"However, over the past two years, there appears to be only a light influence from this relative to lost backhoe sales. It might be that these other machines are creating a new market - perhaps replacing the shovel, rather than eating away at the existing backhoe market."

The key to their continued popularity can likely be attributed to the backhoe-loader's versatility. "It can dig, load and transport itself in virtually any jobsite application," says Jay Barth, JCB Inc. "Certainly there are machines, such as compact excavators, that may offer specialized digging capabilities. But none offer the digging, loading and transport flexibility of a backhoe-loader."

Versatility is key

That versatility is what keeps backhoe-loaders working eight to 10 hours a day at VH Grading and Excavating in Prescott Valley, AZ. Owner Brian Van Hook says the backhoe-loaders continue to work when other more specialized pieces of equipment sit idle.

"The skid steers can’t dig," he says. "The tracked compact excavators can't load. But the backhoe-loaders can do just about anything. They're the most versatile machines out there. We use them on practically every job we do."

VH Grading and Excavating focuses on residential construction, mainly forming house pads along with any associated underground work. Van Hook finds that backhoe-loaders are indispensable for working through the variety of soil conditions he encounters.