers
Conclusion
The versatility and movability of backhoes make them extremely popular within the construction market in the United States. This is why they are considered the swiss army knife of heavy equipment. This machine can take on an extensive amount of different tasks, from construction to landscaping jobs.
When looking for a backhoe there are a number of things to take into account. Brand, whether it is John Deere or Cat backhoe loaders, is often a deciding factor. Many also consider fuel efficiency, the terrain of the job site, and the type of job.
When it comes to equipment financing, though, it’s an easy choice – TopMark Funding is the place to go.
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated construction equipment finance company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your construction business.
We have financing options for wheel loaders, excavators, backhoes, dump trucks, and more. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments for good credit customers.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 916-3799. One of our equipment financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your equipment financing goals.
