You’ve got a job to do, and you need the right machine to do it. But when you’re staring down the choice between a backhoe or excavator, it’s easy to get analysis paralysis. They both dig. They both lift. They both look pretty tough. 

But picking the wrong one? That’ll slow you down faster than a flat tire on a Monday morning. We’ve seen enough job sites to know that while these rigs might look like cousins, they’ve got different personalities. 

One’s a multi-tasking wizard that can drive itself to the site. The other is a digging powerhouse that works in circles. Let’s break down the excavator vs. backhoe debate so you can stop guessing and start grading.

What Is A Backhoe?

Think of a backhoe as the Swiss Army knife of construction equipment. It’s got a loader on the front and an arm with a bucket on the back, meaning it can scoop, lift, and trench all in one machine. Backhoes are often the go-to choice for cities, towns, and utility contractors because they can dig, lift, and move materials without needing extra transport. They can tackle multiple tasks on the same job. 

Why Do Some People Call Excavators Backhoes?

It’s a bit like calling every tissue a “Kleenex.” Because both machines use a digging arm that pulls earth toward the cab (a “hoe” action), the names get swapped around at the water cooler. But remember: a backhoe is a tractor-based machine with a loader on the front. If it doesn’t have a loader and it spins in a full circle, you’re looking at an excavator.

Typical Backhoe Features

• Wheels Instead of Tracks: Most backhoes are wheeled, meaning they can drive 20 mph between job sites instead of needing a trailer.
• 180-Degree Rotation: From a stationary seat, a backhoe can turn only 180 degrees, from scoping at the front to trenching at the back. To get a full rotation, you would have to move the machine itself. 
• Front & Back Versatility: The loader bucket in the front has a large scooping capability, while the arm in the back allows for a long reach, digging deep, and trenching.

Backhoe Common Uses 

• Repairing existing utilities (leaks, valves, etc.)
• Digging trenches for smaller foundations or drainage work
• Moving materials like dirt and gravel
• Light demolition work
• Landscaping

What Is An Excavator?

Over the years, excavators have gained traction in the industry and have slowly edged out backhoes on many job sites. With advancements in hydraulic technology, zero-tail-swing models, and increased efficiency, many contractors have swapped their backhoes for excavators. These machines come in multiple sizes, from compact mini excavators to full-size heavy-duty diggers, giving operators more flexibility for different job types.

What Exactly Is A “Trackhoe”?

You’ve probably heard the old-timers call a machine a “trackhoe.” But don’t go looking for a third category in our inventory. A trackhoe is simply a nickname for a tracked excavator. People use the term to differentiate it from the wheeled backhoe or the rarer wheeled excavator. If it’s on tracks and it digs, it’s a trackhoe.

Typical Excavator Features

• Tracked Instead of Wheeled: Offers better stability on rough terrain but requires transport between job sites.
• 360-Degree Rotation: The entire cab spins. Unlike a backhoe, you don’t have to reposition the whole machine to dig in a new direction.
• Larger Bucket Capacity: Designed for heavy-duty projects.
• Quick Coupler System: This makes it easy to switch between attachments like buckets, hammers, compactors, and thumbs, increasing efficiency and reducing downtime.

Different Excavator Sizes

• Mini Excavators (1-6 tons): Great for small jobs and tight spaces, with a digging depth of 8 to 14 feet.
• Mid-Size Excavators (7-15 tons): Balance of power and mobility, commonly used for utility and commercial work, with a digging depth of around 17-18 feet.
• Full-Size Excavators (20+ tons): Heavy-duty digging power for deep trenching and major construction projects, capable of digging 20+ feet deep.

Excavator Common Uses 

• New utility installation
• Large-scale trenching
• Heavy lifting and material handling
• Demolition and land clearing
• Mining and deep foundation work

Head-to-Head: Backhoe vs. Excavator Chart

When comparing backhoe vs. excavator specs, the “winner” usually depends on the space available and the depth required.

How to Choose: 5 Things to Consider Before Buying or Renting a Backhoe or Excavator

Choosing between a backhoe and an excavator isn’t just about picking the bigger, badder machine. It’s about finding the right tool for the job. The best way to decide? Look at the specifics of your project, work environment, and budget. Here’s how to break it down:

1. Assess the Job Scale and Scope

Backhoes are best suited for small- to medium-sized projects such as utility work, material handling, and minor excavation. If your job involves multiple tasks (digging, lifting, loading) and moving between sites, a backhoe’s versatility makes it a great fit.

Excavators are the right choice for large-scale excavation, deep trenching, foundation work, and mining. If you need serious digging power and 360-degree rotation, this is the machine for you.

2. Evaluate Working Conditions

Is your job site in a tight space, like an urban environment or along a roadside location? A backhoe’s smaller size makes it easier to maneuver. On rough terrain, however, an excavator’s tracked design provides better stability and traction. Mobility is another key factor: if you need to travel between job sites, a backhoe can hit speeds of up to 20 mph, while an excavator requires a trailer for transport.

3. Compare Costs Based on Features and Needs

If you’re looking at 1-to-1 digging depth, the cost difference between a backhoe and a similarly sized excavator isn’t drastic. But excavators can cost more to buy or rent because they come in more size variations and often include more advanced features, such as quick couplers for attachments and grade control technology. If your project requires maximum efficiency, an excavator’s speed and capability may justify the higher cost.

4. Match the Machine to the Task

If your project involves digging trenches up to 14 feet deep, a backhoe is a solid choice. However, for anything deeper, a mid-size or full-size excavator is the better option. If you need a machine that can handle multiple tasks on-site, a backhoe’s front loader makes it ideal for moving materials efficiently. On the other hand, if your job requires heavy lifting or demolition work, an excavator offers greater lifting capacity and stability.

5. The TCO: What is the Machine Actually Costing You?

Choosing between a backhoe vs. excavator isn’t just about the monthly payment; it’s about the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

• Fuel Efficiency: Generally, a compact excavator will burn less fuel than a backhoe because it has a smaller engine and more efficient hydraulics for dedicated digging.
• Maintenance: Backhoe tires are expensive and prone to wear on jagged job sites. Excavator tracks are rugged but can be costly to replace if you’re working on asphalt or concrete.
• Versatility vs. Specialization: A backhoe can replace two machines (a loader and a digger), which might save you on transport and insurance. However, an excavator’s 360-degree rotation enables faster completion of jobs, reducing labor costs.

Before you make a decision, make sure you understand the Economics of Equipment and Total Cost of Ownership to see which rig makes the most financial sense for your fleet.

Find the Right Backhoe or Excavator from Southeastern Equipment

Whether you need a dependable backhoe for utility work or a powerful excavator for major digging projects, we’ve got you covered. Southeastern Equipment offers new, used, and rental options so that you can buy or rent based on your needs.

If you’re looking for a versatile backhoe, CASE models like the 580SV, 580N, and 590 Super N are trusted choices, providing the mobility and multi-functionality municipalities and contractors rely on. Need excavating power? Kobelco models like the SK140SR and SK85, or CASE’s CX80 and CX145D, deliver the reach, power, and efficiency to handle everything from trenching to demolition.

Not sure which model fits your job best? Our team can help you compare specs and find the right machine for your project. Explore our inventory today!