Backhoe loader Backhoe loader A backhoe loader, also called a loader backhoe, digger in layman's terms, or colloquially shortened to backhoe within the industry, is a heavy equipment vehicle that consists of a tractor like unit fitted with a loader-style shovel/bucket on the front and a backhoe on the back. Due to its (relatively) small size and versatility, backhoe loaders are very common in urban engineering and small construction projects (such as building a small house, fixing urban roads, etc.) as well as developing countries. This type of machine is similar to and derived from what is now known as a TLB
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