In India, versatility of backhoe loader makes it the first machine to enter the jobsite and the last machine to leave the jobsite. It can perform operations such as site preparation, laying foundation, transferring materials, digging trench, excavating and loading materials, pipelaying, backfilling and the list goes on. In construction activities and infrastructure for small scale – backhoe loader is the main machine that does most of the required jobs. Here we present the versatile features of today’s backhoe loaders:

CAT backhoe loaders: Better at multitasking
In the large scale construction and infrastructure projects, backhoe loader is a must have machine for utility jobs. “Apart from just loading and excavating today’s backhoe loaders are capable of multitasking through various worktools like hammer, auger, pallet forks, compactor, range of excavator buckets, ripper etc. These worktools augment the work envelope of backhoe loaders multifold making them truly indispensable equipment for construction work,” says Amit Bansal, Regional Sales Director, Building Construction Products Division, Caterpillar India.

Manage quick deployment at any job site
A typical loader would mostly be engaged in material rehandling limiting its applications to specific segments. However, the backhoe loaders are capable of being employed in many more applications across segments. One can see them being used in as diverse segments as general construction, heavy construction, agriculture, ports, material handling, process industries, landscaping, forestry, solid waste management, municipalities and many more. “The high mobility of backhoe loaders adds to their quick deployment at any job site and hence finds favour with most contractors and rental companies. This aspect makes it viable to deploy the backhoe loader for short term jobs at reasonable cost and hence increases its desirability unlike loaders where usually long term deployment is required to justify the investment,” adds Bansal.

JCB backhoe loaders: Extremely versatile
Backhoe loader, as a product is extremely versatile. Its versatility and mobility is what makes it the most widely used machine at an Indian construction site. JCB pioneered the concept of backhoe loaders in India four decades ago and till date, it continues to be one of the most popular construction equipment. Over 2,25,000 JCB backhoes are helping in building India’s infrastructure.

“JCB today has a comprehensive range of backhoe loaders in the market. They have a total of five variants on offer – starting from 2DX (the compact backhoe) to 3DX (the popular backhoe) to 3DX Xtra, 3DX Super, and 4DX (the largest backhoe).This range is developed to suit different user segments for different applications,” says Jasmeet Singh, Head – Corporate Communications and External Relations, JCB India Limited.

Multiple application at the construction site
The JCB backhoe loaders provide world-class digging depth in the range of 3.02 metres in 2DX to 5.36 metres in the bigger backhoe loader, the 4DX. The backhoe loaders and their maximum dig depth for all the models:
• 2DX – 3.02 metres
• 3DX – 4.77 metres
• 3DX Xtra – 5.05 metres
• 3DX Super – 5.05 metres
• 4DX – 5.36 metres.

JCB 3DX Xtra ecoXcellence backhoe loader – More fuel efficient and economical
“Our new range which is known as the ‘ecoXcellence’ range of backhoe loaders is 10 per cent more fuel efficient and 30 per cent more economical thereby ensuring lower operating costs,” Jasmeet claims.

Apart from the popular JCB 3DX, the three variants of backhoe loader – the JCB 3DX Xtra, the JCB 3DX Super and the JCB 4DX are also part of this new ecoXcellence range. All these machines come with a variety of extra options to suit the requirements of our customers.

JCB machines have always been known for offering world-class efficiency and operator comfort, and the company’s backhoe loader range is no different. The operator spends almost 8-9 hours working at a site hence, it is important to provide him or her with a comfortable and livable cabin. “The new range comes with 20 per cent more spacious and livable cabin with the option of air conditioning. It provides 20 per cent more space for the operator’s belongings and provides more leg space,” Jasmeet informs.

Few other significant operator comfort features of backhoe loaders are as follows:
• Ergonomically positioned controls
• Comfortable operator seat
• Deluxe automotive styling
• Low heat and noise inside the cabin (only 84 db)
• JCB ‘Q’ brakes, 30 per cent reduction in braking effort
• Face level fan available
• Excellent ventilation – partial or full opening of both front and rear side windows
• Access of gear box through cabin floor for minor maintenance
• IP 67 / 69 certified, dust and water proof electrical connector.
JCB backhoe loaders also come with the option of air-conditioning for better operator comfort and enhanced productivity. Another noteworthy feature in this new range of backhoe loaders is the JCB Livelink. This state-of-the-art technology enables users to get SMS alerts on their mobile phones or smart devices regarding service alerts, operations and security of their machines. The information is available in real time regarding the health of the machine including engines and gives vital information to the customer in terms of number of hours the machine has been operational, service intervals, fuel levels, malfunctions if any, etc.

Versatility – A key USP in JCB’s backhoe loaders
JCB backhoes also come with the option of four-wheel drive for usage of the machine in arduous and demanding terrain. Versatility is one of the key USPs of a backhoe loader. This multi-purpose machine performs a variety of tasks at sites such as digging, dozing, levelling and in general site applications. However, additionally, with the use of JCB’s world-class range of attachments, the backhoe loader can also perform tasks such as lifting, grabbing, dozing and drilling etc.

Few of the popular attachments with JCB’s backhoe loader range are pallet fork, rock breaker, jib crane, sweeper collector, auger and six-in-one clam shovel bucket etc.

CASE backhoe loaders: Delivers powerful performance and fast response time
Shalabh Chaturvedi, Head Marketing, CASE India says, “CASE EX Series loader backhoes are powered by S8000 engine and deliver powerful performance and fast response time coupled with a 5 per cent higher productivity and fuel savings of up to 10 per cent. They are re-engineered from the ground up to deliver industry-leading backhoe breakout force, greater loader lift capacity or reach and best-in-class cab visibility.”

Results in great stability, performance and serviceability
The new EX Series backhoe loader from CASE has robust robotically welded two-piece structural frame design results in great stability, performance and serviceability. It has a superior working range and reaches deeper than any other backhoe loader. The company also provides choice of two configurations: a standard dipper dig depth 4.5 metres and an extendable dig depth 5.9 metres. The power shuttle transmission provides four forward and reverse speeds. The hydraulically shifted clutches allow the operator to change direction and travel speed on the go, while the control valves deliver smooth speed and direction shifts, resulting in smooth and accurate operation. The new tilting engine hood provides excellent access for maintenance. The machine layout has been designed to ensure all daily service points are easily accessible at ground level, for quick and efficient servicing.

Powerful transmission
CASE understands, power and performance are critical to the success of a machine. “The new generation engine, developed by powertrain technologies industrial, provides outstanding performances such as faster response time and up to 10 per cent better fuel economy. The S8000 is a 3.9-litre 4 -cylinder engine, with a mechanical injection system. It is ARAI certified as BS3 thanks to its EGR internal technology,” informs Chaturvedi.

Best-in-class productivity
The new S-styled backhoe boom will boost your productivity, Chaturvedi further claims. The boom delivers excellent breakout forces. It has superior working range to reach deeper dig depth than competitors. The heavy-duty front axle further boosts productivity especially when working in rough terrains. The heavy-duty structures will enhance the reliability and the durability of your machine.

Operator comfort and productivity
This spacious cab has redesigned ergonomics to offer better operator comfort. The large size glazed windows provide outstanding all-round visibility, it improves air ventilation to the operator and it makes easy communication to the back of the machine. All the controls have been specially positioned to offer easy access and faster control. The cabin has a large buddy seat along with storage compartments, mobile charger, document holder, bottle holder and radio.

Eagle eye telematics
CASE brings to a revolutionary technology, “Eagle Eye” for enhancing the performance and efficiency of the machine. This is an asset monitoring system that combines Internet, cellular and GPS technologies. This system helps to keep an eye on every significant detail such as real time location of the machine, operating hours, cumulative hour meter reading and warning text alerts for critical parameter.

Easy maintenance
CASE knows that the easier it is to perform routine maintenance, the more likely it will get done. The easy serviceability due to the large access area available when opening the new tiltable front engine hood is a hallmark of CASE 770EX machine design. To improve serviceability, the machine layout has been optimised to provide an easy access to all main components.

Loaders are articulated, while backhoe is one articulated unit
Commenting on what makes more than just a loader, Chaturvedi explains, “Both the loader and backhoe are used for same work. Loaders are usually articulated while the backhoe is one articulated unit. “

Backhoe loaders have robust robotically welded two-piece structural frame design which results in great stability, performance and serviceability. Large box-section structures in high-stress areas such as the boom nose, foot and cylinder enhance the machine’s durability. The new heavy-duty front axle with double effect steering cylinder ensues all wheels remain in contact with the ground even on the roughest terrain, ensuring exceptional stability and reliability. The S-styled backhoe boom delivers excellent breakout forces. The boom stick and dipper arrangement makes it easier for the backhoe to dig deep with much faster cycles due to its hydraulic power. Backhoe has a superior working range and reaches deeper than any loader.

“While both the machines have their differences, it is when both these machines come together that the backhoe loader takes shape to become one of the most versatile heavy equipment available in the market today,” Chaturvedi concludes.