Backhoe

A backhoe, also called a rear actor or back actor, is a piece of excavating equipment consisting of a digging bucket on the end of an articulated arm (also called a stick or dipper). Modern backhoes are powered by hydraulics. They are typically mounted on the back of a tractor or front loader. (Similar attachments for skid loaders are still called backhoes even though they are mounted on the front of the vehicle.)

Related Topics:
Hydraulics - Tractor - Front loader - Skid loader

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A backhoe attached to a swiveling cab on top of tracks is called an excavator.

Related Topics:
Tracks - Excavator

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The British company JCB developed the early backhoes. Their first tractor equipped with both a backhoe and a loading scoop was completed in 1953 and set the standard pattern for all future designs. Because of this backhoe-equipped diggers are commonly called 'JCBs' in the UK. The founder of the JCB company holds the honour of being the only non-American in the US construction industry's Hall of Fame.

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A backhoe is an excavator. Sometimes people call JCBs "excavators," but JCBs (3cx, 414, 416, 4cx) also have loader sides. That's why it is called a backhoe loader. The picture on right hand shows a backhoe attachment fitted on the front of a Skid loader.

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