Backhoe Attachment vs. Backhoe Loader: Which Should You Rent?

When your work includes trenching, digging. or small excavation, you may wonder whether to rent a full backhoe loader or add a backhoe tool to a machine you already own. Both can do the work, but each has different strengths. This guide explains cost, ease of use. and other factors to help you choose.

What Is a Backhoe Loader? 

A backhoe loader is a machine with a front loader bucket and a rear digging arm like an excavator. These versatile backhoe loaders handle many jobs on one site.

Benefits of renting a backhoe loader include: 

• Special design: Dig and load with no setup needed.
• Many uses: Dig, trench, hammer, compact, load and haul material with one machine. 
• Driver comfort: Simple controls for both ends of the machine.

Because they are complete machines, backhoe loaders usually provide more digging force and are better for steady digging work than tool add-ons. 

What Is a Backhoe Attachment?

A backhoe tool is an add-on that connects to skid steers or tractors. Cat^® backhoe attachments turn machines you already use into diggers. 

Benefits of renting a backhoe tool include:

• Lower cost: Tools often rent for less than full machines. 
• Ease of use: Use one base machine with many tools.
• Compact size: Tools are lighter and easier to move in tight areas. 

Backhoe tools work well for crews that use skid steers or tractors and only need digging now and then. 

How Do Backhoe Loaders and Attachments Compare? 

Here are the key differences:

• Cost: Tools cost less to rent and keep. Loaders cost more but give stronger digging force. 
• Usefulness: Loaders are faster for moving material on larger jobs. Tools are fine for small or rare digging needs.

For long-term utility or road projects, loaders may be best. For smaller trenching or less frequent digging, a tool can work just as well. 

Where Can You Rent Backhoe Loaders and Tools?

The Cat^® Rental Store offers both backhoe loaders and backhoe attachments. Our team can help you compare and pick what fits your job. 

You can browse our equipment inventory to see machines and tools nearby or find the Cat Rental Store near you to connect with your local dealer.