Manufacturers and customers know backhoes still have a place in the market.
The precipitous drop in sales of backhoe loaders in recent years has stopped, and a modest recovery is being reported.
Despite the uptick, backhoes no longer enjoy the market dominance they once had nor do they receive the innovation and development attention given to more popular machines, such as skid steers and compact excavators. Even so, advances are being made, and modern backhoes are more productive than their earlier counterparts.
Three tips to specing backhoes
Because modern backhoes have features older models lacked, it may seem difficult to use established criteria in spec’ing one. Not so, say our sources. The same three things apply, but now they’re applied to more capable machines:
· Backhoe capabilities – The main ones are dig depth and dump height, but bucket breakout force is also important. Extendable sticks, loader arm design and bucket type give greater performance to smaller machines.
· Attachments – Applications OEMs are making it easy to use attachments with backhoes. Think of all the tasks you have to do and choose a backhoe that supports the tools to accomplish those tasks. Bidirectional or unidirectional hydraulics and coupler types must be considered. Don’t assume the tools you already own will be compatible with your new backhoe.
· Personnel – Switchable control patterns accommodate operator preference. In tuitive operation will make it easier to train new hires. Cab design and seating selection are important for comfort.
