If you have ever done any type of construction, you may have heard about backhoes and excavators. This is because these are two extremely important machines in the construction field. If you need to plow a large area, you are going to need more than a chainsaw. You will need one of these. However, they are not just used for construction professionals. Individuals buy them for small and large construction projects.
At glance, these machines look similar. Trust us, they are not the same! If you have a construction project and are unsure which to use, please stop. We will guide you into making the best decision.
That’s why we are going to discuss the subject of backhoe vs excavator. This article will help you know the differences between these machines which will help in making an appropriate buying decision.
What is a Backhoe? (Backhoe vs Excavator)
This is an excavation tool that has a tractor-based body. So, just like the tractors, its first wheels are small and the back ones are large.
Also, you will see a backhoe loader in its front and a digging tool on the backside. The loader, also known as a bucket, is attached to the body with two-part arms. These arms can move which causes the seat of the backhoe to rotate. So, the operator can see the project easily.
You can replace the front bucket if you want to use a backhoe for different purposes. These replacements are forklifts, plows, and brooms.
Just like the front bucket, you can use different tools on the backside as well. These include rippers, brooms, hammers, drills, rakes, and many more.
This is the crucial information about the backhoe. It will help you in understanding backhoe vs excavator. Now, you may be curious to know the logic of this machine’s name. Why is it named backhoe?
Backhoe got its name because it digs the soil in a backward direction. This means it moves the soil toward itself rather than digging it like a normal shovel. A normal shovel pushes the soil away from it. But, the backhoe moves it toward itself.
What is an Excavator? (Backhoe vs Excavator)
An excavator is also known as a mechanical shovel or 360. Its appearance is similar to a backhoe. This is because it also has a dipper, a boom, and a digging bucket. But, there is a slight difference in its body’s construction.
You can have either wheels or tracks on your excavator. With the backhoe, there are only wheels. But, with the excavator, you have the option of tracks or wheels. When this machine has tracks, they are called “trackhoes”.
The body of the excavator is not like the traditional tractor. It has a purpose-built body. So, it can manage heavy objects easily.
The front part has the bucket, boom, and stick. The opposite side of the bucket mostly contains a dozer blade attachment. This attachment is common in mini excavators.
You can replace this attachment with various tools too. You can use hammers, rakes, grapples, and various other tools with this machine.
Now you have been given a general introduction to the backhoe and excavator. So, let’s compare the “backhoe vs excavator”.
Backhoe VS Excavator: Differences
We briefly explained the similarities and differences between the backhoe vs excavator in the introduction. Now we want to expand on those differences. The most common differences are size, rotation, versatility, and mobility. They are explained in depth below.
1. Size
In backhoe vs excavator, you need to consider the size and power of the machines. This is because they differ greatly in this aspect.
The size and power of the excavator is much more than the backhoe. It is large and has more muscle than its competitors. That’s why excavators are mostly used for heavy projects.
But, the mini version of the excavator is smaller than the backhoe. So, in their comparison, the backhoe has the upper hand.
2. Versatility
In terms of versatility, the backhoe is an ideal option when comparing backhoe vs excavator. You can attach various tools to it. This means it can perform various tasks on the work site.
You can also attach different tools with an excavator. But, they are in limited numbers if you compare them with backhoes’ tools. So, its versatility is less than the backhoe.
3. Range of Rotation
In comparison of backhoe vs excavator, you should know the range of rotation of both machines. This is because it is a crucial factor on the project site.
In the range of rotation, a machine can move its arms without moving its body. So, if the tool has a large range of rotation, it can perform various tasks in less time.
The excavator can rotate 360° to perform the task. But, the backhoe can only rotate its arm to roughly 200°. This is because its structure is more solid than its competitor. This machine has to move a lot on the worksite, so its creators have made it more stable and solid.
This means that excavators win in this aspect. You can do various tasks without wasting your time adjusting the machine.
4. Mobility
The backhoe has more mobility than the excavator when comparing the backhoe vs excavator. It is because of its medium size and wheels. You can drive this machine even on highways.
If you have a large worksite, you should buy this machine. It can cover 25 miles within an hour without any difficulty. Its small size also makes its relocation easier.
So, these are the four main aspects of backhoe vs excavator. But, these are not only the differences. There are various other aspects which are different in these machines. These differences are related to their controls and projects. That’s why, we are going to discuss these points next.
Backhoe VS Excavator Controls
In comparison of backhoe vs excavator, you should know the difference in controls. It will tell you how to operate a specific machine and how much effort you need to put in.
Backhoe Controls
There are two types of controls in the backhoe. The first one is using a lever and the other is pilot control.
The lever control is the old method. In it, you have to use sticks to operate or command the movement of the machine. You have to use two side arm levers to control this machine.
Pilot control is the new modern method. In it, the operator uses the buttons to move the machine. So, it is more comfortable and less strenuous to work. All the work can be done with only clicking a button.
Excavator Controls
The excavator’s controls differ greatly from the backhoe. It includes the use of joysticks or levers. There are two joysticks in it, and they both have different functions.
You can find out their designated functions through the manual. Moreover, you can move its tracks with the help of foot pedals. These pedals can also control the movement of certain attachments.
An operator needs practice and precision in operating the excavator. But to operate a backhoe, there is no need for extensive practice.
Backhoe VS Excavator Projects
You should know which machine is suitable for which project in.
Backhoe Projects
This machine is ideal for medium-sized projects. It can easily move from one place to another so you can use it on spread-out worksites. You will face no issue in driving it on the work sites.
Also, backhoes can move on highways. So, you can use it in residential areas too. It can be used to dig residential basements, load goods, remove snow, and uproot trees.
You can use it in landscape design too. The machine can dig foundations for pools, gardens, and planting. You can use it to lay soil and mulch. Moreover, it is also used for drilling holes, breaking land, and moving debris.
This machine is best to use on farms. Because you can easily turn it into brooms, hammers, sweepers, rippers, and augers through the attachments.
Excavator Projects
Excavators are ideal for large projects because it has more power. So, its digging efficiency is more than the backhoe.
You can use it for mining side. Moreover, it can be used for river dredging, demolition, material handling, and heavy-duty drilling. These heavy-duty tasks include drilling shafts, trenching, driving piles, and rock blasting.
You can use a variety of attachments with the excavator. These attachments enable this machine to perform different work. For example, you can attach a bush-cutting tool to it. So, you can use the excavator in forestry projects.
In comparison of backhoe vs excavator, you should know about the mini excavator too. This tool’s size is smaller than that of a backhoe. So, those projects that a backhoe can’t do, the mini excavator can do. It can be used in DIY home projects too. It can go into narrow places where the backhoe can’t reach.
You can use it to lay down your driveways, stone paths, and roads. It can demolish the concrete walls and structures. You can use it to dig pools in your homes too.
Moreover, it can dig precise trenches for installing utility lines. It can also be used as a digging tool in architectural and electrical projects. You can create walls and fences around your place too.
In short, for very small projects, you can go for a mini excavators.
For any project that requires a backhoe or excavation, please hire a professional. Find A Pro Near You Here!
Frequently Asked Questions (Backhoe vs Excavator)
Do I need an Excavator or Backhoe for my Project?
You need to consider the job site and type of project before choosing the machine. Also, backhoes and excavators allow different types of attachments. Due to this, they are suitable for different types of tasks. Moreover, the excavator can dig more than the backhoe. Its digging power is more than its competitors. So, for big digging projects, you should buy an excavator.
