Backhoe loaders have lost market share over the years to compact equipment, but their versatility still makes them a favorite for many contractors.
Though manufacturers have responded to the higher demand for compact track loaders and mini excavators, they continue to make advancements in backhoes.
Just in the past year, the two biggest players in the U.S. backhoe market, Caterpillar and John Deere, launched new models. Sany’s second model for the U.S. began arriving at dealerships this year.
In the past two years, Bobcat threw its hat into the ring with its first U.S. backhoe. Case came out with the first electric backhoe, and JCB released next-gen models.
It used to be one of the first machines a new contractor purchased was a backhoe, but in many cases these days, a compact loader and a mini excavator combined can be had for around the same price.
But backhoes still hold advantages, proving that in some cases, one machine is better than two.
Those above 90 horsepower are often bought specifically for larger projects like roads, site development, water and drainage. Municipalities also like them.
They can reach road speeds over 20 mph for traveling between jobsites or on large projects, rather than having to be trailered.
Their versatility also means fewer machines on a jobsite, and in a time of a shrinking experienced labor force, fewer personnel.
OEMs are making it easier to add attachments, beyond forks and buckets. Brooms, hydraulic hammers, snowplows and compactors are among the other tools sought.
Advanced technology has been arriving, as well, for the machine, which first came on the scene 70-plus years ago. As with other modern construction equipment, the cab has gotten increased focus to make life easier and more comfortable for operators.
In 2026, backhoe loaders rank eighth in sales for construction equipment categories. For the 12 months before April 30, EDA reported 2,044 new financed backhoes were sold, a 2% drop from the previous 12-month period. (EDA and Equipment World are both owned by Fusable.)
Using EDA data, we take a look at each manufacturer’s most popular backhoe loaders, as well as the newest models and features.
Here’s the latest from Bobcat, Case, Caterpillar, JCB, John Deere, Kubota, New Holland and Sany.
Bobcat
The company has been producing backhoes for international markets and decided to offer the B760 here. Bobcat calls it a versatile machine for such tasks as excavation, site prep, material handling, trenching and snow removal.
The 19,224-pound backhoe has a dig depth of 18 feet 5 inches, thanks to its standard extendable arm that provides 8 more inches compared to similar sized machines, the company says.
The digging end also gets 180 degrees of swing for faster cycle times and to reduce the need to reposition, according to Bobcat. It has a lift capacity of 2,200 pounds at full reach.
Also aiding faster excavating is automatic return-to-dig positioning.
The B760 runs on a 96-horsepower turbocharged Bobcat diesel engines that does not require a diesel particulate filter.
Case
Case's 580 Super N Construction KingCase CE
The 580 Super N Construction King is its most popular, ranked third in the U.S. on EDA’s new-financed sales list.
The 580 Super N delivers 97 horsepower, a dig depth of 17 feet 11 inches and has an operating weight of 17,810 pounds. Bucket breakout force is 14,452 pounds.
Features on the 58- SN include:
- ProControl swing dampening system — stops the boom with anti-rebound precision, reducing corrective movement and machine wear.
- PowerDrive transmission — an option for easier hill climbing and handling of heavy loads.
- PowerLift and PowerBoost — increase lifting and digging forces, respectively, with no loss of rpms combined with fuel savings from ECO Mode.
- Extendahoe — an option to add more digging depth and reach.
Case’s lineup includes the N Series, along with the 580SV (ranked 10th on EDA’s sales list) and 695SV. The 580SV and 695SV are available as center-pivot or side-shift configurations. Overall, Case’s backhoes are the third top-sellers at 363 new financed units between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026, according to EDA.
The company also launched the 580EV, the world’s first commercially available electric backhoe in 2024. It boasts the same digging and loading power as the diesel 580 Super N and delivers eight hours of runtime, the company says.
Other models in the lineup range from 74 to 110 horsepower and dig depths down to 19 feet 7 inches. The 580 Super N also is available in a wider “WT” version with 110 horsepower.
Caterpillar
The next-generation Cat 440Caterpillar
The design transition mirrors the engine platform and electronic architecture changes Cat made to its 416 through 430 models. The new center-pivot models also feature advanced machine control and the latest Product Link telematics technology.
The 440 runs on a 127-horsepower engine, has a lift capacity at max height of 8,782 pounds, dig depth of 15.5 feet and bucket dig force of 16,980 pounds.
The 450 gets 145 horsepower, 8,886-pound lift capacity, 17 feet of dig depth and bucket dig force of 17,784 pounds.
At 745 units, Caterpillar sold the most new financed backhoe loaders last year in the U.S., according to EDA.
The all-around No. 2 top-seller on the EDA list is Cat’s 420. The center-pivot backhoe delivers 92-net-horsepower, 14 feet of standard dig depth and a max operating weight of 24,251 pounds.
The 420 XE is Cat’s next best-selling model and is ranked fourth on the EDA list of top-selling backhoes in the U.S. The XE model is Cat’s premium version with a variety of operator comfort and convenience features. One of those innovative features involves being able to rotate the seat 90 degrees, perpendicular to the boom so you can see down the side of the arm and bucket for better visibility. Joystick controls replace pilot controls and are attached to the seat, moving with the seat when it is rotated between loading and digging operations.
Cat’s 416 is also a big seller, coming in at sixth on the EDA list. The 70-net-horsepower model has 14 feet of dig depth and max operating weight of 24,251 pounds.
Features on Cat’s backhoe loaders include ergonomic operator stations, load-sensing hydraulics, four-speed Powershift transmissions and a push-button parking brake that is automatically applied when the backhoe is powered down.
In all, Caterpillar offers 10 backhoe loader models, ranging from 69 to 131 horsepower and dig depths down to 17 feet. Of those models, three are offered as side shift, and the rest are center pivot.
JCB
JCB's next-generation 4CXJCB
The new models feature upgraded transmissions for better road traveling, a new outer box dipper option for the excavator end and a redesigned operator-focused cab.
The company ranks fourth in U.S. sales of new financed backhoes, according to EDA, and its 1CXT is its top seller, at eighth place on the EDA list.
The next-gen 3CX comes in standard, Plus and Pro versions. The standard model delivers 74 horsepower, and the Plus and Pro bring 109 hp. Max dig depth is 21 feet 4 inches, and operating weight ranges from 16,820 to 20,940 pounds.
JCB distinguishes the three this way:
- 3CX — An all-purpose machine with low upfront costs.
- 3CX Plus — More power and dig depth than the 3CX.
- 3CX Pro — All the comfort and performance features of the 3CX Plus, with a higher road speed of 30 mph — up from 25 mph.
JCB’s other next-gen model, the 4CX Pro, has all-wheel-steer, extra traction and strong loading and excavating performance, as well as a tight turning radius.
The 1CXT is the company’s smallest backhoe — and it runs on tracks. JCB has described it as a cross between an excavator and a compact track loader.
One of its main features is a universal quick hitch compatible with most skid steer attachments. It’s 49-horsepower engine requires no diesel exhaust fluid. In many cases, the 1CXT can be towed without a CDL. It weighs about 9,500 pounds and has a dig depth of 8 feet 4 inches to 10 feet 1 inch.
John Deere
Deere's 320 P-Tier is the best-selling new financed backhoe loader in the U.S., according to EDA.John Deere
The 310 G-Tier and 310, 320, 410 and 710 P-Tier underwent a cab overhaul for increased comfort and visibility. They also got upgraded technology, including the industry’s first backhoe loaders with factory-installed rear camera system, the company says.
Noting its popular reliability, Deere retained the engine, transmission, hydraulic system and related components.
The cabs are 5 inches wider where the seat swivels for easier switching between digging and loading. An optional heated and vented seat can be paired with an upgraded HVAC system that delivers 10% more airflow.
John Deere comes in second place in the U.S. for sales of new financed backhoe loaders in the 12 months before April 30, with 709 sold.
Its most popular model — which is ranked No. 1 on the EDA list — is the 15,754-pound 320 P-Tier.
The 320 delivers 113 net horsepower and a dig depth of 14 feet 3 inches. Features include a Deere PowerTech EWL engine that eliminates the need for diesel particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation; pressure-compensated, load-sensing hydraulics for better multifunctioning and smoother machine control; and five-speed PowerShift transmission that comes standard with Autoshift.
Deere’s next in line for top sales is the 310 P-Tier at fifth place on the EDA list. It runs on a 100-horsepower Deere EWL engine and has a dig depth of 14 feet 1 inch. The 310 is also offered in a lower-priced G-Tier version, with a 69-horsepower Yanmar engine and dig depth of 13 feet 8 inches.
The 410 P-Tier comes in seventh place on the EDA list, with an operating weight of 17,582 pounds, 116 horsepower and dig depth of 15 feet 11 inches.
The final model in the lineup is the 710 P-Tier at 148 horsepower and 17 feet 3 inches of dig depth. It has an operating weight to 25,790 pounds.
Kubota
Kubota’s largest tractor loader backhoe, the M62TLBKubota
The L47TLB offers the capabilities of three machines in one for front loader, backhoe and tractor work. Powered by a 47.1-gross-horsepower E-TVCS Kubota diesel engine, it has a max dig depth of 10 feet 1 inch.
A throttle-up switch on the joystick increases engine speed without increasing travel speed, while the HST transmission allows for easy speed and direction changes without shifting or clutching. Using the lever-engaged backhoe crawling mode, the operator can reposition the machine while remaining at the backhoe controls. Side-positioned loader controls, display and engine controls provide information at a glance whether using the loader or the backhoe.
Kubota offers two other TLBs:
- B26TLB — is a utility tractor with a 23.3-horsepower Kubota diesel engine, standard four-wheel drive and sloped loader arms and hood designed for improved visibility, the company says. It weighs 4,001 pounds and has a dig depth of 7 feet.
- M62TLB — Kubota’s largest tractor loader backhoe, at 8,920 pounds, comes with a 63-horsepower Kubota Tier 4 Final diesel engine and a max digging depth of 14 feet 2 inches.
New Holland
New Holland's B95D New Holland Construction
Its B75D and B95D are tied for its best-selling models. The company calls them an “economy class solution to help you get the job done.”
The B75D runs on a 74-horsepower FPT Tier 4 Final diesel engine and has a max dig depth of 18 feet 4 inches.
The B95D weighs 17,560 pounds and has a 97-horsepower FPT with a max dig depth of 18 feet 6 inches.
Customers can choose between a power-shuttle mechanical transmission or the automatic PowerShift. Operators can switch from two- or four-wheel drive.
Other features include a wide cab to easily turn the seat from front loader to backhoe and high visibility to the work area. The backhoe can be equipped with a range of buckets for excavation, water-course clearance, trenching, as well as attachments like post hole diggers and hydraulic breakers.
The B95D is also offered in Tool Carrier and Long Reach versions. The Long Reach has a max backhoe reach of 22 feet 4 inches.
New Holland’s other loader backhoe is also its largest. The B110D weighs 18,805 pounds and has a 110-horsepower FPT.
Sany
Sany's new HBL95Sany
The new BHL95 from the Chinese manufacturer weighs 19,842 pounds, runs on a 95-horsepower Deutz Tier 4 Final diesel engine and has dig depth of 17 feet 7 inches.
Its reach can be extended to 22 feet from the swing pivot with factory-installed telescopic stick. This allows crews to trench deeper, place materials farther or work around obstacles without constantly repositioning the machine, according to Sany.
The company says the BHL95 “comes fully job-ready out of the box with a hydraulic 4-in-1 multipurpose loader bucket for clamping, grading and dozing, a standard heavy-duty backhoe bucket and both front and rear two-way auxiliary hydraulic lines to power attachments like breakers, augers, thumbs or grapples without the extra expense or hassle of aftermarket plumbing kits.”
Other standard features include a four-wheel-drive power-shift transmission with limited slip differential, load-sensing hydraulics with pilot controls and climate-controlled cab.
The BHL95 joins the company’s top-seller, the SLB95, which debuted in 2021, at 17,725 pounds with cab, a 95-net-horsepower Deutz and 14 feet 3 inches of dig depth.
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