Backhoe Loaders

A backhoe loader – also called a loader backhoe, tractor loader backhoe, excavator loader or tractor excavator – is a versatile piece of construction equipment that combines several functions in one machine.  

• It can load and carry with its front loader  
• It can dig holes and trenches with its rear backhoe 

The front of a backhoe loader features large loader arms and bucket mounted on the front. The front loader is most often used for bucket work (scooping and lifting dirt, gravel, debris and other jobsite materials). With backhoe attachments, you can take on other tasks, such as moving materials with a pallet fork attachment or dozing with a combo bucket. 

In the back is the digging part of the machine, or the backhoe. It has a long arm with a bucket at the end. The backhoe is commonly used for digging trenches, holes or foundations. Backhoes can also swap attachments – so buckets can be matched to specific digging needs or to complete other tasks on the jobsite 

Backhoe loaders are popular on construction sites because of their digging and lifting versatility. They also have relatively high travel speeds – so they can move quickly down the road with less need for trailering.  

The profiles of each machine are the most visible difference between a backhoe loader and a compact wheel loader. A compact wheel loader lifts, carries and runs attachments in the front. Backhoe loaders have the familiar boom, arm and bucket at the rear of the machine. 

A backhoe loader provides great digging performance where a compact wheel loader is optimized for fast material handling. Other differences are not so clear. While backhoe loaders and compact wheel loaders can both take on material handling tasks, there are some notable differences between each machine: 

• Though they are quite maneuverable, backhoe loaders are generally wider, higher and longer than compact wheel loaders. 
• Extra size increases machine weight, rated operating capacity, lift capacity and bucket capacity. 
• Backhoe loaders have more horsepower than compact wheel loaders. 

The ability to pull double duty is the major difference between a backhoe loader and a compact excavator. Backhoe loaders have a front loader that gives you material handling capability. Backhoe loaders have a backhoe function that provides digging ability. Compact excavators are optimized for fast, flexible digging. Other differences between backhoe loaders and compact excavators include: 

• A backhoe loader has about 180 degrees of swing 
• A compact excavator has the ability to swing the work group and the “house” can rotate 360 degrees 
• Compact excavators have more working range and require less repositioning when digging 
• Compact excavators typically have more weight, reach and lift capacity for their size 

Bobcat backhoe loaders are available exclusively from Bobcat dealers, who provide you with equipment sales, service and support that keep your productivity at its peak. Find your local Bobcat dealer for more information or to request a backhoe loader demo.