Backhoe and front loaders – advantages and differences

Backhoes and front loaders are two of the most used machines on construction projects. Its relatively similar design tends to confuse inexperienced buyers, however, both, despite executing homologous operations, have significant advantages over each other, which are listed below.

Backhoe

In general terms, backhoes are equipment composed of an automotive steering front loader to which a backhoe bucket is added to the rear. This tool provides a substantial advantage over a front loader of similar dimensions.

-The backhoe bucket performs related functions to a compact excavator.

-The maximum digging depth of the arm, boom, and bucket can reach up to 7 meters depending on the configuration adopted.

-The service bucket can be replaced by multiple tools or accessories like hydraulic hammers, rippers, grapples, augers, material handlers, and others if the necessary hydraulic lines are available.

-The volumetric limits of the front bucket range from 0.5 to 2.0 cubic meters and allow the movement of loose material. -Due to their small size, these vehicles can be used in limited spaces.

Front loader

Front-loaders exhibit a wide range of lifting capacities associated with the size of the vehicle. In large equipment can exceed 27 tons.

The volume of material in the buckets is much higher compared to those of a backhoe, depending on the size of the equipment its capacities may be:

-Compact chargers: Up to 2 cubic meters -Small chargers: Up to 5 cubic meters. -Medium chargers: Up to 12 cubic meters. -Large chargers: Greater than 12 cubic meters.

-There are tracked front loader configurations that maximize traction in hard-to-reach areas, unlike backhoes that only travel on tires.

-Its articulated steering system allows the equipment to move more material compared to conventional automotive steering on a backhoe.

In conclusion, if the requirements are the displacement of materials that require a minimum bucket volume and load capacity (2 cubic meters or less), as well as the digging of trenches or excavation work with depth less than 7 meters your purchase should lean towards a backhoe loader thanks to the versatility and multifunctional capacity that this equipment offers.

On the other hand, if you need to move considerable amounts of material in a shorter time, you can choose any medium to large-size front loader since its net power, nominal payload, bucket capacities, reaches and cycle times will give better results than a backhoe.