Wheeled Excavators vs. Backhoes: 4 Factors to Consider

Let’s talk about wheeled excavators versus backhoes. Many backhoe loader customers opt for that machine because of its mobility and how it serves as two machines in one (an excavator and a loader). They also like it because the type of work they typically do doesn’t justify getting a wheeled excavator. In many of those cases, however, they would benefit from a compact wheeled excavator.

Key Takeaways

• Wheeled excavators provide a viable alternative to backhoes by offering superior mobility and a full 360-degree working range, which is more efficient for trenching and working in tight spaces.
• In direct comparisons, wheeled excavators like the Volvo EW60E have been shown to be significantly more productive and fuel-efficient than backhoes, completing jobs faster and using less fuel.
• The total cost of ownership is generally lower for wheeled excavators due to a lower purchase price, less expensive tires, lower fuel consumption and simpler emissions systems.

One reason is because wheeled excavators stack up well against backhoes when it comes to features and specs. Another is that most operators primarily use the excavator end of the backhoe, and seldom use it as a loader.

We’ve seen a lot of interest in our EW60E compact wheeled excavator, and a lot of that is coming from die-hard backhoe customers.

How do you decide between a wheeled excavator or a backhoe for your operation? Here are a few considerations to think about when evaluating your options.

Engine Power and Digging Forces

Don’t be deceived by the higher horsepower on backhoe loaders. The horsepower number is representative of the bucket up front that requires horsepower and doesn’t reflect the digging power on the excavator end. Also, consider your maximum digging depths needed. Though the EW60E has less digging depth than a backhoe, with a max dig depth of 10′ 10″ and a reach of 19′ 11″, it’s a good fit for most applications. And with digging forces that include breakout at 9,736 lbf and tearout at 6,474 lbf, it’s equipped to get a wide range of jobs done.

Working Range and Repositioning

If you work in tight spaces, you might find it difficult to maneuver a backhoe loader that only has a 180-degree working radius compared with the 360 degrees you get on a wheeled excavator. This flexibility provides more ways to dump material or load a truck. Or when trenching, you have to constantly reposition a backhoe loader — but with a wheeled excavator, you rarely reposition to finish your jobs. You simply push the travel pedals with your feet and continue digging.

The compact size of the EW60E allows it to fit in places where backhoes can’t. Add to that the offset boom — 70 degrees left and 60 degrees right — and you can really get into some tight areas. Plus, working at a 70-degree offset gives you an unrestricted view to the bucket when trying to locate sensitive pipes and cables.

Proven Productivity and Efficiency

We tested our Volvo EW60E compact wheeled excavator against a comparably sized backhoe loader. The first test involved digging a trench 60 ft long and 3 ft deep. The EW60E did the work 38 percent faster and used four times less fuel than the backhoe.

In the second test, operators dug a pool 9 ft × 9 ft and 3 ft deep. The EW60 finished in half the time and burned a quarter of the fuel compared with the backhoe. Take a look.

Total Cost of Ownership

A final consideration is the total cost of ownership. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Backhoes usually have a higher purchase price.
• Backhoe tires are more expensive.
• Backhoes consume more fuel due to a larger engine and hydraulic system.
• The EW60E’s standard auto idle and engine auto shut down help reduce fuel consumption and noise levels.
• Tier 4 final backhoes above 74 horsepower require a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and regular DEF refueling. The 64-horsepower Tier 4 Final engine in the EW60E has DPF with fully automatic regen and no DEF, which saves on cost and removes worries about having to store the DEF.

Why the Volvo EW60E Is Better Than a Backhoe

While the excavator in any form will never completely take over backhoe loaders, the wheeled excavator is a good cost-efficient alternative if you require high mobility. The EW60E compact wheeled excavator offers better access to confined areas, fast cycle times and operates at a lower cost.

Our Volvo EW60E makes life easy for the operator by creating a comfortable environment. Cabs on these machines are easy to enter and exit, plus they offer great all-around visibility, well-placed controls, smooth operation and lower fatigue so you can get more done in your day. Wheeled excavators like the EW60E also allow operators to get more done in a day just by their design; and with easy maintenance and a wide range of attachments, it’s a smart way to take on all types of jobs.

Finally, it’s not just backhoes that wheeled excavators are replacing. Compact excavators are also replacing skid steers in many fleets — be sure to check this article out as well.