Central and side shift boom backhoe loaders

The backhoe is one of the vehicles with the least downtime due to the great versatility offered by its front bucket and backhoe loader.

Like other equipment, the backhoe loader has different configurations in its structural design when manufactured that will provide a series of operating advantages depending on the environment in which it works.

Among the most common machines will be side shift and center boom backhoes. The first case refers to a structure of the back loader arm fixed in a position to the center, in the second case the backhoe arm can move laterally according to the needs of the operator.

The advantages offered by each configuration are listed below:

Center boom backhoe

-Greater stability while driving the equipment and its operation.

-The digging angles are usually deeper.

-Digging performance remains consistent at all angles the arm is positioned.

Breakout and digging force are higher when compared to a side shift design.

-Greater lifting capacity due to the positioning of the stabilizers in a radial configuration.

-Greater stability when lifting heavy loads thanks to the positioning of the radial stabilizers.

-Lower acquisition cost compared to sliding boom machines in most manufacturers.

-Its popularity is higher in North America and Central America, which facilitates a resale in these geographical areas if necessary.

Side Shift boom:

-Ability to work in confined or reduced spaces thanks to the movement of the backhoe arm from side to side.

-Different working angles according to a position on the backhoe loader arm.

-Visual improvement when working in trenches by making use of the different arm positions according to the operator’s needs.

-Greater lateral reach when positioning the backhoe arm when placing it at one end.

-They usually have vertical stabilizers whose working area is smaller compared to those of radial design, which improves their operation in confined spaces.

-Allows filling of cargo trucks at a shorter distance for easy filling.

-The boom and arm can be foldable over the width of the machine for better transport or movement on site.

-The maintenance of the backhoe with a movable boom is comparable to the central one except for additional points located in the sliding mechanism.

-Machines with a movable boom tend to be more popular with owners in Europe, Asia, and Oceania, which increases the probability of resale if necessary in these geographical areas.