Backhoe loader in areas too small for larger equipment. Their versatility and compact size makes them one of the most popular urban construction vehicles. For larger projects, a tracked excavator is generally used. In recent years, small compact tractors have become very popular with private homeowners. Subcompact tractors, the size between a compact tractor and lawn tractor, are also often sold in backhoe loader setup, sometimes with a belly-mounted mower also included. These tractors offer private homeowners the ability to perform minor excavation projects. Backhoe loader A backhoe loader, also called a loader backhoe, digger in layman's terms, or colloquially shortened to
Backhoe stockpile, for picking up or filling material next to walls, to increase the reach of the machine, or working around obstacles such as pipes. Sometimes a backhoe arm is used as a crane, by slinging the lifted object from the support linkages behind the scoop (advisably not from the teeth). The backhoe's scoop may have a metal bar called a "thumb" hinged to the scoop. It grips against the scoop like a human thumb to pick up objects. Some types can lie back against the backhoe arm when not needed. Early development of hydraulic systems for what would become the