an auction house or private owner.”
4. What backhoe features or attachments could help improve my ROI?
Backhoes can be outfitted with a multitude of attachments to improve the machine’s versatility and income potential.
Different types of attachments might include front forks and grapples, various digging buckets, tampers and breakers and other hydraulic-driven attachments like concrete saws and cold planers. These attachments will allow you to perform a broad range of tasks, which will fill up your work schedule and maximize the backhoe’s overall use.
Many backhoe manufacturers have started implementing technology that increases fuel economy. Hydraulic refinements have also made it easier to control backhoe loaders, decreasing operator fatigue and increasing the amount of time an operator can spend using the backhoe productively.
5. How much does it cost to own and maintain a backhoe?
While some backhoe owners feel comfortable repairing and maintaining their own machines, this task often should be left to experts. “It’s important to concentrate on your strengths,” Riley says. “In other words, if your core business is construction, do you really have time to also become an expert at equipment maintenance and repair? Dealers have the proper tools, equipment and training to perform repairs and maintenance the way they are intended to be done and on schedule. Done properly, component lifecycle is extended, resale value remains high, and downtime is rarely a concern.”
The Bottom Line
Prices for new backhoes vary depending on the machine’s brand, dig depth and overall size, as well as any optional features you add. Attachments like buckets, saws and hydraulic hammers will also increase that overall cost. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for—which also translates into the long-term return on investment you will receive from your machine.
