How to Distinguish between a Backhoe and an Excavator?

A backhoe excavator is an excavating machine consisting of a standard tractor base that supports an excavator bucket at the end of a connected two-part arm. There is usually a front wheel loader attachment on the other side of the backhoe, so the seat can rotate 360 degrees so that the operator faces either side in use. The part of the backhoe arm connected to the tractor is called the arm boom bucket, and the part that supports the bucket of the excavator is called the bucket or stick. In some cases, the backhoe can even be used as a crane by looping a belt around the stick.

Like the backhoe, the excavator also has a series of machinery accessories that enable it to perform tasks beyond standard excavation, such as heavy drilling and demolition. In forestry projects, excavators are often used with shrub cutting attachments. Excavators are often called mechanical shovel. Excavators with tracks instead of wheels are often called "track roller excavator", which directly refers to the similarities between backhoes and excavators. The following article describes how to choose the most suitable backhoe or excavator for you.

Which One is More Suitable for Your Project?

Backhoes and excavators are mainly different in three aspects: size, purpose and rotation. The differences in these factors make each machine suitable for different jobs, so it is very important to choose the right machine for your project.

The main difference between the two machines is the size-the excavator is larger and heavier, while the backhoe is slightly smaller. Excavators with bucket are usually more suitable for large industrial projects. The excavator is small in size and adaptable, making it more suitable for medium-scale construction and excavation projects. If you are working on a large construction, excavation or demolition project, and pure mechanical power is very important, then you'd better use an excavator. If the scope of your project is moderate, you can consider using a bucket backhoe.

Backhoes and excavators are also very different in terms of versatility. Although these two machines offer many excavator attachment options, backhoes with bucket have a larger choice and are therefore capable of performing a wider variety of tasks. Some tasks, such as excavation, can be done with a backhoe or excavator, but some tasks can actually be done with only one machine. Evaluate the specific tasks and attachments you foresee in your project and make sure that the equipment you choose is capable.

Backhoes and excavators have different rotation ranges, which makes them very different from the operator's point of view. The excavator operator can rotate the entire excavator chassis and the excavator arm together in a complete circle, while the backhoe excavator lift arm can only rotate about 200 degrees. One advantage of a backhoe is that it can easily pass through the work site and can even travel at 25 mph on the road. If your project is scattered and you need to complete tasks in different areas, it will be easier for you to use a backhoe.