Backhoe vs. Excavator: Which Machine Is Best for Your Project?

Backhoe vs. Excavator: Which Machine Is Best for Your Project?

Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between backhoes and excavators, they differ in three main ways: size, versatility, and rotation. These factors make each machine suitable for different jobs, so choosing the right machine for your project is important.

Size

This is the main difference between backhoe and excavator.

The backhoes is slightly smaller while the excavator is larger and heavier. Excavators are generally better suited for demolition projects, mining, piling, drilling for rock blasting, and large industrial projects in general. As the smaller and more adaptable excavator of the two, the backhoe is better suited for farming, snow removal, loading operations, and medium-sized construction and excavation projects.

Versatility

Backhoes and excavators are also very different in terms of versatility. While both machines offer a number of attachment options, backhoes have a much wider range of options and are therefore capable of accomplishing a wider range of tasks. Backhoes can also be driven on roads, making them a better choice for projects with scattered jobsites.

Rotation

Finally, backhoes and excavators have different ranges of rotation, which make them very different machines from an operator's perspective. The excavator operator can rotate the entire machine’s chassis and arms together in a full circle, while the backhoe’s arms can only rotate about 200 degrees.