Excavator Vs. Backhoe: Equipment Comparison

At first glance, excavators and backhoes appear to be very similar pieces of equipment. Are you wondering which machine is the right tool for the task at hand? Read on to learn about the differences between excavators and backhoes, and the advantages of each.

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What is a backhoe?

The backhoe is constructed around a standard tractor base that supports a digger bucket at the end of a two-part jointed arm. A popular variation of the backhoe is the backhoe loader, which comes equipped with a front loader attachment and a rotating seat that allows the operator to face either side of the vehicle.

The term “backhoe” may seem like a misnomer, as the digger bucket actually has the front position on a backhoe. The name actually refers to the machine’s backward digging motion, as it pulls the soil inward rather than pushing it forward like a shovel.

The part of the backhoe arm that’s attached to the base is known as the boom, while the section attached to the digger bucket is called the dipper, or the dipper-stick. The pivot connecting the boom to the dipper is called the king-post. 

There are a wide variety of attachments available for backhoes. These include drills, hammers, rippers, rakes, breakers, and many more. The front loader can also be substituted for brooms, plows, and forklifts. You can even use the backhoe as a crane by looping straps around the dipper to lift up an object.

What is an excavator?

Excavators are also known as diggers, mechanical shovels, or 360s. The excavator has many of the same features as a backhoe, including a boom, dipper, and digger bucket. An excavator may have either tracks of wheels, and unlike a backhoe, the entire chassis of an excavator is capable of rotating a full 360 degrees.

Excavators can be outfitted with a range of attachments for performing tasks like heavy-duty drilling, demolition, and brush-cutting. Most wheeled, compact excavators come with a dozer blade attached opposite the digging arm.

Which kind of equipment do I need?

Both of these powerful machines are great for making quick work of tough jobs. Your choice is going to depend on what kind of work you’re doing. Consider the following factors when deciding whether to invest in an excavator or a backhoe.

Size

Excavators are larger and heavier than backhoes, making them better suited to heavy jobs such as demolition, mining, and large-scale industrial projects. For farm work, snow removal, and medium-scale construction and excavation, you can manage just fine with a backhoe.

Application

While both pieces of equipment can be adapted for different tasks, the backhoe is the more versatile of the two, offering a more varied selection of attachments. If you need a more purpose-built machine for digging, you might prefer the excavator. The many talents of the backhoe will come in handy for more complex jobs.

Mobility

Backhoes definitely have the edge when it comes to mobility. These smaller, nimbler machines can easily traverse large work areas, and even drive on roads at up to 25 mph. The backhoe is the better choice if your work involves traveling between job sites.

Ready to check out some different models of backhoes and excavators? Synergy Equipment offers equipment rental, which is a great way to test out a machine at your job site before you make the decision to purchase. You can find Synergy Equipment dealerships in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.