Getting Some New Digs
The first rule of digging holes — don’t end up in one. The second rule — utilize the right tool for the job. When it comes to landscape, farming, small construction and even homeowner excavation projects, a backhoe attachment can be a smart and solid investment. It’s also a major purchase, so it’s important to take the time to evaluate your needs and expectations by determining a few important factors such as what you need your backhoe to do today and what you will need it to do in the future. The right product will be versatile in any operation and is an investment that can quickly pay for itself.
Size Matters
The first and most important thing to consider is the size of your property or jobsite. Will this piece of equipment be used in more open spaces or will you need more versatility? This will help determine what size tractor, loader and backhoe combination (TLB) is right for you.
If your property or jobsite is small and has established turf and mature plant material, your needs fall into the sub-compact TLB category (0- to 20-PTO hp tractors). Sub-compacts have come a long way and now give “prosumers” (consumers who buy professional grade equipment) and commercial users features similar to those found in a large tractor loader backhoe but in a smaller, more versatile size. If your property is larger and requires less mobility, a medium or large compact tractor might be a better fit (40 PTO hp and under). Medium or large compacts offer a great deal of features and functions but don’t have as much maneuverability as sub-compact TLBs.
Horsepower and Pump Type
After you’ve selected the right size tractor, you should look at the specifications on all available products in the category, beginning with horsepower. It’s important to compare gross horsepower, net horsepower and, most importantly, PTO horsepower. PTO horsepower and reserve engine torque are the two most significant specifications to consider because they most directly affect the capabilities of the tractor and the ease of operation. Reserve engine torque is not a publicized specification, but rather is something you’ll need to understand by actually testing out the product before purchasing. Reserve engine torque maintains constant power and speed, even when the tractor is under load.
Also consider the hydraulic pump types, number of pumps and gallons-per-minute output. Most sub-compact tractors have a single hydraulic pump that requires higher engine revolutions per minute (rpm) during operation to perform hydraulic functions. This system is acceptable for a novice operator but not for the “prosumer” and commercial operator.
A dual pump hydraulic system truly enhances the experience of the operator. Dual pumps are found on most compact tractors and larger TLB equipment and are now readily available on smaller sub-compacts. A dual hydraulic system allows the hydraulic attachments, loader and backhoe to function throughout all engine rpms. This feature makes it easy for a novice operator to learn and allows the experienced operator to enjoy the performance of a big tractor in a small package.
Features and Function
When planning your purchase, it’s also important to consider how the backhoe attaches and detaches. Some manufacturers use a removable full sub-frame design while others offer a four-point mount system. The sub-frame design requires you to remove the entire sub-frame. When removing your backhoe, you must remove a long ladder bar frame section in addition to the backhoe. Although the process is easy, the sub-frame consumes a large amount of storage space, much more than the four-point mount system.
The other option, the four-point mount system, requires the removal of just the backhoe. Removal is fast and easy and keeping the sub-frame attached to the tractor greatly reduces the amount of storage space needed.
Operator’s Station
Next, climb into the operator’s station. Is the seat comfortable? Would you be comfortable operating for an entire day? While it might not seem like comfort would be a top priority, it will help avoid fatigue during long operations. Check your visibility from the seat as well. Can you see from the seat into the trench or excavated area? Some manufacturers include the backhoe’s stacked hydraulic valve assembly in the control console, which reduces visibility and increases heat in the operator’s station.
Other manufacturers will place their valve assembly under the foot rest area. Having the valve located in the sub-frame area has three advantages. First, it increases visibility into excavated areas since the size of the console is greatly reduced. Second, it dissipates the heat out of valve faster, lowering the temperature and increasing the life expectancy of the valve assembly. Third, it reduces heat in the console area, increasing operator comfort and productivity while lowering fatigue.
Boom Design
The boom assembly design is another feature of great importance. Some manufacturers use a straight boom assembly while others offer a curved boom. While the straight boom design has been around since the inception of the backhoe and has proved to be useful and reliable, curved booms have become popular.
The difference between the two is that curved booms provide improved visibility and easier truck loading and straight booms utilize less welded plates to gain strength and tend to be less expensive machines. The curved boom craze began when backhoes started to mirror the design of hydraulic excavators that employ a curved design for added visibility beneath their booms. However, a TLB with a 10-ft dig depth isn’t going to be moving mountains, so the curved vs. straight boom argument comes down to a matter of philosophy and personal opinion. While John Deere, Caterpillar, New Holland and Cub Cadet Yanmar have set up camp on the curved boom, Kubota, Komatsu and Terramite utilize the straight boom designs.
Some manufacturers design cylinders for boom swing operation as a single cylinder attached to a chain. When the cylinder is operated, the chains are pulled to move the boom assembly in the desired direction. Today, a single or dual swing cylinder is used, allowing the operator to make more precise movements.
Buckets and Product Demonstrations
Backhoe buckets are the next item to consider when buying your backhoe. Some manufacturers weld the teeth onto the bucket with replaceable digging tips. These teeth can be broken off during excavating in rocky conditions and require welding to be repaired. The other option is bolt-on teeth. These teeth are designed to work in all soil conditions with increased rock-digging durability and easier servicing.
All manufacturers offer a wide selection of backhoe buckets sizes, ranging anywhere from 8 to 36 in., so it’s important to spend some time researching to make sure you have the right bucket. Finally, test the product. Do you feel comfortable? Does the machine seem too big or too small? Can it perform the tasks you will need it for? If possible, try and arrange a product demo through your local dealer. A good way to test out the backhoe is by digging and backfilling a trench. Some compact backhoes require the operator to feel the ground contact during backfilling while others have float controls built in, making it easier to backfill. Either way, pay close attention to your site lines, comfort and overall feel of the product.
As you can see, buying a compact backhoe is a big decision that requires a lot of careful thought before buying. By understanding your options and spending some time in the seat, you can feel confident knowing your compact backhoe will be an indispensable tool for many years to come, which leads us to our final rule — No. 3 — enjoy your smart investment.
Roger Gifford is a compact product manager for Cub Cadet Yanmar, based in Cleveland. In addition to his 32 years of experience in the equipment industry, Gifford also owned and operated a successful landscaping business for more than 10 years.
Backhoe Attachment Showcase
Allmand TLB-425 ESL
The Allmand TLB-425 ESL heavy-duty compact tractor loader backhoe features a servo-controlled hydrostatic transmission, a powerful 25-hp diesel engine and an exclusive ESL backhoe design to deliver superior performance on a variety of excavation and earthmoving applications. The unit’s industrial class backhoe delivers a 4,611-lb digging force and reaches up to a 9-ft, 6-in. digging depth. Dual cylinder, 180-degree hydraulic cushioned swing allows precise work in tight areas. For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.
Bobcat
With a Bobcat backhoe implement, contractors can turn their Bobcat compact tractors into powerful part-time excavators. The backhoe implement is a great fit for general purpose digging and trenching. Take the implement to jobsites where digging power and ground clearance are important. Bobcat backhoe implements are available in three models, with dig depths from 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 ft, and reaches from 8 ft, 11 in. to 11 ft, 3 in. For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.
Cub Cadet Yanmar
Cub Cadet Yanmar’s backhoe attachments feature a curved boom design that allows operators to dig deeper and distribute the load more evenly. Its arched shape keeps the boom out of excavating edges and allows higher reach for dumping. An ergonomic control station offers improved sight lines and operator room. Thanks to a four-point, quick-attach sub-frame, the backhoe comes on or goes off in minutes. Dual swing cylinders allow for precise control and greater power, making work next to objects precise and back filling a trench easier. For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.
EDGE
EDGE backhoe attachments, available through CE Attachments, are ideal for farm, nursery and light construction applications. Metered spools on the control valves produce smooth, precise control of backhoe movement. The tapered console increases foot area for greater operator comfort. Digging depths of 6 ft, 6 in. and 7 ft, 6 in., and bucket widths of 9 to 24 in. ensure that an operator has the right backhoe for his or her application. For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.
KIOTI
KIOTI’s KB Series backhoes make the perfect attachment for those purchasing a compact tractor with the ability to dig. Features on all KIOTI backhoes include sub-frame mounting, self-contained hydraulics, two-lever hydraulic controls, hydraulic stabilizers, transport locks and a variety of bucket sizes. KIOTI offers five different backhoe models. Each one is specifically designed to attach to one or more KIOTI tractors. Digging depths range from 76 to 115 in. with the maximum reach range across the five models at 113.1 to 149 in. For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.
Kubota L45 TLB
The Kubota L45 tractor loader backhoe (TLB) features an HST Plus Transmission and the versatility of three machines in one, combining a strong, integrated loader and quick-attach backhoe with a Category I three-point hitch. With a slanted boom design and braceless frame for excellent visibility, the loader is designed with a lifting capacity of 2,200 lbs. The backhoe offers a 10-ft digging depth and backhoe crawling mode to reposition along trenches. Powered by a 45-hp Kubota diesel engine, the L45 TLB’s immense versatility is ideal for operators with professional results in mind. For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.
New Holland
New Holland’s new 900 Series utility backhoes attachments are more productive than ever with significant improvements in operator visibility and ease of operation. The 910GH is a new backhoe offering that fits New Holland’s sub-compact (<30 hp) tractors. Easily transported between jobsites, the 910GH is designed for working in close quarters.
The 900 Series utility backhoes feature two-lever control for easy operation of boom, dipper stick, bucket and swing. Four new tractor-mounted backhoes offer digging depths of 6, 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5 ft with transport heights of 65, 79, 84.7 and 96 in., all with a full range of bucket sizes. The 900 Series backhoe attachments get the job done with 180-degree swing arc and bucket rotation. For more information, go to www.ceunbound.com/info.
Power Trac
Power Trac’s minihoe attachment is made to fit all Power Trac commercial machines. The minihoe digs 4 ft deep, and an optional thumb is available to enable it to be used as a grapple attachment. Operators can easily move the steering wheel left or right to move the arm of the minihoe to the side. The attachment can also be adapted to fit on other brands of machines. Power Trac, based in Tazewell, Va., manufactures compact articulated utility tractors, trailers and attachments.
Comments are closed here.