Backhoe loaders are crucial in construction, however with numerous choices, how do you choose the best one?
The top 6 backhoe brands today are John Deere, Caterpillar (CAT), CASE, Kubota, JCB, and New Holland. Each offers unique models with powerful digging capacity, reliable engine specs, and suitable operating weights for different job sizes.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one stand out.
John Deere: American Legacy with Power and Precision
John Deere was founded in 1837 and is a well-known backhoe brand in agriculture and construction equipment. It produces medium to large-size backhoes noted for torque, durability, and resale value, and has a good reputation in North and Latin America.
Product Range:
John Deere mainly produces mid-to-large-sized backhoes built for utility, roadworks, and municipal projects.
Key Advantage:
The brand is known for fuel efficiency, high-torque engines, and intuitive operator controls—ideal for extended use in demanding job sites.
Popular Spec Range:
Backhoes with net HP around 90–100 hp and dig depths near 14 ft are in the highest demand.
Most Popular Model: 310SL
| Model | Net HP | Operating Weight (lbs) | Backhoe Dig Depth | Backhoe Bucket Force (lbf) | Loader Lift Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 310SL | 99 hp | 14,669 lbs | 14 ft 3 in | 13,342 lbf | 6,530 lbs |
Contractors favor John Deere because of its simple diagnosis, parts availability, and proven dependability.
Caterpillar (CAT): The World’s Backhoe Sales Leader
CAT, created in 1925 in the United States, is the world’s best-selling backhoe brand, with a 36%+ market share. The brand is synonymous with power, stability, and unparalleled machine control.
Product Range:
CAT manufactures mini, medium, and high-power backhoes, making them suitable for everything from small home jobs to large-scale construction projects.
Key Advantage:
Their joystick hydraulic control, load sensing systems, and balanced performance across loader and backhoe operations are industry leaders.
Popular Spec Range:
Backhoes with 90–105 net HP and 14 ft+ dig depth are the go-to choice.
Popular Models: CAT 420F, CAT 420XE
| Model | Net HP | Operating Weight (lbs) | Backhoe Dig Depth | Backhoe Bucket Force (lbf) | Loader Lift Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420F | 93 hp | 15,207 lbs | 14 ft 4 in | 13,871 lbf | 6,890 lbs |
| 420XE | 100 hp | 15,874 lbs | 14 ft 3 in | 14,100 lbf | 7,040 lbs |
CAT is best suited for contractors who want precision, uptime, and global service support.
CASE: Affordable Power with Proven Durability
CASE Construction Equipment, a part of CNH Industrial, has been producing backhoes since the 1950s. It’s one of the most trusted backhoe brands in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Product Range:
CASE specializes in general-purpose mid-size backhoes, with rugged designs and strong bucket forces.
Key Advantage:
CASE is known for cost-effective ownership, easy maintenance, and great loader-backhoe balance.
Popular Spec Range:
Buyers often choose models with 83–110 hp and dig depth beyond 14 ft.
Top Models: 580N, 590 Super N
| Model | Net HP | Operating Weight (lbs) | Backhoe Dig Depth | Backhoe Bucket Force (lbf) | Loader Lift Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 580N | 83 hp | 15,810 lbs | 14 ft 4 in | 12,933 lbf | 6,200 lbs |
| 590 Super N | 110 hp | 20,532 lbs | 15 ft 6 in | 14,719 lbf | 7,044 lbs |
CASE machines are highly popular on the secondhand market due to their long-term durability and parts interchangeability.
Kubota: Compact Excellence for Small-Scale Projects
Founded in Japan in 1890, Kubota is one of the greatest compact backhoe brands in the world. Its models are compact, precise, and appropriate for farms, towns, and landscape contractors.
Product Range:
Kubota builds sub-compact and compact backhoes, ideal for tight spaces and smaller jobs.
Key Advantage:
Kubota stands out for compact size + high breakout force, making them great for urban areas.
Popular Spec Range:
The sweet spot is 25–47 hp and dig depths under 10 ft.
Top Models: B26, L47
| Model | Net HP | Operating Weight (lbs) | Backhoe Dig Depth | Backhoe Bucket Force (lbf) | Loader Lift Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B26 | 26 hp | 4,001 lbs | 8 ft 4 in | 3,900 lbf | 1,750 lbs |
| L47 | 47 hp | 7,205 lbs | 10 ft 1 in | 5,825 lbf | 2,848 lbs |
Kubota is excellent for small business owners or independent operators who require nimble yet powerful machinery.
JCB: Global Innovator in Backhoe Design
JCB was founded in the United Kingdom in 1945 and invented the first backhoe loader in 1953. Today, JCB is a leader in innovation, delivering extremely fuel-efficient and technologically advanced machines.
Product Range:
JCB produces a full line of compact to large-size backhoes, often with multiple steering modes and high ground clearance.
Key Advantage:
Patented EcoMax engines, high resale value, and fuel-saving features make them popular in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Popular Spec Range:
Most popular units have 74–109 hp and dig depths from 14 to 20 ft.
Top Models: 3CX, 4CX
| Model | Net HP | Operating Weight (lbs) | Backhoe Dig Depth | Backhoe Bucket Force (lbf) | Loader Lift Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3CX | 74 hp | 17,196 lbs | 14 ft 5 in | 13,063 lbf | 7,420 lbs |
| 4CX | 109 hp | 19,070 lbs | 20 ft | 14,873 lbf | 8,000 lbs |
JCB backhoes are noted for their smooth operation, operator comfort, and outstanding fuel efficiency.
New Holland: Value-Driven Performance for Developing Markets
New Holland, a part of CNH Industrial, manufactures dependable machines that offer an exceptional value-for-performance. The brand is particularly popular in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Product Range:
Focused on mid-size backhoes, New Holland models are straightforward, operator-friendly, and rugged.
Key Advantage:
Simplified controls, low maintenance, and fuel-efficient engines—perfect for entry-level and intermediate contractors.
Popular Spec Range:
Popular models range from 95–110 hp and dig depths over 14 ft.
Top Models: B95C, B110C
| Model | Net HP | Operating Weight (lbs) | Backhoe Dig Depth | Backhoe Bucket Force (lbf) | Loader Lift Capacity (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B95C | 95 hp | 17,269 lbs | 14 ft 6 in | 12,933 lbf | 7,045 lbs |
| B110C | 110 hp | 19,500 lbs | 15 ft 6 in | 14,219 lbf | 7,800 lbs |
New Holland backhoes are an excellent alternative for buyers seeking simplicity, performance, and long-term savings.
What Is the Most Common Backhoe?
The most common type of backhoe is center-mounted and has a swing arc of around 180°. These are ideal for trenching and general-purpose excavation.
Models like the CAT 420 and John Deere 310SL dominate the category owing to their flexibility, power, and ease of use.
Which Company Makes the Most Selling Backhoes?
Caterpillar currently dominates in global backhoe sales, thanks to their extensive dealer network and excellent products. Deere and CASE follow closely, both with popular financing options and excellent resale performance.
Considering Used Backhoes? Work Smarter with HIXEN
All the brands above offer excellent value when purchased as used machines, especially from trusted exporters like HIXEN.
We offer:
- Inspected, high-quality used backhoes of all six brands
- Support with logistics, certification, and payment options
- Rich experience serving clients in Peru, South America, Africa, and the Middle East
🟩 Whether you’re sourcing CAT 420F, CASE 580N, JCB 3CX, or Kubota B26, we’ll help you find the best value for your budget.
Summary
These top 6 backhoe brands each offer unique strengths. Contact HIXEN today to source your ideal used backhoe loader with expert support and fast global delivery.
