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The City of Rock Hill, SC, currently owns 11 backhoe-loaders, including five New Holland LB 75s purchased last year. "We are in the utility business — electric, water and sewer," says Marty Burr, performance manager. "We repair streets, sidewalks and curbs. We use it for so many varied operations."

Versatility also rules in this case. Consequently, the machines are equipped with an extendible dipperstick with hydraulics to the end of the stick, ride control and a four-in-one bucket on the loader.

By the numbers

Most of these contractors started the decision-making process by comparing printed specifications. "It is a good estimate of what the machine will do," says Jay Barth, JCB. "It is a good starting point."

Yet, it's important to make sure the numbers are all measured in a comparable manner. "It is critical to be sure you are comparing specs according to the same standards — for example, that values are stated using SAE or ISO rules for reporting," says Hershberger.

Also check to make sure the numbers actually stack up. "Every so often, there can be specs that show one competitor is way ahead of another," says Bob Tyler, product marketing manager, backhoes, John Deere Construction and Forestry Division. "That's the time to check ‘apples to apples', such as net vs. gross horsepower, or even the small print relative to lift specs.