The main difference between the two machines is size — excavators are larger and heavier, while backhoes are slightly smaller. The excavator is typically a better fit for demolition projects, mining, driving piles, drilling shafts for rock blasting, and overall large-scale industrial projects.

EXCAVATORS

This is one of the largest pieces of construction machinery available, weighing anywhere between 3,500 and 200,000 pounds. This machine has a boom, stick and bucket and is able to rotate 360 degrees so you can easily dig and move dirt large distances without having to drive the excavator to a different location.

Excavators are primarily used for landscaping, digging holes and trenches, lifting and placing large objects, and demolishing structures. Other tasks can also be accomplished by using hydraulic attachments such as grapples or augers.

If you have a large project that requires a lot of heavy-duty digging or demolition, an excavator would be ideal for your project.

BACKHOES

A backhoe only rotates 200 degrees. One advantage to backhoes is that they are very versatile.  Featuring a boom, stick and bucket on the rear of the machine, the backhoe can accomplish most of the digging tasks that an excavator can.  At the front, backhoes feature a large bucket, making them ideal for moving large amounts of material. This is a perfect tool for digging deep holes and trenches, and attachments such as a tilt rotator or auger can be used as well.