9 hours ago
The Rise of Skid Steer Backhoe Attachments
Backhoe attachments for skid steers emerged in the late 1980s as a cost-effective solution for contractors and landowners needing occasional digging capabilities without investing in a full-sized backhoe loader. Brands like Bradco, Gehl, and John Deere led the charge, offering rugged, bolt-on units that transformed compact loaders into versatile digging machines. By the early 2000s, Bradco’s 911 extendable backhoe model had become a benchmark in the industry, known for its 9 to 11-foot digging depth and hydraulic extension stick.
Bradco, founded in 1964, specialized in attachments for compact equipment and was later acquired by Paladin Attachments, a division of Stanley Black & Decker. Their backhoe line, particularly the 911 series, gained popularity for its durability and compatibility with machines like the Gehl 4615 and Deere 8875. Sales peaked in the mid-2000s, with thousands of units deployed across North America, especially in agricultural and municipal sectors.
Understanding the Extendable Stick Mechanism
One of the defining features of premium backhoe attachments is the extendable stick, often referred to as “extendahoe.” This mechanism allows the operator to hydraulically extend the dipper arm by approximately two feet, increasing reach and digging depth. The Bradco 911, for instance, achieves a maximum depth of 11 feet when fully extended. The extension is typically controlled by a foot pedal located on the operator platform, allowing seamless transition between retracted and extended modes.
Terminology note:
While backhoe attachments offer impressive digging power, they come with ergonomic limitations. Operators often need to climb in and out of the skid steer cab to reposition the machine, especially when trenching over long distances. Some users develop creative workarounds, such as reaching back from the backhoe seat to operate the skid steer’s drive levers manually. This technique, though unconventional, allows for incremental movement without dismounting.
Another challenge is the lack of an integrated backfill blade, which is standard on mini excavators. While backhoe buckets can be used for backfilling, the process is slower and less efficient. Operators often perform multiple repairs before switching attachments to backfill, which can be time-consuming.
Mini Excavators vs. Backhoe Attachments
The advent of mini excavators in the late 1990s reshaped the compact digging market. Machines like the Caterpillar 303 and IHI 28J offered 360-degree swing, integrated blades, and superior mobility in tight spaces. Unlike skid steer-mounted backhoes, minis allow continuous digging without repositioning the base machine, significantly improving productivity.
In muddy conditions, mini excavators outperform skid steers due to their higher ground clearance and dedicated undercarriage design. Skid steers, with their flat belly pans, tend to “turtle” in deep mud, requiring creative maneuvering to escape. Despite this, many operators still prefer skid steers for their multi-functionality—able to switch between buckets, forks, augers, and backhoes on the same chassis.
Real-World Anecdotes and Field Use
One tile drainage contractor in Iowa shared his experience using a Bradco 911 on a Deere 332 CTL. He appreciated the power and reach of the extendahoe but eventually traded it for a Cat 303 mini excavator. The switch was driven by the need for faster movement between repair sites and the convenience of having a blade always available. Interestingly, the dealer offered full trade-in value for the backhoe attachment, underscoring its retained market value.
Another operator in Illinois recounted using a backhoe on a Bobcat 743 before transitioning to renting mini excavators. He found that occasional digging jobs—such as downspout trenches, crawlspace excavation, and concrete demo—were better served by renting a mini, which caused less yard damage and offered better precision.
Tips for New Operators
For those new to backhoe attachments, here are some practical suggestions:
Despite the rise of mini excavators, backhoe attachments remain relevant in niche markets. Their lower upfront cost and compatibility with existing skid steers make them attractive for small contractors and municipalities. According to industry estimates, over 20,000 backhoe attachments are still in active use across North America, with Bradco and John Deere models leading the pack.
Recent innovations include hydraulic side-shift mechanisms, improved operator platforms, and quick-connect systems that reduce mounting time. However, the ergonomic limitations persist, and manufacturers are exploring remote-control solutions to allow repositioning without leaving the backhoe seat.
Conclusion
Backhoe attachments offer a compelling blend of power, affordability, and versatility. While mini excavators have surpassed them in mobility and ergonomics, the attachment route still makes sense for operators who value multi-functionality and cost efficiency. With proper technique and a few creative adaptations, these tools can remain productive assets in the field.
Backhoe attachments for skid steers emerged in the late 1980s as a cost-effective solution for contractors and landowners needing occasional digging capabilities without investing in a full-sized backhoe loader. Brands like Bradco, Gehl, and John Deere led the charge, offering rugged, bolt-on units that transformed compact loaders into versatile digging machines. By the early 2000s, Bradco’s 911 extendable backhoe model had become a benchmark in the industry, known for its 9 to 11-foot digging depth and hydraulic extension stick.
Bradco, founded in 1964, specialized in attachments for compact equipment and was later acquired by Paladin Attachments, a division of Stanley Black & Decker. Their backhoe line, particularly the 911 series, gained popularity for its durability and compatibility with machines like the Gehl 4615 and Deere 8875. Sales peaked in the mid-2000s, with thousands of units deployed across North America, especially in agricultural and municipal sectors.
Understanding the Extendable Stick Mechanism
One of the defining features of premium backhoe attachments is the extendable stick, often referred to as “extendahoe.” This mechanism allows the operator to hydraulically extend the dipper arm by approximately two feet, increasing reach and digging depth. The Bradco 911, for instance, achieves a maximum depth of 11 feet when fully extended. The extension is typically controlled by a foot pedal located on the operator platform, allowing seamless transition between retracted and extended modes.
Terminology note:
- Dipper Arm: The section of the backhoe between the boom and the bucket.
- Extendahoe: A hydraulic extension system built into the dipper arm.
- CTL (Compact Track Loader): A skid steer with rubber tracks instead of wheels, offering better traction in muddy terrain.
While backhoe attachments offer impressive digging power, they come with ergonomic limitations. Operators often need to climb in and out of the skid steer cab to reposition the machine, especially when trenching over long distances. Some users develop creative workarounds, such as reaching back from the backhoe seat to operate the skid steer’s drive levers manually. This technique, though unconventional, allows for incremental movement without dismounting.
Another challenge is the lack of an integrated backfill blade, which is standard on mini excavators. While backhoe buckets can be used for backfilling, the process is slower and less efficient. Operators often perform multiple repairs before switching attachments to backfill, which can be time-consuming.
Mini Excavators vs. Backhoe Attachments
The advent of mini excavators in the late 1990s reshaped the compact digging market. Machines like the Caterpillar 303 and IHI 28J offered 360-degree swing, integrated blades, and superior mobility in tight spaces. Unlike skid steer-mounted backhoes, minis allow continuous digging without repositioning the base machine, significantly improving productivity.
In muddy conditions, mini excavators outperform skid steers due to their higher ground clearance and dedicated undercarriage design. Skid steers, with their flat belly pans, tend to “turtle” in deep mud, requiring creative maneuvering to escape. Despite this, many operators still prefer skid steers for their multi-functionality—able to switch between buckets, forks, augers, and backhoes on the same chassis.
Real-World Anecdotes and Field Use
One tile drainage contractor in Iowa shared his experience using a Bradco 911 on a Deere 332 CTL. He appreciated the power and reach of the extendahoe but eventually traded it for a Cat 303 mini excavator. The switch was driven by the need for faster movement between repair sites and the convenience of having a blade always available. Interestingly, the dealer offered full trade-in value for the backhoe attachment, underscoring its retained market value.
Another operator in Illinois recounted using a backhoe on a Bobcat 743 before transitioning to renting mini excavators. He found that occasional digging jobs—such as downspout trenches, crawlspace excavation, and concrete demo—were better served by renting a mini, which caused less yard damage and offered better precision.
Tips for New Operators
For those new to backhoe attachments, here are some practical suggestions:
- Practice Control Familiarity: Spend time learning the feel of the controls before tackling complex jobs.
- Use Tracks for Stability: Adding rubber tracks to your skid steer improves traction and stability during digging.
- Carry Multiple Attachments: Bring both the backhoe and front bucket to job sites to switch quickly between digging and backfilling.
- Mind the Quick Tach Cylinder: Use a stabilizing bracket to prevent stress on the quick attach cylinder when mounting the backhoe.
- Consider a Spotter: For trenching, having someone move the skid steer while you operate the backhoe can save time.
Despite the rise of mini excavators, backhoe attachments remain relevant in niche markets. Their lower upfront cost and compatibility with existing skid steers make them attractive for small contractors and municipalities. According to industry estimates, over 20,000 backhoe attachments are still in active use across North America, with Bradco and John Deere models leading the pack.
Recent innovations include hydraulic side-shift mechanisms, improved operator platforms, and quick-connect systems that reduce mounting time. However, the ergonomic limitations persist, and manufacturers are exploring remote-control solutions to allow repositioning without leaving the backhoe seat.
Conclusion
Backhoe attachments offer a compelling blend of power, affordability, and versatility. While mini excavators have surpassed them in mobility and ergonomics, the attachment route still makes sense for operators who value multi-functionality and cost efficiency. With proper technique and a few creative adaptations, these tools can remain productive assets in the field.
