If digging and moving dirt or some type of surface material like concrete comprises a frequent portion of your company's work, backhoes and backhoe loaders will make your job easier, faster and more cost efficient. Even if you only plan to take on a one-time project involving trench digging for wires, cables, pipes or ditches, a backhoe loader will accomplish multiple jobs with only one piece of equipment and one operator.
The first fully-integrated machines with tractors, loaders and backhoes originated in the late 1950s as Long backhoes, and backhoe loaders have since faithfully served construction and agriculture needs for decades. A backhoe loader digs holes and trenches, carries dirt away or back fills and smoothes a dirt surface. Get a backhoe loader, or start with a backhoe and build a piece of equipment to meet your specific needs. As you shop for backhoe loaders, keep the following in mind:
1. Carefully consider whether you only need a simple backhoe before discarding the possibility of a backhoe loader for multitasking.
2. Ensure you get rubber pads for your backhoe loader's stabilization legs if you work on asphalt or concrete.
3. Look for backhoe loaders with four-wheel drive or four-wheel steering.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Go with reputable backhoe dealers to buy a new piece of equipment
Stick with a name in equipment and machinery that you trust when selecting a backhoe dealer. You'll find plenty of well-known brands online.
I recommend: When looking at backhoe loaders for sale, start with
Caterpillar, or check out the JCB backhoe loader selection at
Southland Machinery. Consider buying one of the backhoes for sale at
KPX Tractor Supply and then select any attachments you need separately. Go to
John Deere to build your own backhoe loader and receive a price quote.
Purchase a used backhoe if your budget won't stretch far enough for new
If you can't afford a new backhoe or backhoe loader or if you don't plan on using it all day every day, buying a used backhoe loader will get you all the capability you need at a reasonable price.
I recommend: Consider using Equipment
Locator Service to find a used John Deere backhoe loader in your region. Visit
IronPlanet to view used backhoe loaders that come with guaranteed inspection reports and price used backhoes at
Cleveland Brothers. For a used Caterpillar, view available models, locations and prices at
CatUsed.com.
Consider leasing a backhoe loader to meet your needs
Depending on various factors, you may determine that leasing a backhoe loader provides your company with the most cost-effective way to get the job done. Perhaps you want to take advantage of lower down payments or tax advantages that leasing can offer. Regardless of your reasons, you'll find no shortage of leasing options available online.
I recommend: Find a backhoe loader to lease near you using
Machinery Trader, or look at the selection of top-quality backhoe loaders available for rent at
Gold Coast Hi-Lift. Fill out an application to lease a backhoe loader from
Parkway Equipment Leasing, or check out the daily, weekly and monthly lease rates for a backhoe at
Neff Equipment Sales & Lease.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Before you buy a backhoe loader online, you or the equipment operator should test drive different models first to ensure that the operator is capable of safely operating the equipment in the backhoe position as well as the loader position.
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