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Deciding What You Need
When renting a backhoe loader, it is important that you first determine your needs. As you look between different makes and models, think about:
- Dig depth: This is determined primarily by the size of the backhoe loader. Small models have an average dig depth between 7′ and 10′, average (or full-size) models have an average dig depth of 14′, and large models may offer up to 60′ of dig depth.
- Front (loader) bucket width: Basic front buckets have no sharp corners to allow for a smoother push and average between 89″ and 96″ wide. They can carry between 1 and 1.75 cubic yards of material weighing between 1,590 and 2,100 pounds. Front buckets may also be outfitted with a multipurpose bucket designed for heavy duty applications, as well as a side-dump attachment that can be emptied either straight forward or to the left.
- Horsepower: A 14′ to 15′ backhoe loader averages between 68 and 107 horsepower (HP), with larger machines offering around 127 HP.
- Operating weight: If you’re looking to have minimal impact on the environment of your worksite, then a backhoe loader with a lighter operating weight is best for you. However, if you have no worries about leaving tracks behind, then a model with a heavier weight rating is fine.
- Rear bucket width: The width of your rear bucket directly affects your productivity. Choosing a smaller, 12″ wide bucket leaves you with 2.5 cubic feet of space and the ability to carry an average of 250 pounds of materials. A larger 60″ wide bucket offers 20 cubic feet of space that can carry up to 670 pounds.
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Backhoe Uses
Backhoe loaders have a multitude of uses and are highly sought after for work sites across multiple industries. Common backhoe loader uses include:
- Agriculture: Backhoe loaders are a valuable tool in agriculture. They are used often to assist with burying livestock, installing posts, and laying irrigation pipes, as they allow workers to quickly dig and fill in the appropriate sized hole.
- Construction: Perfect for both industrial and residential applications, backhoe loaders are essentially a necessity for most construction projects. These machines are used for digging in construction and roadway projects, as well as leveling work. Backhoe loaders are also used for minor demolition projects.
- Landscaping: Perfect for constructing ponds, excavation, stump/tree removal, and stacking or lining, backhoes are a valuable tool in the landscaping industry.
There are also a variety of attachments available for backhoe loaders that increase the amount of uses they have, such as mining and snow removal. It is important to note that, while backhoe loaders can be used to transport equipment, they are not efficient towing vehicles. Even the biggest backhoes are still on the small side of the heavy equipment spectrum.
How Much Does Renting a New Backhoe Loader Cost?
The cost of renting a new backhoe loader depends on the features, make, model, and size of the machine, as well as your location and the dealer you rent through. Here is a general pricing guide to provide an idea of what you can expect to pay when renting a new backhoe loader.
- The average daily rental cost of a backhoe loader averages between $150 and $500 per day.
- The average weekly rental cost of a backhoe loader averages between $750 and $1,500 per week.
- TThe average monthly rental cost of a backhoe loader averages between $1,500 and $3,000 per month.
Though there are some dealers that offer rentals for less than a day, the price is typically comparable to the daily rate. It is usually recommended to go with the daily rate, just in case the job takes longer than you expected. Longer rentals also tend to come at a better price than short ones, with monthly rentals generally offering better prices than weekly or daily rates.
Benefits of Renting
Choosing to rent a backhoe loader comes with a plethora of benefits, some of which include:
- Latest technology: When you rent, you get to choose from some of the latest and greatest models on the market. This means you have access to up-to-date technology and features that improve efficiency, productivity, and are often more eco-friendly.
- No maintenance costs: Owning equipment means paying for maintenance and upkeep. Renting, however, usually makes provisions for any maintenance or repairs. Be sure to check your rental agreement to see what is included.
- Tax deductions: Rental costs are usually able to be deducted as business expenses, which drops your overall costs even further.
- Temporary use: Sometimes, you only need equipment for short-time use or a single application. In this case, it makes little sense to purchase a backhoe loader, but renting allows you to use the machine only as long as you need it at a lower cost than buying.