Editing Backhoe loader (section)

==Use==
Backhoe loaders are very common and can be used for a wide variety of tasks: construction, small demolitions, light transportation of [[building material]]s, powering building equipment, digging holes/[[Excavation (archaeology)|excavation]], [[landscaping]], breaking [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]], and paving roads. Often, the backhoe bucket can also be replaced with powered attachments such as a [[breaker (hydraulic)|breaker]], [[grapple (construction)|grapple]], [[auger (drill)|auger]], or a [[stump grinder]]. Enhanced [[Articulated vehicle|articulation]] of attachments can be achieved with intermediate attachments such as the [[tiltrotator]]. Many backhoes feature [[quick coupler]] (quick-attach) mounting systems and auxiliary [[hydraulic]] circuits for simplified attachment mounting, increasing the machine's [[Rental utilization|utilization]] on the job site. Some loader buckets have a retractable bottom or "clamshell", enabling it to empty its load more quickly and efficiently. Retractable-bottom loader buckets are also often used for grading and scraping. The front assembly may be a removable attachment or permanently mounted.

Because digging while on tires intrinsically causes the machine to rock, and the swinging weight of the backhoe could cause the vehicle to tip, most backhoe loaders use hydraulic [[outriggers]] or stabilizers at the rear when digging and lower the loader bucket for additional stability. This means that the bucket must be raised and the outriggers retracted when the vehicle needs to change positions, reducing efficiency. For this reason many companies offer miniature tracked excavators, which sacrifice the loader function and ability to be driven from site to site, for increased digging efficiency.

Their relatively small frame and precise control make backhoe-loaders very useful and common in [[civil engineering|urban engineering]] projects such as construction and repairs in areas too small for larger equipment. Their versatility and compact size makes them one of the most popular urban [[construction vehicle]]s. For larger projects, a [[caterpillar tracks|tracked]] [[excavator]] is generally used.

In recent years, small compact tractors have become very popular with private homeowners. Subcompact tractors, the size between a compact tractor and lawn tractor, are also often sold in backhoe loader setup, sometimes with a belly-mounted [[mower]] also included. These tractors offer private homeowners the ability to perform minor excavation projects.

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File:Backhoeplowingsnow.jpeg|A backhoe with a [[snow plow]] attachment clearing snow
File:ExcavatorLoader3654.JPG|A worker attaches a lifting cable to a concrete sewer pipe section. Note the retracted stabilizers on this Case backhoe.
File:ExcavatorLoader3655.JPG|Pipe transported using a lifting cable
File:Backhoe loader during Operation Desert Storm.JPEG|[[Unimog]] backhoe loader of the [[United States Marine Corps|USMC]] during [[Operation Desert Storm]]
</gallery>