The year 1969 was a banner year for headlines: the Woodstock Music Festival, the Apollo moon launch, the infamous burning of the Cuyahoga River, and the first airwaves of Public Broadcasting Television, to name a few. But while the world was shocked, entertained, and informed by these events, another kind of history was being made, literally on the ground.
Filling an unmet need for a sub-compact tractor, Japan’s Kubota Manufacturing introduced the US to their 21 HP L200 and its popularity quickly earned a reputation as an “overnight success.”
While the Japanese company had been around since 1890, with original roots in making cast iron water pipes, the company quickly turned to making construction equipment and became known for quality and innovation, attributes that continue today. Shortly after arriving on US shores, Kubota introduced the industry’s first four-wheel-drive compact excavator whose innovative hydrostatic transmission and nimble maneuverability made it a favorite among customers.
Kubota Construction product manager Jeff Jacobsmeyer says that their machine “then became a big player in construction whose versatility is appreciated across a wide range of work applications.
“Before there were compact excavators, everybody had a backhoe, but then you needed other machines to load, dump, and move. Now, if you want a machine that can excavate, load a dump truck, move pipes, and do everything from put in a pipeline to a swimming pool, this is the perfect solution with a bucket end and a backhoe end. And its small size lets you do all that work in a compact footprint with less disruption to the environment, to traffic patterns, and existing vegetation or building structures.”
He adds that this machine is a favorite at rental yards.
“When we go to rental shows, the people say, ‘This machine just goes out and is gone all the time; it gets lots of use.’ Plus, because of its size, you can haul it behind a pickup and no CDL is required so there are no trucking permit headaches.”
But, Jacobsmeyer emphasizes, “This is not just a farm tractor with some add-ons for the construction market.
“We build these in the US from the ground up and the backhoe and loader are built for construction-grade use and put on bigger framing. The backhoe and excavator are tied to the frame, and not to the hitch so they are more rugged. And their versatility of being the only ones in the market where you can take the backhoe off to add other attachments makes them popular at the rental yard.”
He describes this versatility of their three-point hitch.
“The operator can put on a conventional three-point hitch and then they can run a blade; they can add a two-arm attachment that gives you the versatility to lift and move things, and the pin-on arms is a simple no-tools-required hydraulic connection. What you have with the machine is the option to do more.”
Jacobsmeyer says that as the industry grows, more attachments are being built for excavators that broaden contractors’ work options.
“For example, a front sweeper that has a grapple is a great solution for disaster cleanup. You can use the thumb on the backhoe to pull debris out of alleyways, and put it into a dump truck. All these work on an excavator and will fit on this machine. And with all the recent infrastructure renewal, these are perfect. They can fit in those small urban spaces to retrofit or install gas or water lines, dig the depth required, but do it with a footprint that takes up far less space.
He adds that safety is a number one concern, and “operators have very good visibility as we have a sloped hood, and all our dashboards are on the right fender.
“So as the operator swivels around in the seat, you can see the gauges from the rear and front position; there is no ergonomic straining to try and see the readouts. Plus, each machine has a four-post rollover protection standard as well.”
With designs driven by Japanese engineering, Jacobsmeyer says, these Kubota machines “can go where the big guys can’t, to get the job done.
“The compact excavator is never going to be outdated.”
One Operator, One Machine
Every new idea is an inspiration, and JCB’s global presence in the backhoe market was a textbook case. JCB product manager, Diego Butzke relates that “not long after the end of the second world war, JCB’s founder, Joseph Bamford, started making trailers from a small, rented garage.”
”But in 1949 they came up with a new product—a wheel loader. And then, after traveling in Norway, where Bamford saw a lightweight excavator on a trailer hitched to the back of a truck, he decided to install an excavator on his wheel loader, creating the first backhoe loader,” explains Butzke.
The company is still privately owned and produces more than 300 product lines at 22 manufacturing facilities located all over the world, including the US, United Kingdom, China, India, and Brazil. The company’s North American headquarters is in Savannah, GA, and the company has offices, warehouses, and facilities throughout the US and Canada.
”We know a thing or two about backhoes. Currently, 56% of all the backhoes sold around the world are JCBs—that is a huge market share. And because we sell so many, we get lots of customer feedback which helps us refine our products to meet their needs. They tell us what they could use or want on a daily basis, and our responsiveness to that input is what helped us grow to become the global leader that we are today.”
For example, Butzke says, “We were first to introduce backhoes with power shift transmissions. It took several years for the competition to catch up. And, we also introduced compact backhoe loaders that allow operators to apply backhoe capability and versatility to smaller worksites.”
Several attributes make these compact machines a big draw with contractors, landscapers, and other site work project managers.
”Think about a contractor who is running a project and has a loader and a mini-excavator. He’s got two operators, two trailers to transport the machines, and when a machine isn’t working it’s not earning any money.”
”With the backhoe loader,” he says, “you are getting the features of both machines in one.”
”The backhoe can move itself, so no trailer is required. One operator can excavate and load, so two jobs can be completed by one operator with one machine.”
He adds that he’s seen sales decline in the backhoe market while other machine sales have climbed, but it’s not because backhoes are not useful. “Their use has declined because the traditional footprint is too big and as cities became more crowded there is less space for large machines to work.
”In the last few years, we have seen an increase in the backhoe loader sales as this two-for-one solution is increasingly attractive for so many reasons.”
Butzke says at JCB, they try to combine the benefits of both large and compact machinery, citing the company’s menu of “massive machines and a line-up of compact models” while they continue to introduce new products to the market.
”We set the standard by bringing in two new products—first, with our 3CX COMPACT, which is a compact backhoe loader that is 35% smaller than a conventional size backhoe. So, if you can’t afford or don’t have space for a conventional backhoe, you can buy the smaller 3CX COMPACT to do the job and still get most of the performance of a full-size machine.
“And this year we previewed our 1CXT, another compact model, which is the size of a skid-steer loader, and it’s a fully-functional, construction-grade backhoe loader but with tracks rather than wheels. It’s only 71 inches wide and will fit virtually anywhere. As a tracked machine, it’s a perfect machine for landscapers, who often run an owner-operator business.”
He says that it makes sense to have the versatility of a backhoe loader and maneuverability of a compact machine. “For example, we heard a lot of feedback from highway and road contractors and utility contractors who love the 3CX COMPACT because it can drive 25 miles an hour so it can go anywhere, and it’s perfect for new gas lines, or electrical repair, and its small size only requires a closing of one traffic lane.”
Another market for compact backhoe loaders that is not often discussed, but has a steady stream of need, is cemeteries.
“People may not think much about it, but you can’t drive over existing graves to excavate new ones. And you have very close quarters but must be respectful of the existing structures like headstones, statuary, and so forth. The small 3CX COMPACT machine has a tight turning circle and, with its lower weight, will not harm the grounds. And it offers 14-foot excavation, which is only two feet less than a full-size backhoe loader.”
He says that the machine can engage a range of attachments that make its performance shine.
“Small contracting companies can do landscaping, they can do ditching, you can attach a sweeper for road work, and it still digs like a big backhoe. And the tracks, like on the 1CXT, afford it a ‘go-anywhere capability.’”
To illustrate the market interest in this versatility, Butzke describes how a utility company in the US saw the compact machine and wanted to know more, saying, “They were in need for a low-impact solution for gas pipe maintenance.
“We presented the machine on a demonstration and they couldn’t believe its capabilities. After four days of testing with a crew they were so impressed they ordered a package of them. It’s just a great story of working with a customer to solve a huge problem.”
Weighing in at less than 10,000 pounds, with a length of 11 feet, 9 inches, and height of 7 feet, 4 inches, “The 1CXT can be towed behind your truck in many states without a CDL.”
JCB offers four discrete machines available in various configurations. The range includes two compact models (1CXT, 3CX COMPACT); two full-sized base models (3CX, 3CX-14); two full-sized enhanced models (3CX SUPER, 4CX SUPER), and three full-sized specialized models based on the 4CX SUPER platform (PILINGMASTER, POLEMASTER+, and WASTEMASTER).
Butzke describes the eight options available in the suite of JCB AutoMATE features.
“Depending on the backhoe model, AutoMATE features may be included as standard or optional. AutoCHECK performs all of the necessary under-the-hood checks upon key-on at the start each day. AutoIDLE returns your RPM to idle when you have a paused operation. AutoDRIVE maintains a constant engine speed while driving from one location to another, similar to cruise control in a car.
“Then, the AutoTHROTTLE allows the hand throttle to be set once during an operation, to return a preset engine speed every time the digging end is engaged. AutoBOOMLOCK secures the boom when not in use. The AutoSTABILIZERSraises the stabilizers with the flick of a switch, reducing the time needed to reposition the machine while trenching. Our AutoSMOOTHRIDE SYSTEM (SRS) engages the JCB SRS depending on the travel speed, for a smoother ride and better load retention. Finally, the AutoPREHEAT heats the engine and cab up to 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.”
“These options help maintain, operate, and transport the machine without the operator having to constantly hold down buttons or set functions. The machine can do the thinking for you while you pay attention to your work. This will maximize fuel and labor efficiency all around, every day.
“We also like to emphasize that our customer service is more than just repair. Our product managers work with you to help you understand the machine capabilities and features and will help you perform your intended applications more effectively and efficiently, and those which may not be of use for your needs. This kind of honesty is what keeps us the market leader.”
Technology Reporting for Duty
When machines break down on the job, “It’s not the repair that is the biggest challenge; it is the downtime on the job site,” says Brian Hennings, product marketing manager for backhoes and tractor loaders at John Deere Construction and Forestry.
“As part of John Deere’s Connected Support strategy, we can help avert these scenarios of lost time and income,” says Hennings.
“Our machine monitoring provides an early warning system for potential machine failures and dealers can sign owners up for this service. Let’s say you have an air filter that is clogged, or maybe hydraulic fluid is starting to overheat; it could be an application, or it could be the engine. Our monitoring capability can detect a potential failure before it happens and keep you working.
“For example, let’s say an operator ignores and overrides multiple engine overheat codes. Based on this, Connected Support would contact the designated fleet manager to physically check the machine’s cooling system and possibly avoid a more costly downtime failure,” explains Hennings.
“If you are signed up for the service, we can remotely identify and diagnose a problem that potentially could be fixed on the spot, and save a trip from the dealer to the job.
Hennings says Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are automatically transmitted to the monitoring center for review. Customers also have real-time machine reporting for all JDLink connected machines in their fleet, via the JDLink Dashboard, a 24/7 online portal.
He adds that every new backhoe is outfitted with the capability of Connected Support, and after being first introduced in 2017, “is now gaining converts every year.”
“Another capability in technology is a new lift mode that can increase your capacity with a push of a button. If you have to lift a street plate a little further out or place a manhole, this function adds an extra 10–15% craning capacity so that the operator gets the task done without having to reposition the machine.”
Hennings says their pressure compensated load sensing hydraulic system (PCLS) is another assist that senses the pull that is required, and automatically adjusts the pressure and flow to allow operation at a lower engine RPM, which saves fuel and reduces noise.
Another feature that assists efficiency is a push-button parking brake.
“This is a brake that is applied and released with the drive train, rather than being cable-actuated which is more typical. It automatically engages when you turn off machines and you can never drive through it,” explains Hennings.
“This self-transporting, all-in-one wheeled machine has tremendous utility and for some, it’s the machine they can’t do without.”
The fact that attachments can go on the front and rear “also provides real value,” says Hennings.
“You can use a standard bucket for truck loading, and you can use an open clamshell to move debris and do cleanup, grading, or back-dragging. There are all-purpose pallet forks to move pipe and other materials and with our hydraulic quick-coupler, which we offer on all our backhoes, you can change attachments easily. Press a button to disconnect, and reconnect in a few seconds.”
Hennings says that a John Deere sales professional will consult with buyers concerning types of jobs they are doing now and in the foreseeable future, attachment needs, annual usage per year, duration of ownership, and matching available financing to better meet cash flow needs, among many other key qualifying inputs.
“Our rental and lease companies prefer smaller machines like our 310LEP. At 69 net peak hp, it includes simpler engine technology that doesn’t require diesel exhaust emissions treatment.”
He adds that while it is a simpler engine technology, the trade-off is, “It’s a perfect solution for jobs where sometimes you need a rental to just help get you through a bottleneck of activity in a short-term lease.
“In general, it’s a good job site workhorse for all-purpose trenching, cleanup, and for moving stuff around.”
On the other hand, Hennings says there is a contractor market where the work demands going up to the full size, very robust models.
“For example, the 710L is our largest backhoe, and at 148 hp, it provides the power as well as the versatility. Whether it be on side-hill ditching, severe demolition, or high use of breakers, this type of customer wants a reliable, heavy-duty solution. One machine can do it all and get it all done without headaches over insufficient capacity.”
Hennings says contractors contemplating their next purchase can be guided by the John Deere professionals to the best solution.
“Our mission is to help you optimize your productivity and versatility,” he affirms.
Pushing the Envelope of Progress
With a global and unmistakable presence, the big yellow machines are, to many, synonymous with construction. But they didn’t get that reputation by standing still, as product application specialist Dustin Adams explains.
“It’s often said that backhoe loaders are the Swiss army knife of construction equipment, being two machines in one. However, skid-steer loaders have introduced a new level of versatility to the market, challenging us to go back to the drawing board.
“By collaborating with our divisional attachments team, we can leverage the design work completed, for other product groups, to introduce new tools for backhoe loaders. Rear Dual Lock Pin Grabber Couplers are an example of that strategic partnership,” says Adams.
He explains that operators can utilize rear couplers to safely and quickly change out attachments, such as buckets, hammers, augers, or rippers. With the growing popularity and availability of Loader Couplers, “We can increase the versatility of the front of the machine as well.
“You can increase machine utilization and open up new industry segment opportunities by simply attaching a snow push, or even create a multi-task application by installing a pick-up broom to sweep up after excavating. It’s not an overstatement to say the possibilities are limitless by partnering and building off the existing portfolio of all our CAT products.”
However, Adams says that most customers still regard the backhoe as a basic utility loader, despite its versatility as a machine that can be adapted to numerous functions, giving operators a tremendous advantage.
“My responsibility, as a product application specialist, is to educate our customers and expose them to the full potential of their equipment so they may receive the best return on their investment.
“For example, our BHL with Integrated Toolcarrier, the 420F2 IT, can add value and increase efficiency in various applications. On a roadwork job, a rear cold planer and loader broom may be added for patchwork asphalt milling and quick cleanup with the same unit. This saves on equipment mobilization charges and labor cost.”
Adams describes how the Cat coupler deploys a unique dual-lock function.
”Depending on the model, our Dual Lock Pin Grabber Coupler utilizes a manually or hydraulically deployed wedge to engage the front attachment pin. The wedge interfaces so that as time passes and the pin wears, the wedge maintains firm engagement of the tool. If there were a failure in the primary locking system, a secondary spring-applied cam lock retains the secondary pin, preventing the attachment from fully releasing or detaching from the coupler. In other words, the design intent is to keep the tool tightly engaged through its useful life and prevent the tool from accidentally detaching completely from the coupler.”
The system was introduced several years ago in response to reported industrial accidents, Adams reports.
“We were seeing accidents take place throughout the industry and had the foresight to anticipate increasing regulations being applied to job site safety policies. As a result, we partnered to develop a tool that has a safer locking system and meets or exceeds industry regulations.”
The 420F2 is their flagship model with its 14-foot dig depth and Cat 4.4L turbocharged diesel engine producing 102 hp.
Adams says that one of the most exciting BHL projects to have been completed in the past decade is the introduction of the 440 and 450 backhoe loaders earlier this year.
“We are giving the market a glimpse into the future of backhoe loaders. New hydraulic technology has enabled the introduction of seat-mounted controls to significantly improve operator ergonomics and comfort whilst providing superior machine control. Features such as Selectable Parallel Lift, Programmable Loader Kickout, and Return to Dig are a reality with the new technology. Repositioning the machine whilst trenching has become easier with the introduction of Dual Mode giving the operator the ability to control implements to the rear of them without spinning the seat around or awkwardly reaching back to grab the loader controls,” explains Adams.
And their Adjustable Auxiliary Flow Controls allow operators to tune their machine to meet hydromechanical attachment specifications being utilized on the job site.
“The all-new, full-color LCD Control screen allows the operator to adjust the Loader and Backhoe Auxiliary Hydraulic Flow to meet tool specifications. For example, if you are using a backhoe to relocate large decorative stone in a landscaping application, the operator can adjust the speed of the thumb so they have finite control to apply proper clamping force and avoid damage to the respective stone.”
By working with dealer sales staff, Adams says they continually inform their customers of innovations and bring awareness to the market of the wide range of capabilities of backhoe loaders.
“Our goal is to assist our customers in getting the most value out of their investment. With a broad portfolio of machine attachments, we can add value to all industry segments and tackle nearly any application within that segment. If a request is made for a tool we don’t currently offer, we will review the opportunity to design and produce that respective tool, or at least assist with locating a third-party solution.”
Getting customers into the right machine is all about finding out what customers need now and anticipating what they may need in the future.
“We offer Integrated Technology specific to the application of customers using our backhoes. If it will be a unit that is placed on a job site for cleanup or to dig the occasional trench, we offer an entry-level machine, such as a 415F2 or 416F2. If it’s going to be a machine where the operator is required to sit for eight to ten hours a day and be held to specific production requirements, we recommend a premium level machine like the 420F2 or 430F2. If heavy lifting is the top requirement, we recommend our premium plus models, the 440 and 450.
“Understanding the applications being pursued are key to choosing the right machine. We often have conversations with customers that run backhoes that have 15 feet of dig depth. They have run 15-foot units for many years, are comfortable with that machine, and are doing a fine job. But in reality, a backhoe with 14 feet of dig depth would be more than sufficient for the task at hand, demonstrate better fuel burn, and be more efficient overall, thus improving the bottom line. Knowing this challenge is before us, we set goals to produce easy-to-understand literature and provide the proper education to those making the purchasing decisions,” says Adams.
“We know that customers are always in search of a value and will purchase Brand X attachments that can work on our machines. We have even given them the ability to make adjustments to our machines in order to accommodate those tools. But make no mistake, there is a tremendous benefit in using CAT branded tools that are specifically designed to perform with our machine. Customers can expect a higher level of performance when both the attachment and machine are designed with the same goal and application in mind.”
By continuing to respond to customer need and integrate technology to optimize performance, Adams is confident that “We can push the envelope to expand our offerings without overwhelming the customer. Backhoe loaders have a long life cycle and we’re confident that the current trend of a healthy market will continue.”
“To ensure success for years to come, we must continue to approach this business with the mentality that we don’t just design and build construction equipment; we provide solutions.”
