Although it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish between backhoes and excavators, they have significant differences in three aspects: size, flexibility, and rotational capability. These factors determine the appropriate use for each machine in your project.
1. Size
The most noticeable difference between these two machines is their size. Excavators are typically larger and heavier, while backhoes tend to be smaller. Excavators are suitable for large projects such as excavation, mining, and large-scale construction. Meanwhile, backhoes, with their smaller size, are more suitable for farming, snow clearing, loading tasks, as well as medium-scale construction and excavation projects.
2. Flexibility
These two machines also differ in terms of flexibility. Backhoes have more attachment options, making them more versatile than excavators. Additionally, backhoes can be used on roads, making them a better choice for projects with diverse work locations.
3. Rotational Capability
Lastly, backhoes and excavators have different rotational capabilities, which affect how operators control them. Excavator operators can rotate the entire machine in a full circle, while backhoes have a rotation range of about 200 degrees. This affects how the machines are used in various situations.
What Is a Backhoe?
A backhoe is an excavation machine consisting of a tractor with a digging bucket at the end of a two-part arm. The opposite end of the backhoe often has a front loader attachment, allowing the operator to face in the direction that suits the task. The digging arm attached to the tractor is called the boom, and the digging bucket is known as the dipper or stick. Attachments available for backhoes include drills, hammers, rippers, grapples, breakers, and many more. In some cases, backhoes can even function as cranes.
Although the digging bucket is in front of the machine, the term “backhoe” refers to how the machine excavates by pulling soil towards itself rather than pushing it forward like a traditional shovel.
What Is an Excavator?
An excavator is an excavation machine consisting of a boom, dipper, digging bucket, and chassis. The excavator’s cabin can rotate 360 degrees above its base, allowing better access to various working angles. Excavators can have tracks or wheels and are often equipped with a dozer blade across the digging arm.
Like backhoes, excavators come with various attachments that enable them to perform specific tasks such as drilling and demolition. Excavators are frequently used in forestry projects.
In summary, understanding the differences between backhoes and excavators is key to selecting the right machine for your project’s needs.
post by: asiaputra.com