AssetTrader Buying Guide to Backhoe Loaders

Introduction

A Backhoe Loader (also known as a loader backhoe or just a backhoe), is essentially a tractor fitted with small backhoe on the back and a bucket or shovel on the front. When the backhoe is permanently attached, the tractor comes with a swivel seat; whereas otherwise there is normally a separate seat on the attachment itself. Standard backhoe loaders are generally diesel-powered with four wheels, with the operator’s cab in the centre.

The loader has a backhoe on the reverse, the purpose of which is to dig hard earth and on the front; and the loader has a wide bucket placed on dual arms. The bucket tends to be used in the picking up of loose material, such as sand or gravel. The fact that the vehicle has a bucket at the front and a backhoe on the reverse enables the operator ease of use, by merely spinning in the seat to operate the other attachment. Because of the inclusion of two tools on one vehicle, a backhoe loader can be a great piece of construction machinery for use in construction tasks, as well as the performance of roles in utility work and landscaping. Asset trader has compiled a buyer’s guide to assist you through each step of purchasing a Backhoe Loader.

Functionality and Use

One of the main appeals of a backhoe loader is its versatility in meeting digging and loading needs. However, there are a number of alternative options to consider before purchasing a backhoe loader. For example, if the task in hand is reasonably small, it may be a plausible option to employ a mini excavator and an additional small machine suited specifically to the job. Although potentially money can be saved in the purchase of numerous smaller machines rather than one backhoe loader, it should be noted that the more machines you own, arguably, the more you will be required to pay in operating and maintenance costs.

Backhoe loaders have been designed with functionality and ease of use for construction settings in mind. For example, they generally have two stabilizer legs at the rear, offering good quality support. These legs should have either grouser shoes; for a sturdy grip on dirt, or rubber-padded shoes for use on asphalt. Additional stability can be achieved by obtaining a four wheel backhoe, which offer higher levels of traction. Four-wheel steering creates a high level of portability, though it should be noted this is not a standard feature of backhoe loaders. A feature worth considering when purchasing a backhoe loader is the option of having an automatic over a manual transmission. Should the operator of the backhoe loader be intending to drive the vehicle over longer periods of time, an automatic transmission may prove beneficial. However, they are also more costly than manual transmission, so the long term benefits should be measured against the financial cost.

Backhoe loaders are ideal for tasks which fall between large scale tasks such as digging foundations, and smaller ones, such as landscaping, in which smaller machinery can be utilised. Such tasks include those which require a portable vehicle with a reasonably high level of mobility. With regards to safety, backhoe loaders are required to keep their operators safe by having roll over protective structures on their operator cabs.

The main manufacturers are Case, Caterpillar, JCB, John Deere, Terex and Volvo.