Backhoe Loader or Excavator: Which Heavy Equipment Does Your Project Need?

There are plenty of heavy-duty equipment used in construction. When it comes to earth moving, however, two types of equipment are often difficult to tell apart: a backhoe loader and an excavator. Both serve similar purposes in scooping earth during construction, but because of their proper purpose and price of excavators and backhoe loaders for sale in the Philippines, it’s important to be getting the right equipment.

So, how can you tell which one you’ll need? Here’s what you need to know.

Purpose

A backhoe loader has two parts: the backhoe with a digging bucket on a two-part arm; and a loader attachment at the back. The operator sits inside the cab and has a seat that can swivel, allowing them to face whichever side they’re using. The backhoe can be attached to accessories like drills, hammers, rippers, and rakes, while the loader can be replaced with brooms, plows, and forklifts. The backhoe is used to pull earth backwards toward itself

A construction excavator is built similar to a backhoe, except instead of a two part-arm, it has a digging arm powered by a hydraulic cylinder, meaning it can dig, carry, and handle heavier projects. Like the backhoe, the excavator also pulls earth toward itself. However, unlike the backhoe loader where only the controller’s seat can move at 360-degrees, the entire cab can rotate.

Both equipment deal in digging, but depending on the size of the project, the tasks where these equipment are needed, and the attachments to be used, you can determine which equipment is more appropriate. If you’re still unsure, we’ll be happy to help and suggest which one better suits your needs.

Size of Equipment

Excavators are generally larger and heavier than backhoe loaders. This makes it perfect for heavy-duty projects like building demolitions, mining, rock blasting, and other large-scale industrial purposes. On the other hand, backhoes are smaller and lighter, which means it may be more adaptable and can handle small to medium construction and excavation projects.

The equipment you buy should match the scale of your projects. Different types of excavators are good for large-scale projects that require heavy-duty equipment. While it can also perform for smaller projects, it’s not being used to its full capacity. So, if your business focuses exclusively on small to medium construction projects, it’s more practical to get a backhoe loader.

Versatility

Both backhoe loaders and excavators are versatile equipment with various attachment options. Backhoe loaders, however, are more versatile and can handle a wider variety of tasks. These tasks may not include heavy-duty ones, but its size and features make it a better choice for different tasks. It’s also possible for backhoe loaders to drive up to 25 mph on roads, making it easier to move around in larger projects.

Rotation

When using a backhoe loader, only the operator’s chair inside the cab can move 360-degrees, while a backhoe’s arm can only pivot up to around 200 degrees. An excavator, on the other hand, can move the cab and the excavator arm 360-degrees, making it the more convenient tool when dealing with larger projects where mobility can mean faster and more efficient work.

Ultimately, the choice of buying either a backhoe loader or excavator depends on the scale of the project you’re taking on and the purpose of each heavy equipment in your arsenal. If you’re still confused, feel free to contact us and we can help guide you on the best heavy equipment for your needs.