How Much Does a Backhoe Loader Cost? (New, Used & Rentals)
The purchase of a backhoe loader is a big decision for various people. Whether you’re in construction or are looking to tame some of your own acreage, backhoes are an extremely vital piece of equipment.
Here we’ll break down the most common questions and concerns you might have about the cost of this large, but vital, piece of equipment. It is important to understand the many attachment options as well as the average price for both new and used equipment.
Considering the various functions of a backhoe loader, you could assume that the prices for such equipment vary as well. Though the cost of some accessories can indeed be expensive, the backhoe loader itself can be a thrifty and smart purchase for your business or home.
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We’ll cover the most common equipment prices with real-life examples. After all, the smart spender knows how to spot a bargain and when to spring for a more expensive piece of equipment.
Overall, the average prices of backhoe loaders can be broken down into two purchase categories and one rental category. Though the long-term investment of purchasing is alluring, there are options for simple rentals and single-use backhoe loaders.
A new backhoe loader is going to be the most expensive purchase. Depending on the brand and type, you are looking at tens of thousands of dollars spent. The most common backhoe loaders from brands like John Deere, Caterpillar, Bobcat, and JCB average between $15,000 and $80,000.
The metrics for each model are important to know, but the attachment versatility is most important when considering a brand new backhoe loader. The improvements of backhoe loader arms and the functions they can perform are vast and need to be carefully considered.
Buying used can save you a decent chunk of change depending on your knowledge of the equipment and its maintenance. It can be a great financial decision for your company as well because of lower initial costs.
On average, a used backhoe loader can range just as widely as a new one.
The average price of a used backhoe loader on the CAT Used website varies wildly depending on the model, age, and location. There are some that are smaller that are going for only a few thousand dollars, but some of the larger models are going for upward of $100,000.
Some of the advantages of purchasing used are the number of options you have, but it is also the slower depreciation of the equipment. It is important to consider all your choices, which is why we’ve also decided to discuss backhoe loader rentals.
The CAT rental store online has an expansive list of equipment that you can rent from one of their local stores. With 1,300 locations across the country, it is a safe bet that you’ll be able to find one moderately close by.
Of course, the prices are just as varied as the purchasing of a new or used backhoe loader. CAT offers a range of equipment, and you can contact them via their rental website to get an average cost of daily, weekly, or even monthly rentals.
Depending on the metrics you are looking for and the accessories you will need for whatever job or project you are working on, prices are reasonable. They are also flexible when renting as various models and brands fluctuate in price over time.
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There are two main types of backhoe loaders – center mount/pivot and sideshift. These have nothing to do with brand but maneuverability and stability. Here we’ll break down the basics about each type and give you some general pricing information.
This backhoe type refers to the center mount on its rear frame.
This type of backhoe loader design provides a wider stance and more ground clearance. The gullwing legs wing down to provide stabilization making the center mount or pivot backhoe loader ideal for sloping ground and heavy loads.
John Deere's 310L model has a max digging depth of 14 feet with an operating weight of 14,669 pounds. This 93 horsepower diesel backhoe ranges in price and use. Averaging a price anywhere between $13,500 and $60,000.
A similar model, Caterpillar's 416C, had a max digging depth of 14.5 feet with a max operating weight of 13,960 pounds. This 78 horsepower diesel backhoe is cheaper on average, ranging from $26,000 to $46,000. However, the smaller horsepower means there are slightly more limitations.
This backhoe is mounted on frame rails and stabilizers which allow the operator to shift work or materials from one side to the other. This saves time due to the lack of repositioning of the machinery.
This is an ideal backhoe loader for narrow spaces or work situations where you are closer to a building or immovable object.
The Bobcat B100 model with sideshift attachment has a max digging depth of 9.2ft, making it an ideal piece of equipment for smaller projects. The max operating weight is 5,752 pounds and has only a 31.5 horsepower diesel engine.
Compare this to the larger John Deere 305SL model and you can see the wide range of uses for sideshift backhoe loaders.
The 305SL's max digging depth is 13 feet, 8 inches with an operating weight of 17,554 pounds. With 99 horsepower, this piece of machinery is perfect for larger, more difficult projects that require more power.
Now we come to the variety of accessories that can be attached to most excavators and backhoe loaders. Here, we break down the use and average price of these accessories so you can be better informed about which will work for your business or project.
An auger is a drill designed to drill holes for footings, fencing, signs, and trees. It is adaptable and can be used for a variety of hole-digging needs.
Different soil types vary from site to site, so depending on your needs, an auger attachment can range anywhere from $2500-$3000, but the bits, which will need to be replaced, average between $300 – $700 per bit.
As the name suggests, this is a tapered set of spears that can be used to lift and stack bales of organic items like hay. Lifting bales up to 2,000 pounds or larger, depending on the model, bale spears are very useful as farming equipment.
The average price of a bale spear attachment ranges depending on size, model, and brand – $300 – $10,000.
The box scraper is ideal for flipping, leveling, grading, backfilling, and dozing rough or uneven terrain due to construction or natural wear. With increased carrying capacity, minimal drag, and heavy-duty side plates preventing twisting, this accessory is important for construction and landscaping uses.
The price ranges depending on the brand, but the average box scraper can be purchased for anywhere between $1000 and $25,000.
The bucket is the most popular attachment as there are many different types and designs for different functions. The general purpose of the bucket is to lift and remove materials like rocks, sand, soil, and similar items.
Used for all sorts of construction, landscaping, farming, and more, the average price depends on the model and make. On average, a bucket will sell for anywhere between $5,000 – $20,000.
Like the name suggests, the broom bucket is a sweeper that attaches where the bucket normally goes. This is a cleanup attachment, excellent for cleaning streets, parking lots, and factory floors of construction debris like nails or glass.
On average, the cost of a broom is less than a regular bucket and ranges between $1000 – $10,000.
Compactors are exactly like they sound – designed specifically for all compaction operations. With many sizes and weights, these accessories are specialty items used for specific jobs, much like the brooms.
There are compaction wheels, drum compactors, and plate compactors. On average, the price of these compactors varies depending on your needs, but average around $3,000 – $20,000.
These specific accessories are designed specifically to make switching from one attachment to another very simple. There are two kinds – manual and hydraulic. Either way, the mounts allow for easy switching during busy jobs and range anywhere from $500 – $7,000.
Coming in three styles, this accessory is used for utility, construction, and logging. There is a grapple for almost any job requirement and works much like a hand. It can grasp and carry stones, logs, concrete, roots, and anything that would normally be difficult for a bucket or other attachment to handle.
The average price is tough to gauge considering the variety of types, but normally the solid bottom grapple costs anywhere between $800 – $4,000.
This attachment is ideal for construction and road maintenance. The hydraulic hammer attachment features a low-pressure gas charge and low hydraulic surge with just two moving parts.
This is ideal for stability and has low recoil, making it ideal for cutting asphalt or tamping. On average, these sell for a higher price port, ranging anywhere between $5,000 – $25,000.
These attachments are job-specific, depending on what is needed. Examples like concrete cutter jaws, demolition jaws, shear jaws, and universal jaws are all useful tools for cutting and removing difficult natural and manufactured obstructions.
On average, the price of these depends on the function ranging from $10,000 – $60,000.
These versatile work tools for land clearing, brush piling, and site prep is ideal for anyone looking for a multi-purpose accessory for their backhoe loader. There are different types such as excavator rakes, industrial grapple rakes, landscaping rakes, and power box rakes.
All of these range in price depending on the model and size as well as age. The average price is anywhere between $1,000 – $10,000.
Designed like a set of teeth, rippers are meant to break up hard soil and ice. This claw-like attachment varies in size and use, but the average cost is lower than some of the other equipment attachments.
This helpful attachment makes the handling of equipment and transports much simpler, and the price is reasonable. On average, rippers cost anywhere between $500 – $8,000.
Snow blades are designed for snow removal or light dozer use. They feature spring-loaded trip protection and adjustable skid shoes, which help with any snow-filled job. This blade pushes snow off roads and driveways as well as parking lots, making it ideal for cleanup and clearing.
On average, snow blades can be pricey and always depend on model, size, and age. On average, the price of snow blades cost anywhere between $5,000 and $80,000.
Unlike snow blades, this attachment moves large volumes of snow or other loose material. It doesn't really mean you have to limit it to snow – it works well for manure, feedlot, flood clean-up, and wastewater.
This versatile attachment draws snow from confined areas, getting into tighter corners and offering a more thorough sweep. On average, the price ranges anywhere from $3,000 – $40,000.
Pallet forks for backhoe loaders feature standard brick guard and lock-in position clips. They can stack, lift, move, or load pallets and other construction materials with either your backhoe loaders or tractor loader.
This useful accessory has solid fork rails and has a maximum capacity of 8,440 pounds. The average price for this accessory ranges between $5,000 – $15,000.
The most utilized and under-rated attachment is the bucket attachment called the thumb. It is what it sounds like – a thumb to attach to the bucket for lifting and grasping capabilities.
These are some of the most standard and popular accessories of a backhoe loader. On average, a thumb costs anywhere between $500 – $5,000.
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There is not. The prices vary drastically between manufacturers, used and new, and condition.
The official websites of the manufacturers are the best way to get a good deal on your equipment. They offer financing, used or new, and have the best options for any project.
Otherwise, you could go to your local farm or construction equipment dealer that is usually associated with the manufacturers.
Yes, you can buy or rent large equipment at Home Depot. Their website lists many different options and prices. They even offer affordable one-way onsite delivery. You can rent from 4-hour, 24-hour, weekly, or even monthly rentals.
This really depends on your needs. If you own a construction-related company or are an agriculturalist, it is essential to have the right equipment. A good investment would be the purchase of a backhoe loader with the option of accessories like described above.
Otherwise, rentals are the way to go to save you some money in the long run. If you are just doing a small project that might take a few hours or a few days, a rental is the best option. There are many options and companies that offer rentals, so do some searching around for the best rates.
To use the backhoe loader on-site, you do not need a certification. However, if you want to move the equipment from site to site, you need to obtain a commercial driver's license or CDL. Heavy Equipment College breaks down all certifications and needs for large equipment and is a useful resource.
Purchasing or renting a backhoe loader is a big decision for any project. Depending on your needs, budget, and experience, there is a lot to consider. It is important to understand the basics, and by doing so, you’ll become a more valuable asset to your crew, company, or farm.
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