September 2002
BID LIST
Backhoe Loaders
 Break New Ground
by Rikki Lee Travolta, Contributing Editor

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Manufacturers listed in this feature responded to a special mailing by Better Roads and do not necessarily represent the entire market for this product. 

New models add life to these work-horse machines.

Construction equipment pundits have been predicting the demise of the backhoe loader for more than a decade, but the popularity of these machines in North America remains as strong as ever.

Because backhoe loader users have supported the category so steadfastly, competition for their business has intensified. The number of brands in the market is actually increasing, and the pace of new model introductions has been brisk.

New brands include Bobcat, a powerhouse in skid-steer loaders and mini excavators, and broad-line brands Volvo and Terex. Bobcat’s compact backhoe-loader line is based on the machines produced by Superstav, a Czech-Republic company Bobcat recently acquired. Terex has also entered the market via acquisition, buying the innovative British producer Fermec last year from CNH.

Volvo’s entry into the market is a new-from-the-ground-up design.

16 new models

Seven of the 13 brands in the backhoe loader market have introduced new models in the past two years, not counting Terex’s re-badged Fermec models. In all, 16 new models have been rolled out, including nine this year.

Several factors are driving the stepped-up pace of introductions, starting with the industry’s conversion to diesel engines that meet Tier 2 emissions requirements. Equally important is a growing emphasis on ergonomics, an outgrowth of employers’ desires to attract and retain good operators. Today’s market leaders are in a full-scale race to outdo each other in providing comfortable, stress-avoiding, operator environments and controls.

The third factor is the compact backhoe loader market. For years, compact loaders and backhoe loaders have been oriented mainly to non-construction arenas such as the landscaping and turf markets. But the presence of a large fleet of rental equipment has given construction firms and agencies access to compact machinery for specific applications, and the lines have begun to blur.

Bobcat cashed in on that trend in the 90s, jumping into the mini-excavator market when common wisdom was that minis had no place in North American construction.

“Ten years ago, a contractor doing utility work on the side of the road would have never thought of using a mini-excavator to install a sewer line,” says Paul Anderson, attachment and backhoe loader sales and marketing manager for Bobcat. “Now, the industry understands that there is a huge advantage to using these smaller machines. We’ve seen this trend start with the excavator, and now we are starting to see it with the loader backhoe market.”

Along with the new Bobcat models, Ingersoll Equipment Company has enriched the compact backhoe loader market with a 2001 redesign of its model 7020LBH.

Versatility

Full-size or compact, versatility has always been the key to backhoe loader popularity. Originally, its ability to either load or excavate helped contractors and agencies keep the machine fully utilized. Today, that versatility is being expanded through the addition of a huge array of attachments and ever more efficient quick-coupling systems.

“The loader/backhoe was born of the need for multiple functions from one machine,” says Case marketing manager Rusty Schaefer. “That need is higher than ever today and manufacturers will continue to increase attachment versatility.”

Ergonomics

Even as engineers add to the backhoe loader’s trick bag of attachments, serious work is being done to enhance the comfort and efficiency of the operator.

Whereas enclosed cabs were an option on some models 10 years ago, several of the new series machines introduced in recent months have cabs with climate-controlled HVAC systems as standard equipment.

Fleets replacing backhoe loaders made in the early to mid-90s will find that the new models offer substantially wider and clearer views of the construction site, thanks to more window area. Today’s machines also have larger work areas for the operator, more adjustable and comfortable seats and controls, and safer ingress and egress.

Market leaders have also invested heavily in smooth, easy-to-operate joystick controls, and dampers that remove the jarring impact from quick stops in the swing cycle and buckets curling to their maximum positions.

New Holland Construction
Double clevis design

The 4-model LB Series from New Holland Construction features a double clevis design for the backhoe pivot area to distribute the load while digging. The company says this enhances durability. Breakout forces range from 12,167 to 13,942 pounds. Operator compartments are insulated against noise and vibration. The external hydraulic tank directs excess heat away from the operator compartment and allows ground-level access. The engine’s lockable side compartments are removable for access to components.

Caterpillar
Work with power and precision

Caterpillar’s new D-Series line of backhoe loaders includes the 420D and 430D with joystick controls similar to those found in hydraulic excavators. The 85-hp 420D has a digging depth of 14 feet, 5 inches. The 94-horsepower 430D has a digging depth of 15 feet, 3 inches. Both machines are available with extendible sticks and in tool-carrier configurations. Backhoe bucket linkage rotation of 205 degrees eases digging of vertical walls and clamping of materials for truck loading. Backhoe bucket breakout force for both models exceeds 14,700 pounds and stick lift capacity is over 6,200 pounds for both. An Auto-Shift transmission option provides an automatic transmission with a manual override.

John Deere
Spotlight on comfort

Deere’s redesigned G-Series retains all the digging features of its high-performing E-Series but adds maximum interior spaciousness and style. The operator station and cab feature expansive curved windshield with tinted glass, and swing-open windows. A 40,000 Btu/hr HVAC system provides ventilation and defrosting. The 14-foot, 83-horsepower 310G weighs 12,800 pounds and has a full-height loader lifting capacity of 5,800 pounds. The 310SG is a beefier 14-footer, with a 90-horsepower engine and a loader lifting capacity of 7,200 pounds. The side-shift model 315G weighs 14,700 pounds. The top-of-the-line 98-horsepower 410G weighs 15,000 pounds, has a digging depth of 15 feet, 8 inches, and has a loader lifting capacity of 7,340 pounds.

Komatsu
Excavator technology adds performance

In March, Komatsu introduced two backhoe loaders that incorporate the company’s HydrauMind system, consisting of a single variable-flow hydraulic pump and hydraulic circuit. Performance enhancements include a load sensing system, two-mode backhoe operation, and a speed-up function for loader work. The 86-horsepower WB140-2 weighs 16,600 pounds and has a maximum digging depth of 14 feet, 7 inches. The 98-horsepower WB150-2 weighs 17,394 pounds and has a maximum digging depth of 15 feet, 7 inches. Telescopic arm versions are available in both models.

Terex
Minimize restrictions

Terex backhoe loaders maximize operator visibility through the use of a slim-profile boom arm and single-bucket cylinder loader. A unique hood design allows quick access to all regularly serviced components. Terex says its backhoe loaders have the largest wheels and tires in their respective classes.

Case Construction Equipment
Five models available

Case’s M Series of backhoe loaders includes 5 models, from the 73-horsepower, 14-foot 580M to the 99-horsepower, 16-foot 590 Super M. Loader capacities range from 6,182 to 7,327 pounds. All models have a proprietary control system with an anti-rebound feature that cushions quick stops and eliminates over- and under-swing to improve cycle times and bucket or attachment placement. Optional and deluxe cab packages include tilt steering wheel and sound minimization to 72dB(A). Buckets for the series have tapered sides and redesigned teeth angles to provide a clean out.

JCB
Changes include three new transmissions

JCB began manufacturing of backhoe loaders in the U.S. in 2000 and, this year, introduces a new generation of products: models 212S through 217S. Two new four-speed transmissions offer smoother gear changes and improved reliability. A new six-speed transmission speeds up cycle times; its lower first-gear ratio improves traction and torque at low pushing speeds. Durability of all three transmissions has been increased 100%.

Larger lift cylinders have increased loading arm lifting performance 26%; loader bucket breakout is up 15%. Service intervals are maintained at 500 hours. Fuel capacity has been increased to 43 gallons. Cab and canopy redesign emulate high-spec trucks with seat-mounted controls, greater all-around visibility, and a new gas strut assist tilt steer column mechanism.

Bobcat
Move in tight jobsites

Bobcat has rolled out a line of four new compact backhoe loaders built to maneuver in tight jobsites. The 25-horsepower B100 has a digging depth of 9 feet and a bucket breakout force of 3,726 pounds. The 31.5-horsepower B200 and B250 feature a digging depth of 10.1 feet and a backhoe breakout force of 5,320 pounds. The B200 has four-wheel drive and features a center-pivot backhoe. The B250 has four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer, and has a side-shift backhoe. The 46-horsepower B300 has a digging depth of 9 feet, 9 inches. All models feature hydrostatic drive. A joystick controls the loader bucket operation, including a loader-arm float function. A proprietary attachment mounting system allows the machines to function as all-around tool-carriers.

Volvo Construction Equipment
New competitor joins backhoe market

Volvo unveiled production prototypes for its first entry into the North American backhoe market last spring. The 94-horsepower BL70 features a curved, S-style center-mounted boom with cast iron pivot and base. The loader has a single bucket cylinder for improved visibility. Mechanical or hydraulic quick-connect options are available. The 14-foot class machines should be available for delivery this fall.

Terramite
Access tight work zones

Terramite offers a series of compact backhoe loaders to provide power in areas inaccessible to big machines. The four-wheel-drive, all hydraulic Model T9 has a 10-foot digging depth and is powered by a choice of 31.5-horsepower diesel engines. The loader lifts 2,100 pounds up to 102 inches. A new front curl cylinder system increases breakout to 6,100 pounds. Additional features include a quick-attach rear bucket option.

Ingersoll Equipment
Maneuver in four-wheel drive

Unveiled last year, Ingersoll Equipment’s 20-horsepower, four-wheel-drive 7020LBH is designed from the ground up as compact backhoe loader. The loader features heavy-duty lift arms, a reinforced bucket, and a full-height lift capacity of 750 pounds. The backhoe is coupled to the tractor with mounting arms that are connected to a counterweight for optimum performance; digging depth is 92 inches. Power steering is standard, while options include a ROPS, pallet forks, and a PTO for hydraulic tools.

Allmand Brothers
Perform precise work in compact areas

Allmand Brothers calls its TLB-535 a heavy-duty, compact backhoe loader. It has an 11-foot digging depth and a 6,000-pound digging force. The dual cylinder, 180-degree hydraulic cushioned swing is designed to allow precise work in tight areas under the direction of joystick controls. The unit features oversized pins with replaceable composite bearings and urethane lip seals in all working joints to reduce friction and eliminate metal-to-metal contact.

Kubota Tractor Corporation
Tractor design allows easy transport

Kubota’s 48-horsepower Model L48 is available as either a compact loader or as a compact backhoe loader. As a backhoe loader, the machine measures just over 20-feet long and 75-inches wide. Because it weighs less than 8,000 pounds it can be transported via 10,000-pound GVWR trailer. Maximum bucket lift capacity is 2,540 pounds. The model has a maximum lift height of 9 feet, 7 inches, and uses a four-bar linkage system to facilitate a 45-degree bucket rollback and dump angle. Self-leveling hydraulics keep the bucket level during raising and lowering.