A backhoe loader is a piece of heavy construction equipment which actually marries two separate devices: a backhoe and a loader. Many contracting companies use backhoe loaders because they are powerful, efficient, fairly compact, and easier to maintain than two separate devices. Some consumers may be familiar with the sight of a backhoe loader, since the machines are frequently used for roadwork and major construction projects. Several companies dominate the market for backhoe loaders, including Case Equipment, Volvo Equipment, Caterpillar Equipment, and John Deere Equipment.

The core of a backhoe loader is a tractor base. The tractor has wide, rugged wheels and a strong engine, allowing it to muscle its way over a variety of terrain. The tractor also has a cab or covered area for the operator, allowing him or her to work through inclement weather. Inside the cab, two separate sets of controls are used to manipulate the elements of the backhoe loader.

The backhoe portion of the equipment is actually located on the rear end. A backhoe is a type of excavator at the end of a long arm. When the operator manipulates the controls, the backhoe can be used to dig high volumes of material very quickly. Other tools can be attached to this flexible arm, such as tools used to break up concrete. While the backhoe is in use, the backhoe loader is parked and anchored with stabilizer legs, which pull the wheels off the ground and stop the backhoe loader from moving.

The loader section of the equipment is a giant scoop. It can be filled with material for transport elsewhere, or it can be used to smooth and plow roadways. Since transport of materials is often required after their excavation, the backhoe loader conveniently bundles both tasks into one machine. Specialized training is required before someone can run a backhoe loader safely, and a supervisor on site usually ensures that the equipment is being used safely and appropriately.

In the 1940s and 1950s, Case was one of the first companies to realize the potential applications for a backhoe loader, A construction boom after the Second World War led to a rising demand for construction equipment which could do jobs quickly and efficiently. Case backhoes started to come with a loader option as well, and other companies picked up the trend. In many cases, a backhoe loader is the only piece of heavy equipment owned by a small construction company, since it has many uses, especially if different attachments can be used on the backhoe arm.

At Headwater Equipment all of our used heavy equipment has been inspected and serviced by our certified mechanics before ever being sold. It is this type of dedication to the quality of our used heavy equipment that we have become well known for. It is our goal to provide you with heavy equipment to help get the job done, to provide you with the used parts to help you get back to work, or to provide the attachments you need to make the job easier.

We offer a full line of crawler dozers, graders, soil compactors, bulldozers, rubber tired dozers, excavators, mini excavators, landfill compactors, pipe line equipment, and wheel loaders from trusted manufacturers such as: Caterpillar, John Deere, Hitachi and Komatsu, we are sure you will be able to find the equipment you need to help you start or complete the job. If we do not have the heavy equipment in stock that you are looking for contact us or use our equipment request form and we will find it for you.

We not only sell quality used heavy equipment but we also sell heavy equipment parts and attachments. All of our parts have been inspected, cleaned and repaired where necessary; so that you are assured that the used part or attachment you purchase from Headwater Equipment will work when you need it.

Headwater Equipment is your source for new and used replacement parts and attachments for all makes and models of heavy equipment including buckets, hydraulic hammers, rippers, scarifiers, winches, drawbars and more.

Case Equipment introduced the 1850K and 1650K crawler dozers to its K Series. The Case 1850K crawler dozer provides up to 205 hp, 671 lb-ft of torque and 126 in of track on ground. The Case 1650K delivers 145 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque and 118 in of track on ground. Blade capacities range from 4.1 yd3 on the 1650K to 7.4 yd3 on the 1850K.

K Series dozers include a hydrostatic PowerSteer system, which features single-lever control of direction and steering. A fuel-efficient six-cylinder Cummins engine powers a three-speed, torque-converter transmission. The torque converter automatically matches speed to load requirements, lessening demand on the engine and saving fuel. Torque multiplication provides maximum drawbar pull of up to 48,000 lb-ft on the 1650K and 64,100 lb-ft on the 1850K. A tapered hood design helps increase visibility from the cab, especially to the edge of the blade. The cab is rubber-isolation mounted for a quiet, comfortable ride. Fingertip low-effort servo hydraulic controls and extra-long track undercarriages ensure precision grading ability.

Case K Series crawler dozers are available in a wide variety of track and blade configurations to handle varying site conditions. Both models come in an extra-long-track (XLT) configuration for unsurpassed grading ability and traction, and a low-ground-pressure (LGP) configuration that provides greater flotation and stability on slopes. The 1850K also comes in a long-track (LT) configuration for good blade control and visibility.

Caterpillar equipment offers nine different base models of crawler tractors for contractors doing site preparation work. The machines range in size from the 70-hp, 16,000-lb D3G XL to the 410-hp, 106,000-lb D9T. Several of the versatile medium-sized tractors, such as the D6R Series III, feature the Caterpillar exclusive SystemOne Undercarriage, which offers extended life and lower operating costs. A variety of undercarriage configurations for each of the tractors allow each machine to be matched to the contractor’s needs. The D8T and D9T also feature CAT engines with ACERT technology for compliance with emissions regulations while creating responsive power and maintaining reliable, durable performance.

New Dressta crawler dozers feature increased drawbar pull, larger blades and improved operator controls. A lefthand joystick on all TD-15Ms, TD-25Ms and TD-40Es utilizes twin rocker switches and push buttons allowing selection of Hi- or Lo-geared track speeds and transmission gears. By simply using a thumb and moving the joystick, an operator has complete control over the machine’s ground speeds and direction, improving operation efficiency. Dressta crawler dozer specifications include: operating weights from 16,200 to 146,915 lbs; net engine hp from 74 to 520; blade capacities (cy) from 1.81 to 52.00; and blade widths from 8′7″ to 22′6″.

John Deere equipment J Series dozers feature a smooth, full-featured hydrostatic drivetrain, integral power management system, Deere’s exclusive Auto-Trac system to keep the machine tracking straight, and the DuraTrax undercarriage for a long life and smooth ride. Optional Extended Life SC-2 bushings are available on 450J-850J models to further lower undercarriage operating costs. Improved operator’s station ergonomics and visibility help boost productivity.

Komatsu America Corporation offers the D65 series crawler dozers. The D65EX-15, D65PX-15 and D65WX-15 feature a powerful Komatsu equipment for sale SAA6D114E-5 turbocharged diesel engine, which provides a maximum net output of 205 hp. The engine is EPA Tier 3 and EU Stage 3A emission regulation-certified and has horsepower and torque output that meets or exceeds previous Tier 2 engines. The dozer equipment are equipped with the latest Komtrax technology to send machine operating information to a secure website utilizing wireless technology.