How to Buy a Backhoe

Choosing the right backhoe, whether you are buying or renting, may make the difference between a nightmare job, and one you really dig.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lots of money

1. Decide if you need a backhoe, skid steer loader, or mini excavator. Backhoes fall in the mid-range of digging and loading equipment, with more power than compact machines and without the expense of full-sized excavators.

2. Decide how deep you need to dig. A full-sized backhoe can reach down 14 to 16 feet; compact backhoes can dig 8 to 10 feet deep.

3. Check that the loader has adequate lift height to load dump trucks.

4. Choose attachments to increase the machines' flexibility.

5. Look for a backhoe that includes a quick coupler, or integrated tool carrier (ITC) in order to use multiple attachments.

6. Look for a stabilizer on the backhoe loader that has both grouser shoes (to provide a firm grip on dirt), and rubber-padded shoes (for use on asphalt).

7. Choose four-wheel drive backhoes for better traction on muddy or loose ground.

8. Select four-wheel steering for improved maneuverability.

9. Choose cabs with improved ergonomics, such as better sight lines, and extras like suspension seats, climate control, and 12-volt outlets for cell phones.

Tips & Warnings

• Automatic transmissions are worthwhile for driving around large work sites or to and from jobs. If transporting the loader with a trailer, select a less expensive manual transmission.
• Select foam-filled rubber tires in environments such as demolition sites that are particularly tough on air-filled tires.
• OSHA requires backhoe loaders to have roll over protective structures (ROPS). Fully enclosed cabs are called EROPS--enclosed oll over protective structures.