Backhoe Loader


Also referred to as a loader backhoe, the backhoe

loader is an engineering and excavation vehicle that

consists of a tractor, front shovel and bucket and

a small backhoe in the rear end.  Due to the small

size and versatility, backhoe loaders are common

with small construction projects and excavation type

work.


Originally invented in Burlington Iowa back in 1857,

the backhoe loader is the most common variation of

the classic farm tractor.  As the name implies, it

has a loader assembly on the front and a backhoe

attachment on the back.  


Anytime the loader and backhoe are attached it is 

never referred to as a tractor, as it is not normally

used for towing and doesn't normally have a PTO.

When the backhoe is permanently attached, the 

machine will normally have a seat that can swivel

to the rear to face the backhoe controls.  Any type

of removable backhoe attachments will normally have

a seperate seat on the attachment itself.


Backhoe loaders are common and can be used for many

tasks, which include construction, light transportation

of materials, powering building equipment, digging

holes and excavating, breaking asphalt, and even

paving roads.


You can often replace the backhoe bucket with 

other tools such as a breaker for breaking and

smashing concrete and rock.  There are some loader

buckets that offer a retractable bottom, which

enable it to empty the load more quickly and

efficiently. 


The retractable bottom loader buckets are often

times used for grading and scratching off sand.

The front assembly on a backhoe may be either 

removable or permanently attached.  Often times,

the bucket can be replaced with other tools or

devices.  In order to mount different attachments

to the loader, it must be equipped with a tool 

coupler.  The coupler consists of two hydraulic

cylinders on the end of the arm assembly, which

can expand and retract to allow different tools to

be attached to the unit.


There are several types of backhoe loader brands,

including New Holland, John Deere, and Case.  Some

will offer you cabs, while others won't.  The 

newer types of backhoe loaders even offer you air

conditioning, radios, and other accessories that

make you feel like you are working with luxury.


Common with excavating jobs, the backhoe can serve

many purposes.  It can haul equipment and supplies 

in the loader bucket.  Another great use is to cover

up dirt when filling in trench lines or covering

up pipe that was just put in the ground.  The

backhoe attachment at the rear is ideal for digging

water pipes and sewer pipes.


The best thing about the backhoe loader is the

fact that they are easy to operate.  You don't 

need to be a rocket scientist to fully operate this

nifty piece of equipment.


PPPPP


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