Excavator vs. Backhoe: Equipment Comparison

While excavators and backhoes share many similarities, there are also a few key differences between the two. This can make it difficult for companies to determine which one best suits their needs, and that’s why the experts at Arizona Tractor Sales have created this comparison guide between excavators and backhoes. 

Which Kind of Equipment Do I Need?

Both backhoes and excavators are powerful, versatile machines. To determine which one is right for you, you’ll need to give serious consideration to the differences between the two and what you need in a construction vehicle. 

What Is a Backhoe?

A backhoe is a construction vehicle built around a standard tractor base that features a digger bucket at the end of a two-part jointed arm. The “back” in “backhoe” actually refers to the bucket’s digging motion, not the position of the bucket. Most models have the digger bucket at the front. Backhoes are compatible with a wide variety of different attachments, including drills, hammers, rippers, rakes, breakers, and many more. This allows backhoes to fulfill many different roles. 

What Is an Excavator?

Excavators share many features with backhoes, including the ability to use attachments. The primary difference between the two is that the entire chassis of an excavator is capable of rotating a full 360 degrees. 

Size

Excavators are larger and heavier than backhoes. This makes them the better choice for large-scale industrial operations like demolition and mining. A backhoe is better suited to things like medium-scale construction and farm work. 

Application

Both excavators and backhoes are very versatile machines. However, backhoes have a slight edge when it comes to the variety of attachments on offer. If you just want a machine that can dig, go with an excavator. If you want something a bit more multi-use, go with a backhoe. 

Mobility

Excavators have the ability to rotate 360 degrees, something that backhoes cannot do. On the other hand, backhoes also tend to be much smaller and nimbler. If mobility is important to you, then a backhoe is the better choice. 

To view our selection of excavators and backhoes, visit Arizona Tractor Sales online. We also offer tractor servicing and tractor financing. We are proud to serve the Western United States, and we hope to hear from you soon!