Buyer’s Guide to Backhoes

Whether you customize multipurpose trucks using attachments or use single truck fitted as a backhoe loader, this piece of heavy machinery can be used in applications from construction to landscaping. Specialized backhoes can even be purchased for unique work sites in the mining, infrastructure and demolition industries. Before you add this powerhouse machine to your fleet, become familiar with the buying process, types of backhoes available and ways to get the most out of your backhoe purchase.

The Buying Process

While it is sometimes possible to buy a backhoe through individual sellers, working with a dealer is always your best choice for finding a reliable machine with post-sale support. Choosing a dealer that meets your needs is the first step in the backhoe buying process so contact several dealers. Compare your options with information on the following features:

Post Sale Support

Backhoe loaders, when properly serviced and maintained, have a high return on investment (ROI). A quality dealer should provide details on their upkeep and repair service options that can keep your backhoe productive over many years. Ask whether an in-house or contracted technician will provide the service, whether brand name parts will be included and for average rates and turnaround times for repairs.

Dealers usually advertise a service rate, but the included maintenance may not be enough to cover your machine depending on use. Ask the dealer to help you estimate a more accurate cost for your situation, including downtime and transit costs that will occur for both preventative and repair services.

Service Level Agreements

one way to ensure your backhoe receives regular maintenance while locking in costs and managing your company’s budget. Most dealers offer an SLA contract that outlines a specific set of labor, parts and fees that will be included over the contract term. SLAs vary by dealer and machine, however, so look closely at the following details:

• Location: try to find a service location within 50 miles of your anticipated job sites. Transit time is costly.

• Parts: Will name-brand replacements always be used? If not, which substitutions will be approved?

• Service Schedule: What is the frequency of included service and will it be comprehensive? If not, which systems or labor will cost extra?

• Customer Service: Who will you call when service is needed and what is the usual response time? What days or hours will service representatives be available?

• Warranty: All parts and labor should always be guaranteed for a reasonable period of time.

• Training: Backhoe operators will require some operational and safety training before they begin work and to retain OSHA certification. If your company doesn’t have in-house training, look for a dealer who can provide training specific to the backhoe model you plan to purchase.

Safety Requirements

Backhoe operation is subject to operating safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Any heavy machinery you purchase from a dealer should be OSHA compliant and meet all national and state safety requirements. Established dealers should also be able to provide information on your local OSHA guidelines for job sites and contacts to assist you with obtaining excavating permissions.

Finding the Right Dealer

In addition to general equipment post-sale support, you want to work with a dealer that can support the specific needs of your company. Before you partner with a dealer, learn about their experience with the following:

• Specialization: Established dealers with more than 10 years of operation will have contacts and experience to assist with any problems that arise with your machines. A dealer that specializes in one brand or type of industrial use can help you build your fleet in ways that support your needs and offer centralized support for all your equipment.

• Training: In addition to the machine-specific operation training offered by most dealers, some dealers can provide training schools for heavy machine operations that cover a range of safety and planning topics. They may even provide contacts of qualified candidates for operator recruitment.

• Financing: Dealers vary in the purchase options they provide. Some may offer quality used or lease models, while others offer in-house financing. Understand the details of any financing agreement before you buy and compare terms with third-party financing.

Backhoe Specifications

Once you’ve found a dealer you want to work with, you will have options in the makes and models of backhoes available. While the engine horsepower is one way to measure the power of backhoe model, there are other considerations to compare. The hydraulic system in particular is responsible for the digging and lifting tasks that will comprise the majority of a backhoe’s use. Look at these criteria to sure the machine you buy is a match for your needs:

• Maximum Dig Capacity: The average backhoe model can dig to a depth between 14-17 feet. Compact models may only dig 7-10 feet.

• Bucket Capacity: Measured using bucket width, a backhoe can carry anywhere between 2.5 cubic feet and 250 lbs with a 12 inch bucket to 20.25 cubic feet and 670 lbs for 60 inch buckets.

• Loader Capacity: Similar to a bulldozer, most backhoes include a loader bucket or front-end loader that can be fitted with attachments for different uses. The three loader bucket options include:

1. General Use: a basic bucket for loading and carrying, it can also be used for digging and grading.

Volume: 1-1.75 cubic yards

Width: 89-96 inches

Weight capacity: 780-1470 lbs.

2. Multipurpose: ideal for construction or demo worksites, these buckets provide more depth and specialized uses such as tree removal.

Volume: 1.3-1.5 cubic yards

Width: 89-95 inches

Weight capacity: 1590-2100 lbs.

3. Side-Dump: Used in back fill and other loading and dumping tasks, these buckets can be emptied in two directions- forward or left. This flexibility works well for restrictive locations.

Volume: 1-1.25 cubic yards

Width: 99-107 inches

Weight capacity: 1890-2060 lbs.

• Operating Weight: The operating environment can limit the maximum weight of any heavy machines that can be used on the terrain. Backhoes range from 13000-24000 lbs.

• Emissions: New backhoes manufactured in the US are regulated by the Tier 4 hydrocarbon limits through the EPA. Older models will need to comply with Tiers 1-3 depending on the year of manufacture.

Backhoe Types

Backhoes are available in center mount and sideshift models. Compare the strengths and limitations of each before you purchase:

Center Mount Backhoes: also known as center pivot backhoes, these are the most popular type of backhoes.

Pros: Stabilizer legs provide a wider stance for safe excavation of heavy materials or uneven terrain. Higher ground clearance make planning easier as they can access a wider variety of locations.

Cons: Heavier, less precision for loading and unloading

Price: $42,000-$94,000

Sideshift Backhoes using a set of frame rails to shift the backhoe between sides of the carrier, this backhoe type are most common in Europe.

Pros: Precision and maneuverability. Ideal for narrow or constrained locations. Smaller size is less damaging to terrain and cost-effective to operate.

Cons: Smaller weight and depth capacity. More planning to execute precision use.

Price: $55,000-$95,000

Depth Categories: within each frame type, light and heavy depth capacity trucks are available.

• 14-15 ft: effective at landscaping and other light duty worksites, these smallest backhoes range from $10,000 used to $86,000

• 15+ ft: For heavy use in industry this category of machine is essential. They range from $13,000 used to $94,000