BETTER F
machine matters | by Wayne Grayson
The 14-foot-class backhoe remains the industry standard thanks to high maneuverability, increased power and a growing role on the jobsite fueled by attachments.
or years, the 14-foot-class has been the industry stan- dard of backhoes. Manufacturers say the class accounts for about 70 percent of backhoe sales and there are more 14-foot models on the market than any other size – 20, to be exact.
But even though the 14-foot-class dominates the market, backhoes in the two classes above it can be tempting when considering a new machine. Beyond the ex- tra reach and dig depth you can get out of a 15-, 16- or even 17-foot backhoe, these machines also pack more power. And though they're more expensive, many contractors could justify the additional expense because they're more capable.
16 October 2012 | EquipmentWorld.com
