Excavators Vs. Backhoes: Which is the Best for You?

Excavators Vs. Backhoes: Which is the Best for You?

In our previous blog posts, we have discussed excavators, backhoes, their types and tips on buying them. But in this blog post, we focus to discuss the difference between the two and how to choose which one is the right equipment for your project.

It is important to know that both- excavator and backhoe are used for excavation projects. But based on the nature of work, job site, budget and time constraints, choosing the right equipment for your job is essential, which is only possible with understanding of both equipment.

What is Excavator?

Excavators are one of the most important heavy machinery used in infrastructural and commercial projects. It is an earthmoving equipment that comprises a boom, stick and a bucket. There are many types of excavators available in the industry- each serving its own purpose for certain projects.

They also come in small sizes known as Mini excavators that allow them to operate in small job sites and tight spaces. Excavators are used for digging, flattening of land, demolition of structures, snow ploughing, drilling, back filling and more.

What is a Backhoe?

Backhoes are one of the most versatile and popular construction equipment that combines three different machine abilities into one- excavators, skid steer loader and a loader. Backhoes consist of a bucket attached to a two-part articulated arm. They are known for their ability to various kinds of construction jobs and are suitable for small to medium construction projects.

Due to Backhoes, there is a lesser need for machinery and project managers can save their time, money and efforts before investing into buying or renting heavy machinery. Backhoes can be used for tasks like excavation, drilling, landscaping, demolition, paving roads, material transport and more.

3 Differences between Excavator and Backhoe

Size

The most obvious difference between an excavator and a backhoe is their size. Excavators are heavier and larger machinery while backhoes are comparatively small and only weigh half of an excavator. Depending the size, nature, budget, and job site size and weight can have a great impact.

Versatility

Backhoes are versatile machinery and can get various kinds of jobs done. Both Backhoes and Excavators come with a boom, stick and a bucket and can complete similar tasks. However, Backhoes have more attachments available which gives it an added advantage to complete a wider range of tasks. Both Backhoes and Mini-excavators are excellent for urban projects as they can be driven on roads.

Rotation

Another difference in these equipment is in their ability and ranges of rotation. While Excavator chassis can rotate a full 360 degrees, Backhoes can only rotate 200 degrees. Which is why, Project managers need to consider the requirements of rotational ability in the particular project before choosing which among them is the right equipment

#excavator #backhoe #constructionequipment #heavymachinery #excavationprojects #constructionjobs #versatility #rotation #miniequipment #projectrequirements