A backhoe and a mini excavator are two popular excavating machines that can be used for multiple purposes. They are quite popular in the construction industry and helpful in a lot of projects. But, what is Backhoe vs Mini Excavator? Which one is best for the job?
These machines have different capabilities and operating manuals. You should know about these machines in detail before renting them for your projects.
This article will help you to identify the difference between these two machines and will help you to identify which one is better for your job.
What is Backhoe?
To understand a Backhoe vs Mini excavator, you should know the definition of the backhoe and what it does.
Mainly, backhoes are tractors with an arm on one side and a loader on the other side. they have a stick, bucket, and boom in the back with a loader in the front.
It is versatile construction equipment that is suitable for different landscaping projects. It is popular among construction and land development industries because of its flexibility and suitability for different projects.
It can work on either a center mount or side shift mechanism. Though a lot of operators prefer side mechanisms, these types are powerful and popular among construction industries.
It comes in different sizes and have different horsepower depending on their brands. You can attach different attachments with it too to perform different tasks.
What can a Backhoe do?
Backhoes can perform well in landscaping projects. As we have discussed that they are of different sizes, you can use smaller machines for residential projects, and large-size machines for construction and large-scale projects.
The additional attachments, such as an auger, extended dipper stick, and grinder, can make this machine suitable for other projects too. You can take it on the road or spread out work sites.
Some main tasks it can fulfill are:
- Drilling
- Asphalt management
- Back-filling
- Loading
- Digging
- Trenching
- Breaking the pavement
- Creating a pond
- Clearing snow
- Moving hay
- Building fences
What is a Mini Excavator?
Just like we have understood backhoes in detail, we will look at the mini digger introduction too to know Backhoe vs Mini Excavator.
Mini digger is a compact excavator which is lightweight and suitable for small projects. They can move from a doorway because of their small size. They can’t move from one site to another, and we have to use a tractor for this purpose. They are fuel efficient, cheap, and have a long lifespan.
They create less noise, have minimal swing movement, and exert minimal pressure on the ground. They are fuel efficient too.
What a Mini Excavator can do?
Compact excavators also use certain attachments and have different horsepower which makes them ideal for different projects. Their compact size makes them the best choice for small-sized projects where tractors and excavators can’t come.
You can use them in forestry or home-based projects. These are ideal for:
- Planting trees
- Clearing vegetation
- Irrigation
- Setting different posts
- Cleaning trails
- Filling the hole
- Digging the hole
Backhoe vs Mini Excavator:
You have noticed that both machines uses the same type of extra attachments and can do almost the same type of tasks. So, what is the main difference between them?
Sizes:
The main thing between a backhoe vs mini excavator is the difference in their sizes.
A backhoe’s average size is 16000 pounds, and it can dig between 13-15 feet. This machine is available in different sizes too. The attachments of the backhoe make it the competitor of excavators and tractors.
While on the other hand, a mini digger weighs around 5000-14000 pounds. They are ideal for tight spaces.
Versatility:
Backhoes’ main feature are its back and front arm. Moreover, they have a variety of attachments with it such as hammers, thumbs, rippers, rear buckets, and more.
On the other hand, the compact excavator’s main feature is its compact size. It can’t carry heavy or large amounts of material but can have attachments just like a backhoe.
Rotation:
The main feature of any excavating machine is its rotation. It allows the operator to remain seated inside the cab while the machine can operate throughout the site.
Backhoes’ arm can only rotate 200 degrees. This rotation helps the operator to move, pick and demolish the material in the front and sides of the operator’s sight.
A compact excavator can rotate 360 degrees. This feature can let operators pick the material from the front, side, and back.
These are some points that make these machines different from each other..
7 Things to Consider when Choosing a Backhoe vs Mini Excavator for your job:
Which machine is suitable for your job? Should you rent a backhoe for your job or a mini excavator?
You will get the answer to your questions when you consider the elements of your job. You should know the type of your job so that you can decide on a suitable machine.
- Jobsite Size:
If your job site is wide and you need to move from one place to another, a backhoe can be an ideal choice in this case. It is a wheeled vehicle that can travel up to 25 miles per hour. If your job site is extended to certain acres, this machine can move fastly and can reach the places in no time. It will make work easy. On the other hand, you have to haul a compact excavator on a tractor for such job sites.
But, if your place is congested, then a compact mini excavator is ideal for your job.
- The Terrain of the Work Place:
If the terrain of your workplace is soft, the lightweight tread of a compact excavator is ideal for such job sites. But if the job site is rugged or rough, backhoes are perfect for such jobs.
If the job site is hilly or the work site is slick and requires extra traction, mini diggers are the ideal choice for them.
- Worksite location:
Backhoes are ideal for construction and landscaping projects. But for indoors and outdoors with noise regulation restrictions, they are not an ideal choice. Mini Diggers can fit into small places, create less noise, and have more swing movement, so it is ideal for indoor projects or projects in an established community.
Compact Excavators can go through doors and gates and can do tasks in narrow alleyways, residential backyards, or parks. Backhoes can’t go into these places because of their size, minimal swing motion, and complex maneuverability. So, you can’t use them for compact work sites.
- Workplace Restrictions:
Some workplaces or roads can’t bear the weight of a heavy truck with a backhoe loader. They either decline the heavy truck or you need a special permit to transport this machine over the workplace. In such a case, a mini digger is the best choice.
Mini diggers can be hauled on a standard pickup truck and has light tread. It doesn’t need any special permit. Moreover, they are best for places where aesthetic or ecological concerns are present. If we will use rubber tracks in this machine, they will not destroy the ground beneath it. While the backhoe’s large treads and heavy weight make it unsuitable for such worksites.
- Project Types:
These machines are suitable for a lot of projects such as digging, trenching, heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling. So, where is the difference between the project type of these machines?
A backhoe has more power than a compact excavator so they are best suited for deep digging and heavy-duty projects. They are fit for projects that require a lot of transportation and hauling across the work site.
Mini diggers are best for small projects with repetitive tasks. They can rotate fully while remaining stationed in their place. You don’t need to drive much in the workplace with a compact excavator.
- Storage spaces:
If your project will take more than one day, you should know your on-site transportation and storage logistics before renting any excavating machine.
Compact Excavators can easily be stored in compact storage, but you need a trailer to transport them on and off your storage spaces. This will take time and can affect your day’s work.
On the other hand, backhoes needs a large storage space making it a challenging task to store them. But, they are relatively easy to move to and from the storage yard and will take less time.
- Attachments:
Before starting the project, you should know which specific attachments or tools you need to complete your project. A lot of attachments are indeed similar in backhoe and mini excavator, but there are some specific attachments for each excavating machine. You should know what specific attachments are available for these machines. This knowledge will help you to decide which excavating machine you should use for your project.
Wrap Up:
This is all about backhoe vs mini excavator. These machines are best for multiple projects but you have to decide which one is suitable for your project.
These machines have their pros and cons and they are manufactured for different types of projects. You have to analyze your project type, and the operating manual of the mini excavator and backhoe, and then decide which one is best for your job.
If you need more information or want to buy a backhoe or mini excavator, you can contact us. We will be more than glad to help you. You will get a reply as soon as possible, and we will assist you in selecting a suitable machine for your project.
