Due to the small size and versatility, backhoe loaders are most commonly used for our small excavation projects in Ontario. Dependent on the project requirements at cottages and new homes, backhoe loaders (also known as loader backhoes).
For cottage driveways in northern Ontario, new homes being built needing basement excavation or topsoil removal and relocation – our excavation experts are ready to get to work on your project.
If you’ve never seen a backhoe loader at a construction site, I’ll try to explain it (later I’ll post a photo to make recognition easier). These excavation machines are part tractor – with both a front shovel and bucket and a small backhoe in the rear end – it is the most common machine variation of a farm tractor.
Backhoe Loaders were originally invented in Iowa in the 1800s.
Backhoe loaders are common and can be used for many tasks in excavation and construction including light transportation of organic matter and powering building equipment, digging holes and excavating, breaking asphalt and even paving driveways and roads.
As explained above, loader assembly on the front and backhoe attachment on the back. When both loader and backhoe are attached this machine is no longer referred to as a tractor. When a backhoe is permanently attached, the excavation machine usually has a swivel seat so the operator can face the backhoe controls easily.
In some cases and with some removable backhoe attachments, a seperate seat will exist on the attachment. Replacements for the backhoe bucket might be a breaker for concrete and rock. Some loader buckets offer a retractable bottom enabling easier and efficient removal of materials. Most commonly used for grading or scratching off sand and topsoil.
The front assembly on a backhoe might also offer alternatives. The bucket can be replaced with other tools with the assistance of a tool coupler. The coupler consists of two hydraulic cylinders on the end of the arm assembly. These cylinders expand and retract for various tools.
Some offer cabs for comfort (great for long days in the seat) that may or may not have air conditioning, radios, and other luxuries.
Although backhoe loaders are very versatile, their common uses in excavation are to haul equipment and supplies in the loader bucket, filling in trench lines, covering up freshly laid pipe as well as digging water pipes and sewer pipes.
As for best brands and models, opinions differ. Some of the most common are the New Holland, John Deere, and Case brands.
