Backhoes are versatile pieces of heavy machinery, capable of drilling, digging, ripping, breaking, plowing, and more. Instead of using a fleet of machines to accomplish each of these tasks, construction crews will rely on backhoes. How does one machine do so much? This blog will cover the various attachments that allow backhoes to get so much work done.
Table of Contents
Uses of Backhoe
Backhoes serve so many purposes that you’ll often find them outside of construction zones. Here are some of the main ways construction crews use a backhoe:
- Digging
You can dig trenches with ease using a backhoe with a bucket attachment. The bucket’s teeth can break into the soil and scoop up large amounts inside the bucket. A backhoe can be used for things like creating a trench for a piping system and farming. - Drilling
When holes need to be made, construction crews can simply attach the auger to their backhoe. This hydraulic-powered attachment comes with corkscrew-shaped bits. Some attachments allow for holes to be drilled up to 6 feet deep and anywhere from 4 to 50 inches in length. - Landscaping
Its digging and carrying capabilities make the backhoe perfect for landscaping projects. You can use it to dig new gardens and pools or carry heavy materials around the project site. The bucket attachment on the backhoes makes for planting trees because it doesn’t damage the root ball. - Leveling
Backhoes can be used to help create smooth, even roadways using its loader bucket. The pressure created by pushing the plow on an even plane road can create a smooth driving surface. This will help drivers travel the road with fewer disruptions. - Cleanup
Construction sites can get messy. Dirt and debris piles, heavy materials, and more need to be cleaned up before the project is finished. The backhoe can help get the job done easily. The bucket can scoop up and move large amounts of dirt or materials around the site. You can also use the backhoe for clearing out tree trunks and limbs without much effort. - Plowing
Backhoes come with large wheels that can easily push through heavy snow storms while its plow pushes snow.
Types of Backhoe Attachments
| Attachment | What is it? | Use it For |
|---|---|---|
Bucket | The bucket attachment features sharp, teeth-like edges to penetrate surfaces and scoop up dirt. This steel attachment comes in various sizes and weights. | Trenching, grading, lifting and transporting soil, clearing debris |
Augers | Need to make a deep hole quickly? Attach the auger and make holes in materials like dirt, gravel, and wood. Its corkscrew shape helps tear through surfaces and reach the right digging depth. | Creating post holes, making holes for footings, planting trees and shrubs |
Couplers | When you need to multitask to get the job done, you can make the transition between attachments using couplers. This helps you swap out attachments without needing to leave the operator’s cab. | Switching between attachments quickly |
Brooms | Brooms are an attachment that features steel or poly bristles rotating on a cylinder that make it easier for other vehicles to navigate after debris or snow piles up. | Clearing away debris or snow on the job site |
Hammers | Hammers can crack into hard surfaces like rock, soil, and asphalt. It’s ideal for demolition projects and earth preparation. | Demolition, quarrying, penetrating hard material |
Rippers | Need to quickly break up hard materials like ice, permafrost, or rock? Attach the ripper and watch the large teeth on the attachment get through solid surfaces. | Cutting into frozen ground, cutting through ice, cutting other hard material |
Backhoe Safety Tips
Safety comes first—it’s not just a cliche, it’s an essential part of operating heavy machinery like a backhoe. Modern backhoes are designed with the operator’s safety in mind. The cab, where you’ll find all the controls, is your first line of defense against falling objects. Follow these backhoe safety tips to keep you and everyone around you out of harm’s way while working.
Before Operating
- Inspect the controls in the cab to ensure they’re functional
- Ensure you’re buckled in before starting the machine
- Leave the backup alarm on when first starting and navigating the backhoe
While Operating
- Help prevent accidental collisions by reducing speed when working in congested areas or while traversing rough terrain
- Maintain visibility while moving the backhoe by keeping the bucket low
- When approaching a slope, back up into it rather than driving forward (most of the backhoe’s weight is in the rear
- Never turn on a slope because the vehicle can tip over
- If you’re using the loader, keep the loading surface smooth and level to help prevent the backhoe from tipping over
- Place soil piles at least three feet away from the excavation site to present a cave-in
After Operation
- Park the backhoe on a level surface when before shutting it down
- Ensure you’ve put the F and R lever in neutral
- Set the parking brake
- Lower the front attachment to the ground.
- If your machine has a turbo cooldown feature, use it to cool down the engine before shutting it off
- After turning off the engine, move the hydraulic levers to release pressure, ensuring the attachments cannot be moved
- Securely lock the machine
Start Your Career in Heavy Equipment Industry
Does the thought of operating a powerful machine like a backhoe excite you? What about the idea of starting a new, rewarding career as a heavy equipment operator? Then you’re going to want to learn more about programs at HEC. Learn basic safe operation principles and gain hands-on experience working with real heavy equipment. Our programs are designed to prepare you for success in the career of your choice.
Explore our locations to find one with the programs that match your goals.
