If digging and moving dirt or some type of surface material like concrete comprises a frequent portion of your company's work, backhoes and backhoe loaders will make your job easier, faster and more cost efficient. Even if you only plan to take on a one-time project involving trench digging for wires, cables, pipes or ditches, a backhoe loader will accomplish multiple jobs with only one piece of equipment and one operator.

The first fully-integrated machines with tractors, loaders and backhoes originated in the late 1950s as Long backhoes, and backhoe loaders have since faithfully served construction and agriculture needs for decades. A backhoe loader digs holes and trenches, carries dirt away or back fills and smoothes a dirt surface. Get a backhoe loader, or start with a backhoe and build a piece of equipment to meet your specific needs. As you shop for backhoe loaders, keep the following in mind:

1. Carefully consider whether you only need a simple backhoe before discarding the possibility of a backhoe loader for multitasking.

2. Ensure you get rubber pads for your backhoe loader's stabilization legs if you work on asphalt or concrete.

3. Look for backhoe loaders with four-wheel drive or four-wheel steering.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Go with reputable backhoe dealers to buy a new piece of equipment

Stick with a name in equipment and machinery that you trust when selecting a backhoe dealer. You'll find plenty of well-known brands online.

I recommend: When looking at backhoe loaders for sale, start with Caterpillar, or check out the JCB backhoe loader selection at Southland Machinery. Consider buying one of the backhoes for sale at KPX Tractor Supply and then select any attachments you need separately. Go to John Deere to build your own backhoe loader and receive a price quote.

Purchase a used backhoe if your budget won't stretch far enough for new

If you can't afford a new backhoe or backhoe loader or if you don't plan on using it all day every day, buying a used backhoe loader will get you all the capability you need at a reasonable price.

I recommend: Consider using Equipment Locator Service to find a used John Deere backhoe loader in your region. Visit IronPlanet to view used backhoe loaders that come with guaranteed inspection reports and price used backhoes at Cleveland Brothers. For a used Caterpillar, view available models, locations and prices at CatUsed.com.

Consider leasing a backhoe loader to meet your needs

Depending on various factors, you may determine that leasing a backhoe loader provides your company with the most cost-effective way to get the job done. Perhaps you want to take advantage of lower down payments or tax advantages that leasing can offer. Regardless of your reasons, you'll find no shortage of leasing options available online.

I recommend: Find a backhoe loader to lease near you using Machinery Trader, or look at the selection of top-quality backhoe loaders available for rent at Gold Coast Hi-Lift. Fill out an application to lease a backhoe loader from Parkway Equipment Leasing, or check out the daily, weekly and monthly lease rates for a backhoe at Neff Equipment Sales & Lease.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you buy a backhoe loader online, you or the equipment operator should test drive different models first to ensure that the operator is capable of safely operating the equipment in the backhoe position as well as the loader position.

If you're going into the construction business and you're unsure about every piece of equipment you should have, take a moment to learn backhoes and backhoe loaders basics. Once you realize the versatility, performance and capabilities of backhoes and backhoe loaders, you'll find that no one who moves earth for a living should be without one or more of these machines.

From long backhoes to compact backhoes and backhoe loaders, this equipment can be used not only in construction, but for utility work that requires digging trenches and even landscaping, as well. Generally, a backhoe gives you the ability to both dig up the earth and fill it in again by using the tools attached to the front and back of the vehicle. Once you understand the basics, you'll be ready to do business with the top backhoe dealers that specialize in backhoes and backhoe loaders for sale. Before buying backhoes and backhoe loaders, do the following:

1. Check out the features of the top backhoe and backhoe loader manufacturers;

2. Find out why compact backhoes and backhoe loaders are ideal for smaller jobs;

3. Learn how to increase the versatility of backhoes and backhoe loaders with different types of attachments.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

View top models of backhoes and backhoe loaders to get a full appreciation for these vehicles

As with any tool or piece of equipment, turning to well-known names will always give you a great insight into what that particular product offers. With backhoes and backhoe loaders, look into what top manufacturers offer in the way of features and functions to get a full understanding of these machines.

I recommend: Visit John Deere for specifications, productivity descriptions and features on small and large models of backhoes and backhoe loaders. See an overview of all models, and even a video demonstrating how a backhoe works, at Caterpillar.

Realize that using backhoes and backhoe loaders isn't only for the big boys

When it comes to backhoes and backhoe loaders, the goal is not always to move as much earth as possible. If your business only requires you to dig depths of less than 14 feet--as is the case with much trench work or landscaping--the depth capabilities offered by larger backhoes may be irrelevant to you. You can dig post holes, break up asphalt or concrete and trench for utility lines with compact backhoes.

I recommend: Read about the updated features and the many tasks a Yanmar compact backhoe can perform, from digging and backfilling to utilizing skid steer attachments, at Construction Equipment. Learn the many ways in which you can use both a compact and sub-compact backhoe in a detailed article at Compact Equipment.

Make more of backhoes and backhoe loaders with a wide range of attachments

You can make your backhoe and backhoe loader even more versatile by adding a quick coupler to switch attachments. For instance, there are different types of buckets available that can allow you to move sand, concrete and rock with your backhoe. You can also cut asphalt, grade, dig ditches and remove debris with the right attachments for your backhoe and backhoe loader.

I recommend: Attachments International offers a brief description and photos of different types of bucket attachments. View pictures of and read detailed descriptions of couplers and attachments for backhoe loaders at Woods Equipment Company.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Visit a local backhoe dealer and get a firsthand demonstration of how all of the features of backhoes and backhoe loaders work.

The big machines known as backhoes and their cousins, the backhoe loaders, are responsible for a lot of the heavy lifting and earth-moving that goes on in a variety of fields and industries. But staff have to know how to use these items safely and efficiently in order to succeed.

Some claim that the best experience is what workers find on the job. Maybe that's true, but when it comes to using backhoes and backhoe loaders, there's a lot a business can do easily to educate its workers before they are thrown into the mix on the job site. These days, more and more training can go on over the Internet. Choices for this kind of instruction include:

1. Courses in backhoes and backhoe loaders operation for potential drivers, with on-site service and detailed curriculum for identifying the most important aspects of long backhoes and other equipment.

2. Online work forums where seasoned pros hold forth on aspects of various models from backhoe dealers.

3. Internet "how tos" and tutorials for backhoe operation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider on-site backhoes training courses

One option is to have newbies take part in training from 'academies' or consulting schools where staff get the skills they need, or even certifications, to really be an asset to a business that needs heavy lifting or moving.

I recommend: The Bianchi Group offers training in backhoe and backhoe loader operation at the customer's site, as well as materials and support for learning. Find more online from HETA, The Heavy Equipment Training Academy, with courses in digging and activities that address federal OSHA safety standards and much more. Caterpillar gives backhoe training on its machines in class and on site.

Get info from work forums on backhoes and other gear

Trades and guild forums are a large part of what the Internet now offers those who are new to virtually any task under the sun, and backhoe operation is no exception. The variety of info that can be found on these sites is staggering, from avoiding pitfalls while in the driver's seat, to detailed testimonials about gear from each company that provides businesses with heavy equipment.

I recommend: Information at the DIY site of TractorbyNet covers aspects of what individuals have done with backhoes and related gear, and even tips on assembling machines. See more DIY tips and info at Backhoes World, including notes on aspects of using used backhoes or other older gear.

Find more with web 'tutorials' on backhoe operation

Web users can also find sites where writers give details or step-by-step instructions on how to deal with and operate machinery such as backhoes and other earth-moving or heavy lifting equipment. These general guides do not substitute for specific course instruction, but they can add some helpful tips to a new worker's toolbelt.

I recommend: Get buying and use how-to info for backhoes from BuyerZone online. Advanced Internet users can get more online guides through the EBSCO online database (registration and access may be subject to fees or downloads). Order from an extensive library of backhoe how-to videos from manufacturer John Deere.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always put safety first in using heavy equipment like backhoes for sale to companies who need them. It's easy to get carried away with the nuts and bolts of the job and forget the potential hazard of using a backhoe improperly. Do the job right and save both time and money, as well as keeping everyone safe.