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Home » Equipment Today » April 2006

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Beyond the Spec Sheets

Options and features differentiate backhoe-loader performance.

Varko Contracting and Excavating backhoe-loader

Varko Contracting and Excavating demands maximum versatility out of its backhoe-loaders. Its machines are fully loaded with extendible dippersticks, auxiliary hydraulics on the backhoe, ride control and pilot controls.

Parallel-lift loaders, such as on this Caterpillar 420E IT, maximize the versatility of the front of the backhoe-loader.

The larger front tires on four-wheel-steer machines, such as this New Holland B115, provide increased traction and flotation.

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In addition to the front bucket, the company owns forks. Rental houses provide brooms and other attachments on an as-needed basis.

An extendible dipperstick also comes in handy for trenching. "You can get dirt farther away from the trench," says Garber.

Garber doesn't place much emphasis on spec sheets during the decision-making process. Instead, dealer support and resale value are primary considerations. Dixie Excavating is currently on a four- or five-year replacement cycle.

Art Tucker Excavating, a sewer and water contractor in St. Clair Shores, MI, based its decision to purchase a JCB 215s backhoe-loader primarily on its lifting capacity. "When we set catch basins and manhole sections, we have no problem," says Art Tucker. The 215s handles this task better than previous models the contractor has owned.

Tucker compared specs from several manufacturers. One of the competitors offered decent lifting performance, but it was too heavy for his application. "Sometimes we do get into soft terrain," he explains.