Running a Track Loader with a Backhoe Attachment

[MikePhua]

Introduction
Combining a track loader with a backhoe attachment was once a common setup for multipurpose work. Operators who have used these machines share insights about their versatility and the trade-offs compared to using separate dedicated machines.
Advantages
Versatility
A track loader with a backhoe attachment can handle a wide range of tasks—digging, loading, and backfilling—all without switching equipment.
Compact Work
For small jobs or sites with tight access, this combination can save time and space compared to bringing in both a loader and an excavator.
Cost Savings
Older machines equipped this way were often cheaper than owning multiple dedicated machines for digging and loading.
Challenges
Balance and Stability
Using a backhoe on a track loader can feel unstable compared to a purpose-built backhoe or excavator, especially when digging deep or handling heavy loads.
Operator Skill
Running a combined machine well requires skill, since switching between loader work and backhoe work demands careful positioning and awareness of machine limits.
Modern Alternatives
Most modern operators prefer dedicated machines: backhoe loaders or compact excavators paired with loaders. These newer setups are usually more efficient, comfortable, and productive than the older track loader with a backhoe combination.
Conclusion
While not as common today, running a track loader with a backhoe remains an interesting reminder of how operators used to get the most out of their equipment. Many still appreciate the ingenuity and flexibility these setups offered when budgets or job conditions required doing more with less.