Best Backhoe Loaders for 2024

Backhoe loaders (hereinafter referred to as "EP") refer to that type of hybrid special equipment, whose design, appearance and scope are always determined by specific tasks. In most cases, this technique is a universal solution for working in confined spaces: urban buildings, courtyards with spontaneous parking, cramped garden and village areas. Often, the only way to move the machine over such areas (especially in the conditions of spring thaw) will be the method of pushing the machine off the ground with a bucket and a loader (the so-called "crab drive").

However, due to its relatively light weight, the possibility of replacing body kits and additional equipment, a low price (in comparison with equipment with a narrow specialization), a wide range of models, inexpensive maintenance - backhoe loaders have become very popular with private owners.

The main advantages of backhoe loaders

It is the area of ​​application of this special equipment that determines its disadvantages and advantages. In urban conditions, excavators are mainly used for the improvement and maintenance of street infrastructure, which often cannot be carried out by bulky and powerful industrial equipment (it simply has nowhere to turn around). A small excavator is able to dig a trench of the required depth for repairing the water supply system, and at the same time work as a pipelayer, since its bucket can be used as a pipe grabber. If you equip the machine with a hydraulic hammer, you can gently gouge a small section of the sidewalk (without touching the curbs), and after work, carefully bury it and level it. In winter, the machine will be indispensable for carrying out snow removal work.

Nevertheless, experts note three positive advantages of loader-excavators over heavy equipment - they can be conditionally called "THREE" M ":

• Mobility;
• Multifunctionality;
• Maneuverability.

Among other things, the fuel consumption of this type of special equipment is much less than that of their heavy counterparts.And as an example of savings in terms of using the services of an excavator, the following figures can be cited: one hour of work of a nimble loader to clear snow on average will cost from 1300 rubles in the capital, while its heavy relative Komatsu PC 200 will already cost 2000-2500 rubles ...

Formation of the cost of a quality loader-excavator

The main factor influencing the pricing in relation to the considered equipment will be the ratio of its capabilities with the quality characteristics of the manufacturer. Here, the old stereotype that has taken root in relation to Chinese manufacturers often works for the Russian buyer.

Currently, the Chinese models of mobile excavators cannot be called extremely bad. Indeed, their prices are somewhat lower than those of Western competitors, but before the Chinese equipment enters the Russian market, the latter undergoes a fairly strict quality control, especially since these machines are not only a complex technical product, but also a source of increased danger.

In general, it is possible to single out several parameters that will affect the price:

• The breadth of functionality;
• Ability to work in extreme conditions (for example, low / high ambient temperatures);
• Availability of innovative technologies applied in the design (for example, bucket boom booster);
• The popularity of the model itself.

As a rule, new samples of such machines are purchased by large enterprises immediately in batches, which leads to the addition of one more pricing factor - the choice of a reliable partner-seller. Such transactions always take the form of tenders, regardless of whether the buyer is a public company or a private one. Thus, which of the sellers will offer the best price / quality ratio will get the status of a supplier. For the segment of private owners, this issue is more complicated - they have to monitor prices themselves.

Selectable Specifications

Lifting capacity

This parameter will play a significant role if the machine is purchased for work in the construction industry. And in this case, it is necessary to consider not only the maximum possible load that the equipment can withstand, but also the time and duration at which it can be used in an intensive mode. At the same time, the question will arise about the possible level of wear in the implementation of such work.

In principle, excavators can be divided into areas of application as follows:

• The least load will be received by an excavator (EE) working in the field of road construction - for such work, a low-capacity machine is suitable, which itself will weigh no more than two tons;
• Work on moving large volumes of soil on open construction sites will require the use of medium-duty equipment (up to 4 tons);
• The largest functionality and areas of application can boast of equipment up to 10 tons. This is due to the fact that such models have the ability to use various interchangeable tools for work (from a bucket to a bayonet loader and hydraulic breakers).

Power units

Almost all models of backhoe loaders use powerful engines that are resistant to industrial wear. As a strange nickname, this even applies to Chinese manufacturers who install exclusively American-made motors in their equipment (due to the lack of their own technologies).

Backhoe loader buckets

The choice of bucket is also of great importance for the future use of special equipment. Among other things, the Russian consumer fell in love with the loader-excavator for the quick possibility of changing the tool. This process is not something supernatural, and you can change the bucket with the efforts of one, maximum of two people. The main thing is that the bucket material is strong and does not break when immediately replaced after prolonged overloads.Although, the vast majority of models are now made of alloy steel, which generally eliminates such risks. In addition, there are bucket models that can generally be disassembled into separate parts, for example, these include variations with removable teeth. Changing the bucket teeth may be necessary when the material being processed changes abruptly: for example, after working with sand, you need to immediately switch to hard ground or rocks in general.

Lifting height

Another important parameter is that if the loader is used for road construction, the height may not exceed the side of the truck. For other general construction work, it is better to choose a model with an increased unloading level.

Customer support

As a rule, most Russian dealers have their own service centers in all major Russian cities, which makes finding spare parts extremely easy. Recently, large suppliers have also organized round-the-clock telephone support, where you can get advice on minor repairs of equipment without the involvement of specialists. Repair kits are also supplied with new machines.

Purchase of used models

If everything is quite simple with the acquisition of new equipment, the main thing is to attend to the search for a reliable supplier, then the equipment that was in use will require a more thorough study of the issue.

Basic principles of buying new backhoe loaders:

• Reliability and proximity of the supplier;
• Availability of consumables and spare parts in its warehouses;
• The supplier has a good repair infrastructure.

If it is decided to purchase equipment with an accumulated resource, then in addition to the front of work for which it is purchased, it is necessary to decide on the following questions:

• The backhoe loader is not supposed to be constantly loaded with intensive work - in this case, the cost of initial training will not be required, however, the payback time may decrease;
• The backhoe loader is supposed to be used regularly and intensively - in this case, preliminary preparation of the machine will be required after purchase.

Speaking about the latter case, it is possible to give the following example: an average used Komatsu unit can cost about 3,000,000 rubles. Its initial preparation can take up to half of this amount, however, in the future, it may require less attention to maintenance than a new model, thus it may pay off even earlier.

Secondary market buying rules

Checking the seller and documentation for the equipment:

• If the seller is a legal entity or individual entrepreneur, then it is worth paying attention to the period of his work in this market segment, check the existing certificates and permits, get acquainted with his supplier partners (the duration of the terms of joint work);
• Check the passport of a self-propelled vehicle (PSM) - it must be provided by the seller in original. Special caution should be aroused by proposals when the proposed technique is declared as almost new (with a small operating time), but the PSM is only available in the form of a copy (even if it is officially certified);
• The numbers of units and assemblies indicated in the PSM must completely coincide with those installed on the equipment itself;
• It is imperative to include in the sales contract a claim for damages if the backhoe loader is encumbered (for example, in a pledge).

Technical condition check:

• On average, the experience of a loader capable of further reliable operation should not be more than 1500 hours per year. Thus, models older than 2010 should have approximately 15,000 - 20,000 operating hours. If the counter shows less data, then this will be a reason to doubt the reliability of the proposed machine;
• Typically, the engine should retain traces of the original paintwork, as well as the bolt heads and the high pressure fuel pump. If the paint has aged or is absent altogether, then this may indicate the production of a serious repair of the units.The engine itself should start without problems and “idle” work without smoke and extraneous noise;
• The loader-excavator hydraulics should also not cause any complaints and work without extraneous noise, sudden jerks, and release of lubricating fluid. This applies to both load and non-load operation. It will not be superfluous to also measure the pressure in the hydraulic system, for which you should use a hydrotester;
• Finally, it is necessary to check the body of the machine itself - it should not contain traces of extreme corrosion, large cracks and other flaws that could lead to problems in operation.

Rating of the best backhoe loaders for 2024

Light lifting capacity (up to 2 t)

2nd place: SDLG В877

A very common model on the Russian market from a Chinese manufacturer. Due to its small size, overall lightness and maneuverability, it is perfect for carrying out simple landscaping work or for road construction work. However, the equipment of the car is far from being budgetary, which makes it suitable for use in winter.

Name	Index
Engine, power	Weichai, 70 kW and 98 l / s
Checkpoint	mechanics, 4 stages
Bucket volume, m3	1.03
The presence of a crab run	Yes
Maximum lifting capacity, tons	1.8
The presence of a hydraulic line	Yes
Price, rubles	4,600,000 rubles

• Suitable for use in extreme temperatures;
• Increased maneuverability;
• Possibility of "crab run".

• Interruptions in cab heating are possible.

1st place: LiuGong CLG777A

This model of low carrying capacity is designed for simple work in the cramped conditions of the city or in suburban areas. The presence of a crab drive allows you to make a U-turn almost anywhere. The hydraulic line of the machine is reinforced, the bucket teeth can be changed separately. The EP is equipped with a Chinese-made Weiche engine, but it uses the European Tier 2 technology.

Name	Index
Engine, power	Weichai, 68 kW and 95 l / s
Checkpoint	mechanics, 4 stages
Bucket volume, m3	1.2
Crabbing	Yes
Maximum lifting capacity, tons	2
The presence of a hydraulic line	Yes
Price, rubles	4,000,000 rubles

• Reinforced engine;
• Good value for money;
• Possibility of completing with a hydraulic hammer.

• Problems may arise with the search for spare parts (the manufacturer does not have technical representatives on the territory of the Russian Federation).

Average lifting capacity (from 2 to 4 t)

2nd place: MST M542 Plus

The improved model from the western manufacturer is distinguished by the use of a more powerful Tier 3 engine in the design, it has an increased comfort of the operator's cabin. All attachments (buckets, loaders) are replaced in express mode, which does not require special skills. The tools are controlled using joysticks.

Name	Index
Engine, power	Perkins, 74.5 kW and 101 hp
Checkpoint	Automatic, 4 steps
Bucket volume, m3	1.2
The presence of a crab run	Not
Maximum lifting capacity, tons	3.1
The presence of a hydraulic line	Yes
Price, rubles	5,000,000 rubles

• Convenient operator's cabin with additional options (radio and CD-player);
• The set includes a bucket and a loader;
• An improved engine is installed.

• There is no possibility of "crabbing", the EP is not very suitable for work in sticky soil.

1st place: MTZ 92 P

This equipment has been produced by a Belarusian enterprise (Minsk Tractor Plant) for over 20 years and has proven itself in the field of excavation and loading operations. The machine is characterized by compact dimensions, while it has an increased carrying capacity. The model is constantly being modernized and the latest samples have a reinforced hydraulic line. The price also leaves a pleasant impression.

Name	Index
Engine, power	MMZ D-245, 62 kW and 93 l / s
Checkpoint	mechanics, 4 stages
Bucket volume, m3	1.3
The presence of a crab run	Not
Maximum lifting capacity, tons	3.7
The presence of a hydraulic line	Yes
Price, rubles	RUB 2,700,000

• An extremely affordable price for its improved characteristics;
• High reliability;
• The high prevalence of technical support centers in the Russian Federation.

• The option for export to non-CIS countries is distinguished by the increased comfort of the cabin; such models are not available on the Russian market.

Heavy lifting capacity (4 to 10 t)

2nd place: Tarsus-880

This model has been produced by the Turkish enterprises Cukurova Makina Imalat ve Ticaret A.S since 2004 and is intended for the production of general construction works. To date, this EP has been modified four times: the carrying capacity and volume of the bucket, the height of its lifting were increased, the machine was supplemented with a loader tool.

Name	Index
Engine, power	Perkins, 56 kW and 87 hp
Checkpoint	automatic, 4 steps
Bucket volume, m3	1.5
The presence of a crab run	Not
Maximum lifting capacity, tons	4.8
The presence of a hydraulic line	Yes
Price, rubles	3,500,000 rubles

• Large digging depth;
• Reliability and endurance;
• Comfortable operator's cab.

• Low-power motor for its range.

1st place: Xiamen XGMA Machinery XG765I

Another Chinese manufacturer that manufactures powerful equipment for general construction work. The model has a reinforced torque converter, which provides a high lifting capacity up to 9.5 tons. The machine is equipped with wet brakes with a hydraulic drive, thanks to which the machine has increased stability on almost any surface.

Name	Index
Engine, power	Kirloscar, 75 kW and 102 l / s
Checkpoint	automatic, 4 steps
Bucket volume, m3	1.3
The presence of a crab run	Yes
Maximum lifting capacity, tons	9.5
The presence of a hydraulic line	Yes
Price, rubles	5,500,000 rubles

• Economical engine;
• Availability to a repair base on the territory of the Russian Federation;
• Improved equipment.

• Narrow specialization and large dimensions.

Large lifting capacity (over 10 t)

Due to the fact that it was relatively recently that they began to produce load-lifting electric drives, the model range of such special equipment is rather scarce - most users prefer to use either industrial excavators for lifting over massive loads, or, which are gaining popularity, forklifts. However, all of these machines are not backhoe loaders in the direct sense of the word. Nevertheless, in this field, Russian and Belarusian manufacturers have already noted themselves, who have begun a limited production of models with enhanced hydraulics from the Italian company Mekalak.

1st place: Clamshell loader-excavator PEF-1BM reinforced

Multifunctional and universal electric drive of Russian-Italian production with increased productivity and carrying capacity. It can be used in almost any work thanks to its additional working bodies. The increased power motor from MTZ significantly increases overall performance. At the same time, the EP does not use special stamina as a support, and when working with large loads, it can lean on buckets or a bulldozer blade.

Name	Index
Engine, power	MTZ, 90 kW and 120 l / s
Checkpoint	Automation / mechanics, 4 stages
Bucket volume, m3	2
The presence of a crab run	Yes
Maximum lifting capacity, tons	2015-10-01 00:00:00
The presence of a hydraulic line	Yes
Price, rubles	9,500,000 rubles

• Reinforced construction;
• Multifunctionality;
• Italian hydraulics.

• Not found (due to the comparative novelty of the model - release of 2019).

Instead of an epilogue

It is better to buy new backhoe loaders from trusted dealers, and used equipment - from sellers with excellent recommendations in the secondary market. At the same time, it is better to use online platforms for purchase in the case when it is planned to purchase a batch of forklifts and with this option it is better to contact the manufacturer directly. If you purchase a used car, it is better to show it to independent experts at the service station before registration, where they can draw up a defect list (which indicates even the slightest scratch on the glass), which will reduce the cost of the backhoe loader.At the same time, it is worth noting that most Internet sites do not immediately offer the real price for the electronic signature required by the buyer, but first they will offer to make an application for the necessary equipment of the machine.