If you are in the market for a mini excavator or a backhoe, you will have many makes and models to choose from. From Komatsu and Caterpillar, to Kobelco and Volvo, there are hundreds of mini excavators with varying specifications and features.
If you are wavering between a mini excavator or a backhoe, here are some aspects to consider.
As with any machine purchase, the first step is to carefully consider what type of work you need the mini excavator or backhoe to perform. Will the machine be used for smaller projects, neighborhood jobs like digging trenches, uprooting bushes, or landscaping?
If there is more digging and soil transport involved in a project, a backhoe may be a better option. This is why you start by assessing the work that will be done. Or perhaps, depending on how much digging will be required, a larger excavator would be a better option.
The biggest difference between a backhoe and a mini excavator of course is the loader bucket on the backhoe. For many, this is all that's needed to stamp their decision to go with a backhoe.
Mini excavator owners are often won over by the fact the front arm can be used for a variety of attachments, including augers, breakers, compactors, grinders, and more. When it comes to mini excavators, digging is it's main objective. If you don't need to transport much dirt, having a backhoe with a front loader bucket may not make much sense. However, advantages to the backhoe include being able to fit the front loader bucket portion with forks, brooms, and other types of buckets such as a clam bucket.
Terrain navigation also needs to be factored in to the decision between a backhoe and a mini excavator. Backhoes can be heavier than many mini excavators with tires that can be rough on certain types of terrain. This can make mini excavators more appealing, especially when doing landscaping in residential areas. Rubber-tracked mini excavators are especially easy on certain terrain.
However, if you expect to move the machines distances or 50 yards, and over varying types of surfaces including concrete and asphalt, a backhoe would likely be better for you.
Another consideration when it comes to deciding between a mini excavator or a backhoe is other machines on site. If there is a wheel loader, skid steer, or telehandler in the fleet, a backhoe may not be necessary.
Also, space restrictions may also help determine if a mini excavator is good for you. Mini excavators are ideal when working in tight spaces, close to homes and other structures.
Finally, it may be tempting to buy a backhoe or mini excavator because, let's face it, there is a certain amount of pride when it comes to being the owner of a machine, however, if you don't anticipate using the machine for projects on a regular basis, it might make more sense to rent a machine instead.
Whatever your project or familiarity with either a backhoe or a mini excavator, the question of which machine is better ultimately comes down to the specific project.
If you need parts for a mini excavator, backhoe, or any other type of machine, be sure to give ConEquip Parts a call.
