Also referred to as simply a backhoe, the backhoe loader is a construction and excavation machine that consists of a tractor, front shovel and bucket and a small backhoe on the rear end. Due to the small size and versatility, backhoe loaders are common on small construction projects and are used for most small excavation type work. The rubber tires allow the backhoe to drive on grass and fragile ground coverings without causing too much damage.

The first backhoe loader was originally invented over 150 years ago in Burlington Iowa. The backhoe loader is the most common variation of the classic farm tractor. As the name implies, it has a loader bucket assembly on the front and a backhoe attachment on the back.

Anytime the loader bucket and backhoe are attached to the machine it is no longer referred to as a tractor, as it is not normally used for towing and doesn't normally have a PTO or a power take-off unit. When the backhoe is permanently attached, the machine has a seat that can swivel to the rear to face the backhoe controls. Many types of removable backhoe attachments will sometimes have a separate seat on the attachment itself.

Backhoe loaders are common and can be used for many tasks, which include construction, light transportation of materials, powering building equipment, digging holes, excavating, breaking asphalt, and even paving roads.

The front assembly on a backhoe may be either removable or permanently attached. You can frequently replace the backhoe bucket with other tools such as a breaker for breaking or smashing concrete and rock, a post hole auger or even a fence post driver. In order to mount different attachments to the loader, it must be equipped with a tool coupler. The coupler consists of two hydraulic cylinders on the end of the arm assembly, which can expand and retract to allow different tools to be attached to the unit. There are also some loader buckets that offer a retractable bottom also known as a clam bucket that opens and closes, which enables the bucket to empty the load more quickly and efficiently. The retractable bottom loader buckets are frequently times used for grading and smoothing off sand.

There are several types of backhoe loader brands, including New Holland, John Deere, Case and Caterpillar. Some will offer you cabs that will keep the operator warm, cool and or dry, while others won't. The newer types of backhoe loaders even offer you air conditioning, radios, and other accessories that make you feel like you are working in a luxury automobile.

Common with excavating jobs, the backhoe is very versatile and can serve many different purposes. It can even haul or raise equipment and supplies in the loader bucket. Another great use is to cover up dirt when filling in trench lines or covering up pipe that was just put in the ground. The backhoe attachment at the rear is best for digging trenches for water pipes and sewer pipes.

The best thing about the backhoe loader is the fact that it is very easy to operate. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to fully operate this nifty piece of equipment.

© 2007 Affordable Concrete Cutting Massachusetts MA, All rights reserved!