The backhoe loader is one of the most common pieces of heavy equipment on any size job site. The fact that it features two useful tools in one machine makes the backhoe loader a must-have for all kinds of construction and repair projects.

The standard backhoe consists of a diesel-powered, four-wheeled vehicle with the operator's cab in the middle and a tool on each end. On the front, it has a loader: a wide bucket on dual arms that is used to either pick up loose piles of material or to push dirt back into a hole when a job is finished. The rear end has a backhoe — a hydraulic-powered digging scoop on a three-jointed arm, designed to dig through hard earth. The operator needs only to turn around in his seat to switch from digging a hole to filling it back up.

Digging and refilling holes and trenches is commonly required for all kinds of construction, utility work, and landscaping. The ability to exchange the backhoe or loader bucket for a different attachment gives you even more flexibility: crushers, retractable-bottom buckets, grinders, and other tools can handle a variety of other tasks. The combination of power, relatively small size, two common tools, and flexibility makes backhoe loaders extremely useful for contractors and construction firms of many types.

This BuyerZone Backhoe Loaders Buyer’s Guide will explain what you should look for when choosing a backhoe loader, what features to expect, and how much you can expect to pay.