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Backhoe loaders have come a long way from a backhoe attachment mounted onto the back of a tractor. Today’s machine has both loading and excavating tasks integrated into its design to capitalize on the productivity of the machine’s operations — from engine and PTO horsepower to hydraulic capabilities. Among the modern options for backhoe loaders — four-wheel drive, an extendable backhoe, cab with heat and air conditioning, pilot controls, a hydraulic coupler for both the loader and the backhoe, air suspension seat and deluxe cab packages are the most popular. But anything that can help the operator be more productive and more comfortable is up for grabs from manufacturers.

Over the years, improved hydraulic systems, pilot controls and operator creature comforts have made backhoe loaders more productive and easier to use. Snap an attachment onto the loader or backhoe, and it can tackle more than just dig-and-load applications.

Hydraulic systems harness the power behind the backhoe loader’s operations. Recent improvements in hydraulic systems show increased speed and breakout force. Case Construction Equipment, for example, offers two types of systems — an open center fixed displacement (gear pump) for maximum feel of buried utilities or closed center variable volume (piston pump) for maximum fuel efficiency. Regardless of the type of system, hydraulic systems across the board have also improved to be able to handle the flow requirements that today’s attachments demand.

“There are many attachments that can be used on a loader backhoe,” says Jim Hughes, Brand Marketing Manager for Case Construction Equipment. “For the loader, pallet forks, brooms, 4-in-1 buckets, tree spades and more increase productivity. On the backhoe, specialty buckets, hammers, compactors, augers and other attachments increase the machine’s versatility. Adding a hydraulic coupler to either the backhoe or the loader makes changing out the attachments fast and easy.”

Another productivity-driving feature is an extendable backhoe, which offers extended reach and dig depth. For example, the Case Extendahoe adds almost 4 ft of reach to the dig depth. This can be especially helpful when you have to dig a deep trench or have to drop spoils a long way from the trench. It also provides a longer flat bottom trench without repositioning the machine for increased productivity.

Of course, the machine’s abilities are only as good as the operator, and backhoe loader controls have come a long way from the days of multiple pedals and levers. The major change in controls is going from mechanical controls to pilot controls.
Pilot controls, also known as joystick controls, require shorter throws and less effort for increased productivity. Case pilot controls are infinitely adjustable, fore and aft, and feature adjustable wrist rests, allowing the operator to put the controls in the most comfortable operating position for him or her. Many manufacturers also offer a pattern changer right in the cab, allowing the operator to change from excavator to backhoe pattern with the flip of a switch.

And let’s not forget operator comfort — a comfortable operator is a productive operator. “Ride Control, cabs with heat and AC, radio and air suspension seats are all important creature comforts,” says Hughes. “For operators in loader applications, Comfort Steer, which cuts the number of turns from lock to lock in half, is a must-have option.”

If your piece of equipment is an extension of your own two hands, and the TLB’s loader is your right hand and the backhoe is your left, you might be able to get away with calling yourself ambidextrous. On almost any jobsite across the country, dig-and-load operations are a must, and oftentimes the combination of a wheel loader and excavator fit the bill. However, as jobsites become less accessible with a minimal allowance for equipment and crews, contractors are beginning to look for a single go-to solution — and backhoe loaders are filling that niche.

With the addition of a backhoe to a fleet, contractors are able to eliminate the operating costs of two machines, as well as free up valuable space on an already crowded construction project. While these dig-and-load machines continue to get smaller, their markets continue to get bigger.

Compact backhoe loaders are categorized by the dig depth of the backhoe — typically any dig depth less than 14 ft. Any machine with more than a 14-ft dig depth would be considered a full-size backhoe. “Dig depth is generally the most critical factor in determining if a particular backhoe will handle the task at hand,” notes Bill Gearhart, Marketing and Product Manager for Yanmar Construction Equipment.

To further dissect the compact backhoe loader market, these particular machines can be divided into two categories — sub-compact and compact. Sub-compacts are often defined as backhoes with a dig depth of 6 to 7 ft. These machines are typically used in less intensive applications such as small residential work.

“Sub-compacts are really for light-duty applications — almost like a homeowner who occasionally needs to dig a hole for a tree or something of that caliber,” says Doug Dahlgren, Product Manager for Allmand. “Typically, they’re light-duty machines with backhoe attachments. Sub-compacts are certainly not intended to be used eight hours a day on a construction jobsite.”
Bigger-size compact backhoes, those with dig depths of 7 to 14 ft lend a hand in larger construction projects. These machines can take on tasks in general construction projects, road building, material handling and mining, explains Marcello Bargellini, Product Specialist with Volvo Construction Equipment.

Dig depth aside, other features of compact backhoes typically include 20- to 60-hp engines, operating weights between 3,000 to 12,000 lbs and carrying capacities up to 3,000 lbs. The loaders are also available in two- and four-wheel drive. Compact backhoe loaders are available in a wide range of prices. These machines can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $50,000, depending on the size, dig depth and manufacturer.

For example, a standard 10-ft backhoe loader, the most popular size, can range from $25,000 to $35,000. Manufacturers of compact backhoe loaders include JCB, Yanmar, Allmand, Kubota, Terramite, John Deere and Case.

Companies like Terex, Caterpillar and Volvo are a bit larger than traditional compact backhoes with machines that boast dig depths slightly more than 14 ft.

Since a compact backhoe loader is often used for load-and-carry applications, pairing the right size bucket to the front of your machine is imperative to a productive piece of equipment. Most standard buckets are around 60 to 80 in. The size of a bucket is typically determined by the size of the machine as most manufacturers tend to make buckets slightly wider than the loader itself. Contractors may opt to also use multi-purpose buckets, clamshell buckets and heavy-duty buckets for their specialized applications.

Compact backhoe loaders also have the ability to use attachments besides buckets — like a loader or excavator. The majority of loaders on the market today come equipped with a quick-attach system that allows contractors to pair the machine with different attachments such as grapples, brooms and forks. Although it should be noted that there is no universal attachment system, which usually makes switching implements from brand to brand impossible.

Avoiding Buyer’s Remorse

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a compact backhoe is determining what you expect the machine to do. Both you and your dealer need to know how deep you want to dig and what materials the loader will be handling in order to match a job’s requirements to the right piece of equipment.

When in the market to purchase a compact backhoe loader, it’s important to spec models before buying. Ensuring that a compact machine will be large and tough enough to complete the tasks on your to-do list is the No.1 step before purchasing.
“As with any compact machine, especially backhoes, it’s important to look at what application you’re planning to do,” says Blower. “If you need to lift a bucket of material that weighs 4,000 lbs and you have a compact machine that has a 3,500-lb lift capacity, you’re obviously going to overstress that machine.

“It’s finding the right machine for the job at hand. A lot of people think that since it’s a smaller machine, they can get away with using it on larger tasks. However, don’t try to overwork a compact machine — it not work correctly and the life of the machine will diminish.”

After determining the right size machine for your projects, evaluating different backhoes is important in order to find the best equipment for your pocketbook. Comparing different models from various manufacturers can be beneficial in finding the model that will meet your needs.

“Safety features and fuel economy are definitely important. Also competitive specs, mainly in terms of lift capacity and breakout forces, are important as well,” says Bargellini.

Operator safety and comfort should be taken into consideration when deciding which backhoe to buy. When an operator is expected to work in the machine all day, a comfortable seat and workspace is critical. “For frequent use, get a swivel seat with plenty of foot room to swing from loader to backhoe position,” says Gearhart. In addition to a comfortable place to sit, the operator’s controls are best when ergonomically placed and entry into the loader is easily accessible.

Other important factors to consider when purchasing a compact backhoe loader are visibility, traction and overall machine durability. For example, if your projects typically demand long days on construction sites, make sure to purchase a machine that can handle those applications and environments. A sub-compact backhoe, designed primarily for landscape and light-duty work, will not be as efficient in those types of tasks as a backhoe specifically built for construction.

The duality of dig-and-load applications are needed on most jobsites especially when creating a trench to repair utilities. Compact backhoe loaders can take on both tasks in one versatile package, benefiting a wide range of markets and end-users. Understanding the capabilities of the machine, as well as its unique features, allows a contractor to harness the two essential elements of construction in one sturdy, compact machine.

Pam Stask is Assistant Editor of Compact Equipment.