Excavators and backhoe loaders are two of the most common types of equipment you can find on construction sites. These highly effective machines are often used for earthmoving activities around the worksite.
However, because of their similar functions and appearances, excavators and backhoe loaders are often mistaken for one another. To help you decide which equipment to get for your firm, here is a comparison between excavators and backhoe loaders.
What is an Excavator?
An excavator is a piece of equipment that features a boom, stick, and bucket. It can be fitted with other attachments, such as a grapple, rake, auger, or breaker to perform several tasks, including the following:
- Excavation
- Demolition
- Digging
- Breaking up concrete
What is a Backhoe Loader?
A backhoe loader is equipped with a boom, stick, and bucket at the back, similar to an excavator. What makes it unique from an excavator is the large loader featured in front of the machine.
This equipment can also be fitted with a variety of attachments, which allow it to be used for different purposes. Some of the most common attachments for backhoe loaders are the following:
- Road boom
- Rake
- Hammer
- Drill
- Compactor
- Breaker
Key Differences Between Excavators and Backhoe Loaders
Although both types of equipment perform similar functions and have almost the same attachments, they still have differences that you should consider when making your decision. Here are the main differences between an excavator and a backhoe Loader:
Size
The main difference you will notice between an excavator and a backhoe loader is their size. An excavator is larger and heavier than a backhoe loader, which makes it ideal for larger worksites. On the other hand, a backhoe loader is smaller, which is why it can be used on medium-sized construction and excavation projects.
Power
If your project involves various heavy-duty tasks, it is more efficient and safer for you to choose an excavator. This piece of equipment is more powerful than a backhoe loader, especially when it comes to extensive digging and demolition tasks. Meanwhile, you can buy a backhoe loaders for sale in the Philippines if your project only involves medium-scale jobs.
Mobility
When choosing between an excavator and a backhoe loader, you should consider how often you need to transport the equipment between job sites. If you frequently need to move from one worksite to another, you should consider getting a backhoe loader because it has wheels and can be driven on roads at up to 40 kilometers per hour. Excavators, on the other hand, often have tracks and need to be transported on a trailer truck.
Rotation
Another difference between an excavator and a backhoe loader is their rotation ranges. An excavator’s chassis and arm can rotate 360 degrees, which provides it with enough mobility to complete various tasks. Meanwhile, a backhoe loader can only rotate about 200 degrees and can have limited mobility.
Choose the Right Equipment for Your Business
Now that you’ve learned about the differences between an excavator and a backhoe loader, you should have enough information to choose which equipment best suits your firm’s needs. If you need expert advice on which machine to buy, you can always talk to our team at CMI Equipment.
