When you are in need of a high-quality digging machine for your project, you are very likely turn to a backhoe or an excavator. In such a case, how do you decide which equipment is right for your project? An excavator is a large machine found commonly on bigger construction and landscaping sites. Its has a comfortable cab and versatile boom which make it suitable for a variety of projects. Meanwhile, a backhoe that comes with a dipper and a boom, can work with multiple types of attachments. Both these machines have their own benefits, and you’ll have to consider your projects’ specific needs before deciding on a backhoe vs. excavator.

What is a backhoe?

A backhoe for sale, also called a backhoe loader owing to its front arm loader attachment, is a versatile equipment suited to landscaping projects. Backhoes has a stick, boom with a bucket in the back and a hefty loader in the front. Its size varies according to the brand and model. A backhoe is just small enough to combine the efforts of multiple excavating machines into one. It can dig anywhere from 13-15 feet and are ideal for moving materials.

What is an excavator?

Excavators, also referred to as diggers, are made up of a boom, dipper, bucket, and cab on a revolving frame, a rotating platform that rests on top of a wheeled undercarriage. Excavators are considered heavy equipment and as such are expensive. To extend their life, excavators must be handled correctly and maintained properly.

Size

A major difference which separates excavators and backhoes is their size. Excavators are bulkier, with some largest models weighing up to 200,000 pounds. Therefore, they have an advantage when it comes to wide and open job sites. They can also manage very heavy loads of material.

Backhoes tend to weigh under 30,000 pounds, making them better suited for light applications. If you want high-quality digging machines and are not sure if you need a large excavator, a backhoe could be the right machine for your project.

Storage and transportation logistics

If you know your project to last longer than a day, considering the logistics of on-site transportation and storage. Excavators and backhoe both being large in size tend to need special procedures for storage. 

Project Use

Excavators and backhoes can be used for a variety of similar applications but do have several differences in the workplace that separate them. Excavators are most suitable to larger landscaping job sites. If you’re digging a trench or want to demolish a structure, one of these heavy equipment can help you get the job done. Excavators are also very compatible with several types of attachments such as augers, grapples, quick couplers etc. which can expand your range of capabilities.

While more commonly used for smaller jobs, backhoes are very versatile machines. They can fit a variety of attachments, and their large bucket enables them to handle bigger amounts of heavy material. They’re fit for farming applications, snow removal jobs etc.

Mobility

A major advantage of having an excavator is its ability to rotate 360 degrees. Its appendage makes it very easy for operators to lift materials and be able to deposit them at their location. Depending on the size of your excavator, you can maneuver around on smaller or larger job sites.

While the backhoe isn’t able to rotate as far as the excavator, one of its major benefits is its speed and road-worthiness. Due to its speed and ability to travel on roads, a backhoe can aid you operate at a faster pace. You can drive it between job sites with ease, although its wheels do make it less effective on sloped terrain relative to the tracked excavator.

Travel distance

You would need to consider if you are working in a single area, or is your project spread across multiple locations? Some work sites may not have permitted the additional weight of a truck, trailer etc so be sure to evaluate this point when choosing between two machines. What are the specific requirements of your project would determine which machine you need and have to go for it.