There are a selection of backhoe brands at your disposal, however, the most popular are CASE, CAT, JCB, John Deere, Komatsu, Volvo CE, Kubota and New Holland. Each company offers a wide selection of construction equipment from excavators to backhoes. A backhoe’s versatility is just one of its many benefits thanks to its varying specifications like the backhoe’s weight, horsepower, dig depth, height and range. Choosing a reputable and trusted brand will ease the nerves that come with purchasing or renting a piece of heavy machinery.
You’ll want to pick a brand that values your safety, time and money. Choosing a backhoe big enough for the job is one thing, but choosing a backhoe manufactured by a top-tier company will leave you ready to take on your next project.
8 Backhoe Brands and What They Offer | |||||
Brand | Number of Models | Warranty | Rent or Buy | Can I Buy Used? | |
JCB | 5 | 12 Months | Both | Yes | |
CASE | 5 | 12 Months | Both | Yes | |
CAT | 8 | 24 Months | Both | Yes | |
John Deere | 7 | N/A | Both | Yes | |
Komatsu | 8 | 12 Months | Both | N/A | |
Volvo CE | 10 | 24 Months | Both | Yes | |
Kubota | 3 | Varies | Both | N/A | |
New Holland | 3 | Varies | Both | N/A |
JCB
Starting in 1945 building tipping trailers for the agriculture industry, JCB is a leading manufacturer of construction, agriculture, waste handling and demolition equipment.
JCB has gone from pioneering the first backhoe loader in 1953 to manufacturing five different backhoe models with dig depths up to 20 feet. JCB measures each model based on five attributes: versatility, productivity, safety, comfort and serviceability.
JCB Backhoe Models & Specs | |||||
JCB Models | Dig Depth | Engine Power | Operating Weight | ||
1CXT | 10 ft. 1 in. | 49 hp | – | ||
3CX Compact | 14 ft. 2 in. | 74 hp | – | ||
3CX | 18 ft. 6 in. | 74 hp | – | ||
3CX-15 | 20 ft. 1 in. | 109 hp | – | ||
4CX-15 | 20 ft. 1 in. | 109 hp | – |
Disclaimer: Operating weight is shown after requesting a quote.
CASE
CASE’s 180 years of experience have made its orange-colored machines one of the most recognized across the U.S. It offers five backhoe models with engine power ranging from 74 horsepower to 110 horsepower depending on the model. You can browse its selection of 17 backhoe attachments to assemble the perfect machine for the job.
Its backhoes are known for cab comfort, lift capacity and durability. CASE is one of the most sought-after manufacturers of heavy machinery, with products available across the globe.
CASE Backhoe Models & Specs | |||||
CASE Model | Dig Depth | Engine Power | Operating Weight | ||
580N EP | 14 ft. 11 in. | 74 hp | 15,995 lbs | ||
580N | 14 ft. 8 in. | 90 hp | 16,589 lbs | ||
580 Super N | 14 ft. 4 in. | 97 hp | 17,810 lbs | ||
580 Super N WT | 14 ft. 5 in. | 110 hp | 20,760 lbs | ||
590 Super N | 15 ft. 5 in. | 110 hp | 21,325 lbs |
CAT
A name you’re bound to recognize, CAT (short for Caterpillar) is the leading manufacturer of construction equipment, mining equipment, natural gas engines for industrial turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.
CAT has eight backhoe models to help construction professionals and enthusiasts find the perfect fit for their site. Its large selection of backhoes offers dig depths up to 17 feet and operating weights as large as 29,321 pounds.
CAT Backhoe Models & Specs | |||||
CAT Model | Dig Depth | Engine Power | Operating Weight | ||
415 L | N/A | 69 hp | 17,637 lbs | ||
415 | 14 ft. | 70 hp | 24,251 lbs | ||
416 | 14 ft. | 86 hp | 24,251 lbs | ||
420 | 14 ft. | 92 hp | 24,251 lbs | ||
420 XE | 14 ft. | 92 hp | 24,251 lbs | ||
440 | 15 ft. 6 in. | 104 hp | 29,321 lbs | ||
430 | 15 ft. 1.2 in. | 107 hp | 24,251 lbs | ||
450 | 17 ft. | 131 hp | 29,321 lbs |
John Deere
John Deere is an American corporation founded in 1837, making it one of the oldest manufacturers of heavy machinery. John Deere uses its plethora of user data to create machines for a variety of purposes.
John Deere offers seven backhoe models with engine power, dig depths and operating weights suitable for any project.
John Deere Backhoe Models & Specs | |||||
John Deere Models | Dig Depth | Engine Power | Operating Weight | ||
310L EP | 13 ft. 8 in. | 69 hp | 13,822 lbs | ||
310L | 14 ft. 1 in. | 100 hp | 14,669 lbs | ||
310SL | 14 ft. 3 in. | 103 hp | 15,872 lbs | ||
315SL | 13 ft. 5 in | 103 hp | 17,554 lbs | ||
310SL HL | 15 ft. 1 in. | 113 hp | 16,571 lbs | ||
410L | 15 ft. 11 in. | 116 hp | 17,786 lbs | ||
710L | 17 ft. 3 in. | 148 hp | 25,588 lbs |
Komatsu
Komatsu is a Japanese multinational manufacturer of construction, mining, forestry, energy and military equipment. Komatsu takes advantage of the world’s technological advances to create machines like backhoes, all while considering its impact on the planet.
Komatsu offers a selection of eight backhoe models with varying operating weights, bucket capacities, engine power and travel speeds.
Komatsu Backhoe Models & Specs | |||||
Komatsu Models | Dig Depth | Engine Power | Operating Weight | ||
WB93R-5 | Varies | 99.2 hp | 17,791.3 lbs | ||
WB93S-5 | Varies | 99.2 hp | 18,849.52 lbs | ||
WB97R-5 | Varies | 99.2 hp | 17,989.72 lbs | ||
WB97S-5 |
Varies | 99.2 hp | 19,180.22 lbs | ||
WB93R-8 | Varies | 101 hp | 17,923.58 lbs | ||
WB93S-8 | Varies | 101 hp | 17,868.47-22,046.23 lbs | ||
WB97R-8 | Varies | 101 hp | 16,115.79-19,885.7 lbs | ||
WB97S-8 | Varies | 101 hp | 18,210.18-22,046.23 lbs |
Disclaimer: Dig depth varies depending on attachments.
Volvo CE
Volvo Construction Equipment, headquartered in Sweden, is an international company that manufactures equipment for construction and other related industries. Its parent organization, Volvo, is known worldwide for producing vehicles fit for those prioritizing safety.
Volvo CE’s 10 backhoe models are another example of the company’s efforts to produce reliable, durable and safe machines for its customers. Backhoes feature specifications like large operating weights to make demolition easier and more efficient.
Volvo CE Backhoe Models & Specs | |||||
Volvo CE Models | Dig Depth | Engine Power | Operating Weight | ||
BL60B | 14 ft. 7 in. | 83/91 hp | 15,410-20,459 lbs | ||
BL61B | 13 ft. 11 in. | 83/91 hp | 15,508.73-20,106/16 lbs | ||
BL60 | 14 ft. 5.4 in. | 86 hp | 15,652.82 lbs | ||
BL61 | 13 ft. 9.7 in. | 86 hp | 17,480.45 lbs | ||
BL70B | 14 ft. 11 in. | 91/98 hp | 16,777-21,671 lbs | ||
BL71B | 14 ft. 1 in. | 91/98 hp | 17,063.78-21,605.3 lbs | ||
BL61 Plus | 13 ft. 11 in. | 94 hp | 21,913.94 lbs | ||
BL70 | 14 ft. 4 in. | 94 hp | 18,959.75 lbs | ||
BL71 | 14 ft. 0.9 in. | 94 hp | 17, 601.70 lbs | ||
BL71 Plus | 14 ft. 0.9 in. | 100 hp | 18,937.70 lbs. |
Kubota
Established in 1890, Kubota produces agricultural machinery out of Osaka, Japan. Its commitment to easing groundwork makes Kubota a popular choice for agricultural projects like planting, farming and building.
Its three backhoe models feature twin operating pedals and hydraulic power steering to make projects more efficient. Kubota’s efforts to ease the challenges of operating heavy machinery makes it stand out in the large pool of competitors.
Kubota Backhoe Models & Specs | |||||
Kubota Models | Dig Depth | Engine Power | Operating Weight | ||
B26 | 8 ft. 4.8 in. | 24.3 hp | 4,001 lbs | ||
L47 | 10 ft. 1 in. | 47.1 hp | 7,205 lbs | ||
M62 | 14 ft. 1.8 in. | 63 hp | 8,925 lbs |
New Holland
New Holland is an American manufacturer of earth handling equipment founded in 1895. Despite its early start, New Holland produced its full line of agricultural machinery just 31 years ago. With the help of CNH Industrial, New Holland supplies equipment around the world while being headquartered in Italy.
Its three backhoe models deliver in looks with bold black features and a bright yellow body. Each model is either made to operate in a power-shift or power-shuttle transmission with operating weights up to 18,452 pounds.
New Holland Backhoe Models & Specs | |||||
New Holland Models | Dig Depth | Engine Power | Operating Weight | ||
B100C | 18 ft. 5.4 in. | 114 hp | 17,901.54 lbs | ||
B110C | 19 ft. 3.4 in. | 121 hp | 17,901.54 lbs | ||
B115C | 19 ft. 3.4 in. | 121 hp | 18,452.69 lbs |
How To Choose the Right Backhoe Brand
Before renting or buying a backhoe, it’s important to understand each manufacturer and their available models. Try thinking about what specifications your backhoe must have, what your construction site or project will look like and if sustainable production is important to you. Ask yourself these questions:
- Will I need insurance or a warranty?
- Do I want to rent or buy?
- Should I buy a used backhoe?
- How much material do I need to move?
- What transmission will be easiest to operate?
Backhoes tend to carry similar specifications across all manufacturers, which makes it hard to decipher between each model. Focusing on a brand’s customer service, warranty, reviews and reputation are key to making the best decision for your project. Asking yourself the questions above and considering your project’s specific requirements can help guide you to the best backhoe to rent for the job.