At the other end, a backhoe-loader also beats a skid steer with a mounted backhoe.

"A backhoe-loader is considerably more efficient in trenching than a skid-steer loader," says Jim Zak, Caterpillar. "It also has far better visibility into the trench, and has a safer operating environment under the ROPS of the backhoe-loader structure as opposed to a perch-mounted skid-steer loader backhoe."

And when compared to a compact excavator, a backhoe-loader will typically have larger bucket capacities and greater digging depths. For example, Case loader-backhoes have maximum dig depths that range from 14 to 16 feet. That's considerably deeper than its compact excavators that range from seven to 12 feet. And New Holland backhoe-loaders have maximum dig depths from 14 to just under 19 feet, compared to its compact excavators, which can dig from just over 10 to about 12 feet.

"Of course, if the primary task at hand is trenching or digging, especially doing close work along foundations, an excavator is a tremendous tool," says Schaefer.

Eric Winkler, marketing manager at New Holland Construction, adds, "When a project calls for digging or trenching in very tight quarters and close to foundations, an excavator is an ideal choice. A backhoe attachment can also be an affordable and convenient option for a contractor who uses a skid-steer loader to dig the occasional trench. But it can’t touch the overall performance versatility of a backhoe-loader."

There are certain situations, such as foundation work, where other pieces of equipment might be the preferable choice. That’s because a compact excavator can rotate its boom 360 degrees in tight locations versus 180 degrees for a backhoe. And a skid steer has the advantage over a backhoe because it can turn tighter in confined spaces.