Backhoe vs. Excavator: How to Choose the Right Machine for Your Job

You’ve got a job to do, and you need the right machine to do it. But do you go with a backhoe or an excavator? They both dig. They both lift. They both look pretty tough. But trust us, picking the wrong one can slow you down faster than a flat tire on a Monday morning.

At first glance, these machines might seem like two sides of the same heavy-duty coin, but they’ve got some key differences that can make or break your project. One’s better for multi-tasking. The other? It’s built to dig deep and swing in circles (literally).

In this guide, we’re breaking down the basics: what each machine does, where they shine, and how deep they can dig 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. 

Typical Backhoe Features

• Wheels Instead of Tracks: This means it can drive 20 mph between job sites instead of needing a trailer.
• 180-Degree Rotation: From the seat in a stationary position, a backhoe can only turn 180 degrees between scoping in the front to trenching in 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 ground in the industry, and as a result, they’ve 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.

Typical Excavator Features

• Tracked Instead of Wheeled: Offers better stability on rough terrain but requires transport between job sites.
• 360-Degree Rotation: 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

Key Differences Between a Backhoe and an Excavator

How to Choose Between a Backhoe and an 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 for small-to-medium projects like utility work, material handling, and minor excavation. If your work 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 your machine.

2. Evaluate Working Conditions

Is your job site in a tight space, like an urban environment or along a roadside? 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 have more advanced features, like 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.

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 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!