Two Locations

Knoxville

865-982-6452

Tri-Cities

423-975-9111

Operating Hours

Parts & Service

M-F 7am - 5pm

Sales & Rentals

M-F 8am - 5pm

Contact Us

865-982-6452

Sales: Blake Wilson

Parts/Service: Terry Nichols

Skid Loader & Mini-Excavator vs Backhoe Loader

Contractors Machinery

Skid Loader & Mini Excavator vs Backhoe Loader – Which is Right for You?

If you’ve got a big job to do, choosing the right equipment is critical. The Skid Loader/Mini-Excavator Combo vs. the Backhoe Loader has been a major change in the construction industry over the last 10 years. They both have advantages and are designed to for a multitude of tasks. Make sure you use the correct one; it will save hours…if not days…of frustration!

Backhoe Loader – Larger, with great excavation capability

Backhoe Loader

CASE Backhoe Loader

 

Versatility is a primary advantage of the backhoe loader. Not only is it capable of driving across large jobsites and the road at speeds exceeding 20 mph the backhoe side of the machine is a powerful, deep digging excavator. The backhoe provides greater reach and digging depth than most mini excavators. Digging 15’ trenches, basements, foundations…? The backhoe loader is capable of these tasks.

The backhoe loader is not only for the use of excavation, however. The front of the machine contains a loader designed for loading, transporting, and dumping construction materials. Overall, it has greater capacity to handle heavy loads than the skid loader.

Although there are some distinct advantages to choosing the backhoe, one disadvantage is its size. It was created for major lifting and excavation; if the site demands navigating tight spaces, the skid loader/mini excavator may be the better choice.

Compact Track Loader/Skid-Steer Loaders & Mini Excavator – Smaller, with greater maneuverability 

CTL

CASE Compact Track Loader or Skid Steer Loader

 

Obviously, with two pieces of equipment owners can have multiple jobs taking place at the same time with two operators. The CTL and Mini-Excavator markets are the largest unit volume markets in the construction equipment industry.

Referred to as Compact Track Loaders or skid-steer loaders, the skid loader has a unique design. The frame is rigid and contains either wheels or tracks. These simply skid on one side while the other side is locked in place, allowing the driver to turn to the right or the left with great agility.

A smaller machine than the backhoe, the skid loader has the capabilities to also lift and perform most loader excavation jobs. This machine contains a quick-attach system for the ease of adding buckets, trenchers, grapples, forks, sweepers. It’s a versatile machine, excellent for smaller excavation and lighter loading jobs. Coupled with a mini excavator for trenching work this is a hard combo to beat.

CMI-Case prides itself in providing the perfect machine for every job! If you have any additional questions about which is best for you, see a CMI dealer today and rest assured you will make the best choice for the construction task at hand.

CASE heavy duty equipment lineup.

What’s What in the World of Construction Equipment

Emily Bieger

It’s spring, and you can hear the engines starting to rev! Construction equipment is in high demand, as building continues to soar throughout the nation! Before you make the substantial investment in heavy machinery, make sure you have the right equipment for your job.

Excavators: Used for digging, demolition, handling materials, trenching, earthmoving…the excavator uses a boom, dipper, bucket, and attachments for a broad range of uses. Excavators come in a range of sizes, 4,000 lbs. to 158,000 lbs. Mini-Excavators are second only to CTL’s as the most popular Case machine in East Tennessee.

Backhoe/Loaders: The Swiss Army Knife of construction equipment and CASE’s flagship product. Utilized for excavation, material handling, demolition, and landscaping, the backhoe has both a front-facing loader bucket or blade and a rear-facing backhoe with bucket.    

Bulldozers: Utilized to clear, dig, and level land. The dozer has metal tracks and a 4 or 6-Way blade that pushes earth, sand, brush, and debris.

Wheel Loaders: Utilized for material handling on concrete, asphalt, gravel, or dirt with a large front-end loader bucket. Wheel Loaders articulate in the middle and offer higher speeds for large jobsite material handling.

Compact Track Loaders: CTL’s are the most sold type of construction equipment on the market today. Extremely versatile rubber track machines utilized on nearly every construction project in East TN. Multitude of attachments are available for every task including buckets, trenchers, mulching heads, forks, brush cutters hammers, dozer blades and more. Although they look like skid steers, they generally have more horsepower and can carry heavier loads.

Skid Steers: Like the CTL but wheeled for use on concrete and asphalt, these also are available with multitude of attachments. The consensus is that tires hold up longer and are far smoother riding on hard surfaces.

Blake Wilson, general manager at Contractor’s Machinery Inc. (CMI), says the most important factor to consider when buying heavy equipment is the type of work you are planning to pursue and what you are looking for from your equipment dealer. Since 1971 CMI has been keeping contractors working in East Tennessee.

Before you make any large machinery purchases, be sure to visit our CASE Equipment page. Review the extensive list of equipment available and talk to a CMI-Case representative! CMI wants this decision to be the very best for you and your business!