Does your next construction project require moving large amounts of debris or clearing land?  
If so, you’ll likely need special equipment. 
Oftentimes, you’ll be presented with two options: mini excavators and backhoes. 
While it’s easy to view these machines as interchangeable, they do have some very distinct differences. 
So how do you know which one is best for your project? Let’s take a look. 

Backhoe uses 

A backhoe comes equipped with an additional loader attached to the front. While this loader can be used for digging, backhoes are best used in projects that don’t require a lot of digging. Rather, these machines are better suited for material transporters. 
Backhoes, like mini excavators, have an arm that can be replaced with several attachments. But because backhoes are heavier, their ability to lift, move, and dig, are somewhat compromised. 
Due to their size and weight, they should not be used on small job sites. Backhoes need lots of room to turn and tend to take up a lot more space than a mini excavator would. However, if your project requires a digging machine that can easily drive between sites, backhoes are usually your best bet. 

Mini excavator uses 

Mini excavators are simply just small versions of excavators. They oftentimes weigh under 12,000 pounds and have one arm. 
This arm is compatible with various attachments (e.g., breakers, compactors, grinders, augers, etc.), but unlike a backhoe, mini excavators do not have an additional loader attached to the front. 
These machines are ideal for shallow groundwork projects, such as digging or drilling, but aren’t the best when it comes to transporting materials. If you have a skid steer or telehandler on site, however, the this won’t be an issue. 
Mini excavators are perfect for small demo projects located in residential or hard-to-access areas. At Stan’s Airboat & Marsh Excavator Service, our mini marsh excavators are specially crafted with this in mind. When working in any delicate or marshland environment, you’ll require one of our lightweight machines to move across water. 
Choosing the best machinery will ultimately depend on your unique project requirements. Don’t just choose what you’re most comfortable with. Instead, ask professionals like Stan’s for insight. We look forward to assisting you with your next project!