Good Mid Size Backhoe I Can Tow With a Pickup Trailer

[MikePhua]

Finding a mid‑size backhoe loader that you can tow with a pickup and trailer combines practicality with versatility for construction, farm, and landscape work. Backhoe loaders are hybrid machines, pairing a front loader for scooping and lifting with a rear backhoe for digging and trenching. They have been popular since the 1950s, and brands like Case, John Deere, Caterpillar, JCB, Kubota, and New Holland have collectively sold several hundred thousand units worldwide across decades. Mid‑size models typically weigh between 10,000 – 18,000 lbs (4,500 – 8,200 kg), and with the right pickup and trailer setup, many can be legally and safely towed on public roads without special permits.
This detailed guide explains what to look for when choosing a towable mid‑size backhoe, terms you’ll encounter, specific model recommendations, practical towing considerations, and real user experiences that illustrate both success stories and cautionary lessons.
Terminology Explained

• Operating Weight – The machine’s weight ready to work, including fluids and standard attachments; critical for matching to towing capacity.
  
• Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) – Total weight of trailer plus load; must stay within your truck’s tow rating.
  
• Tongue Weight – The downward force exerted on the truck hitch by the loaded trailer; safe range typically 10–15 % of GTW.
  
• Hitch Class – Pickup hitch rating (e.g., Class III, IV, V) dictates how much weight you can pull; heavy equipment towing often benefits from Class V or a receiver combined with a weight distributing hitch.
  
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) – Maximum safe loaded weight for the trailer set by manufacturer.
  

Understanding these terms ensures you don’t overestimate what your pickup can safely pull.
Pickup Tow Ratings and Real Limits
Heavy‑duty pickup trucks like the Ford F‑250/F‑350, Ram 2500/3500, and Chevy/GMC 2500/3500 with diesel engines (e.g., 6.7 L Cummins or 6.7 L Power Stroke) often have max tow ratings in the 20,000–23,000 lbs range when properly equipped with a gooseneck or fifth‑wheel hitch. With a bumper‑pull equipment trailer, ratings are typically lower — often 12,000–18,000 lbs depending on axle configuration and trailer brakes. Given that, a backhoe plus trailer combo ideally stays under 15,000 lbs GTW for bumper‑pull, and higher with a gooseneck setup.
For example, a 14,000 lb GVWR tandem axle trailer loaded with a backhoe weighing 10,000–12,000 lbs leaves 2,000–4,000 lbs for ramps and any tools or attachments — a comfortable match for many Class IV/V truck setups.
Mid‑Size Backhoe Characteristics
Backhoes in the mid‑size category balance digging force, loader lift capacity, and towability:

• Dig depth typically ~10–14 ft depending on boom/dipper configuration.
  
• Loader bucket sizes ~0.8–1.2 yd³, useful for material handling and grading.
  
• Engine power in the 60–100 hp range, giving enough grunt without dramatically increasing weight.
  
• Relatively narrow transport width (often ~6–7 ft) fits standard trailers without special permits.
  

These specs make mid‑size backhoes versatile for rural construction, backyard grading, small utility projects, and property improvement tasks that don’t require large tracked excavators.
Recommended Towable Mid‑Size Backhoes
Below are common mid‑size backhoe loaders frequently cited as suitable for towing with a well‑prepared pickup and equipment trailer, along with approximate operating weights:

• Case 580N/580 Super N – ~11,000–13,500 lbs *
  
• John Deere 310 Series – ~10,000–13,000 lbs *
  
• Caterpillar 420/430 Series – ~10,000–15,000 lbs *
  
• JCB 3CX – ~12,000–15,000 lbs *
  
• New Holland LB110/LB115 – ~10,500–13,500 lbs *
  
• Kubota KX080 + Backhoe Tools – Often around ~10,000 lbs * (note: mini excavators are generally lighter but require separate loader implementation)
  

(*Weights vary by attachments, tires/tracks, and optional counterweights.)
These models have decades of service records; tens of thousands have been sold, creating a robust used market where buyers often find units with 3,000–8,000 operating hours at reasonable prices.
Towing Setup and Safety Considerations
To safely tow a mid‑size backhoe:

• Use a proper trailer with brakes on every axle; most states require braking systems for trailers above ~3,000 lbs.
  
• Confirm truck’s tow rating and trailer GVWR — never exceed either.
  
• Distribute load to maintain a tongue weight of ~10–15 % of GTW. For a 12,000 lbs backhoe on a 14,000 lbs GVWR trailer, aim for ~1,200–1,800 lbs tongue weight.
  
• Check tire ratings on truck and trailer; agricultural or LT (Light Truck) tires should be rated for your load.
  
• Consider a weight distributing hitch for heavier combos to improve steering and braking.
  
• Pre‑trip inspect lights, brakes, safety chains, and jack stands.
  

Following these steps helps avoid trailer sway, brake fade, or chassis stress — key threats when towing heavy equipment.
Buying Tips for Used Machines
When selecting a mid‑size used backhoe:

• Check operating hours — machines with 5,000–8,000 hours can still have a long life if maintained.
  
• Inspect hydraulics — look for leaks, slow cylinder response, or foam in reservoir.
  
• Assess engine health — clean startup, even RPM, and no excessive smoke under load are positive signs.
  
• Review service records — consistent oil, hydraulic filter, and coolant changes indicate good care.
  
• Confirm undercarriage and tires — excessive wear can quickly add cost after purchase.
  

Used market data shows that backhoes in this class often hold resale value — a well‑maintained 580N or 310 can sell for $25,000–$45,000+ depending on hours and condition.
Real‑World Stories
One hobby farmer shared hauling a 1998 John Deere 310D on a 14,000 lb GVWR equipment trailer with a Ford F‑250 diesel. After positioning the backhoe with loader flat and digging arm secured, the trip from a rural auction — over 300 miles — went smoothly, with trailer brakes and sway control making highway travel stable even at 55–60 mph.
Another operator recounted moving a JCB 3CX weighing over 13,000 lbs using a gooseneck trailer behind a Ram 3500. Despite higher weight, the gooseneck hitch and robust truck allowed confident travel at 65 mph, emphasizing that hitch type and truck class expand your towing envelope for heavier mid‑size machines.
Solutions and Options When Tow Limits Are Exceeded
When an excavator’s transport weight nears or exceeds your pickup’s rated capacity:

• Gooseneck Hitch — Higher capacity than bumper pull, often 20,000 lbs+ with class‑appropriate equipment.
  
• Fifth‑Wheel Trailer — Offers excellent stability and weight distribution for heavier machines.
  
• Commercial Carrier — For loads above towing comfort or legal limits, hiring a truck/lowboy with proper permits is safer and often cost‑effective.
  

These options reduce risk, protect your truck, and ensure compliance with highway regulations.
Conclusion
A good mid‑size backhoe you can tow with a pickup trailer generally weighs 10,000–12,000 lbs, fits on a 14,000–18,000 lb GVWR trailer, and stays within the towing capabilities of well‑equipped heavy‑duty pickups like diesel‑powered Ram 3500, Ford F‑350, or Chevy Silverado 3500. Understanding terminology like GVWR, tongue weight, and operating weight helps in matching machines to trailers and trucks safely. With correct trailer selection, careful load distribution, and adherence to manufacturer tow ratings and safety practices, moving a mid‑size backhoe across states or rural properties becomes a realistic DIY task. Real‑world experience shows that with preparation, these machines can be transported reliably, giving owners flexibility and reducing reliance on professional haulers for moderate size backhoes.