A well-performing backhoe is the centerpiece of many small and mid-sized construction and landscaping projects. You can do just about anything with these vehicles, from digging narrow trenches to clearing large amounts of dirt and debris. If you have money for attachments like augers, post-hole diggers, snow plows, brooms, and grapplers, you can take your work performance to the next level. But wait – how much does a backhoe cost, exactly?
Identifying your vehicle and equipment needs for your next project is crucial, but knowing how much you should be paying is equally important. Do you need a new backhoe, or would a high-quality used backhoe deliver the same benefits? What are some tips for not over-paying at an auction?
Purple Wave has helped countless buyers center their priorities when they’re purchasing construction vehicles and equipment. Before checking out our online auctions, discover the going rate of new and used backhoes to help you make a smart financial decision.
Key Takeaways:
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A new standard backhoe can cost between $30,000-$250,000.
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Quality used (standard) backhoes usually range from $15,000-$100,000 in the current market.
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Compact backhoes start at around $15,000 new and $1,000 used.
New Backhoe Costs
It’s the never-ending debate when pondering a big purchase: should you shell out the clams for a new model or go for a used one? We won’t tell you how to spend your money, but it might be worth purchasing a new backhoe if you plan to keep the vehicle for years to come.
You might also want to buy a new backhoe if cutting-edge features like telematics, advanced hydraulics, and an enclosed cab are must-haves.
The brand you choose will also have a significant impact on backhoe price. While most of the top backhoe retailers have a range of options, from basic and smaller vehicles to top-of-the-line backhoes, each brand has a unique identity.
John Deere, Caterpillar, and CASE are generally regarded as premium brands because of their products’ superior resale values. JCB, Kubota, and New Holland are three other notable backhoe retailers.
Attachments and modern accessories like snow blowers, mowers, advanced hydraulics, enclosed cabs, and telematics can add anywhere from $500 to $25,000 to the base price.
Factors besides brand and technology features that may affect a new backhoe’s price include:
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Size and capacity
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Digging depth
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Included attachments
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Dealer warranties and support packages
Any purchase as significant as a backhoe is a true investment. Taking the time to research your options is critical in bidding on and obtaining the right construction equipment.
Used Backhoe Costs
There are plenty of reasons you may want to consider buying a used backhoe instead of a new one.
Buying a quality used model can help ensure that you won’t have a lemon on your hands. In other situations, you simply may not have enough capital to invest in a brand-new backhoe. Plus, being thrifty when purchasing your backhoe can also free up some of your money for other projects.
Used backhoes come with their own set of considerations. You may be able to find some models that only have a few hundred hours of use, making them (almost) like new. Or, you may want to spend as little money as possible by purchasing a well-seasoned model.
We find that backhoe buyers can often save 25–50% by going with a used model. Every listing comes with its own benefits and disadvantages. As we’ve overseen countless backhoe auctions, though, it’s become evident that machines with 2,000–5,000 hours of use often strike the right balance of reliability and price.
Important factors that are often relevant in determining the asking price of a used backhoe include:
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Work hours logged
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Overall age
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Prior repairs
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General condition
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Market demand
If you have an immediate need for a backhoe but you don’t have the luxury of waiting around for a new model to arrive, you may want to buy a used one. Generally, the answer to “How much is a used backhoe?” depends on countless factors.
Small Backhoe Options
If you need a backhoe for work on just a small area of land or for an urban construction project, you may want to look for a small or compact backhoe.
Compact backhoe tractors offer greater fuel efficiency and decreased transportation costs. If you truly are working in a small area, your compact backhoe, with its tight turning radius, may even get the job done quicker, as it’s easier to maneuver and position.
Smaller backhoes can be useful for:
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Digging small ponds or rows for crops
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Clearing brush
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Tilling soil
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Removing tree stumps
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Building retaining walls
Additional Cost Considerations
Attachments, modern features, and other add-ons aren’t the only parts of a backhoe that may affect price. An array of hidden costs, like regular and unplanned maintenance, transportation logistics, and insurance, also affect backhoe prices.
Maintenance
Keeping up with the recommended maintenance schedule will help you get your money’s worth in the long run.
Depending on which model you purchase, you may want to adhere to the following schedule:
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Every 250 hours: Oil and filters ($150-300)
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Every 500 hours: Minor hydraulic service ($500-1,000)
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Every 1,000 hours: Major inspection ($1,000-2,000)
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Every 2,000 hours: Comprehensive service ($2,000-4,000)
Insurance Requirements
Insurance for your backhoe tractor typically costs between $1,200 and $3,000 per year. This policy is separate from other insurance policies you might need for your construction business.
Annual Operating Costs
The amount you’ll pay in annual operating costs depends on what, exactly, you consider an operating cost. Some owners classify employee wages as operating expenses. It also depends on what you use the backhoe for and how often you use the machine. It’s common for backhoe operating costs to total several thousand dollars or more per year.
Transportation Expenses
You’ll have to incur a one-time cost of getting your backhoe from the dealer’s lot to your worksite. If you don’t have a trailer large enough to hold your backhoe, you might also have to pay for transportation from one site to another. Consider contacting Purple Wave's Shipping service to get an estimate of shipping a backhoe.
Training and Certification
You aren’t required by U.S. law to have a CDL unless you are operating a machine with a gross weight of at least 26,000 pounds and are responsible for transporting the machine between job sites. You do, however, need to be certified by OSHA. You can complete the training course on OSHA’s website for $79.
Smart Shopping Tips for Buying at Auction
Purple Wave has overseen thousands of backhoe and heavy equipment auctions. Below, we’ve distilled some of the key points we feel are crucial to making a smart buy at auction.
Get started by performing or requesting proof of a machine inspection:
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Check the machine’s cold-start performance.
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Examine hydraulics.
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Check for structural damage or fluid leaks.
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Verify the accuracy of the hour meter.
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Get a full maintenance history.
As you get ready for the auction, be sure to bring or request the following important documents:
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Maintenance history
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Title records
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Warranty brochure
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E.P.A. emissions compliance paperwork
Making Your Decision
New and used backhoes have a laundry list of pros and cons. Buying from a reputable brand or honest seller is critical, but you need to consider characteristics that are important to you.
Buying a new backhoe might be best if you:
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Want the latest technology and comforts
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Are seeking a comprehensive warranty
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Hope to keep the machine for decades
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Need significant power over customizations
On the other hand, a used backhoe could be better if you:
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Have limited funds
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Are comfortable performing maintenance
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Want to start working right away
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Find a great deal
Don’t rush things. If you’re not comfortable making a decision at the moment, give yourself a reasonable amount of time to get there. At some point, trust your judgment!
More Tips for Buying at Auction
Waiting for a certain time of year to come around may yield higher savings. You may encounter lower prices during the winter months due to lower demand. The same goes for fiscal year ends, which may be September or January.
Before making a bid, determine the maximum you’d be willing to pay for a machine. Take into account the purchase price, attachments, transportation costs, backhoe condition, and hidden costs.
You’ll also want your documents lined up and ready to go before bidding on a machine. Have an idea of where you want to store the backhoe when you’re not using it. Get approved for financing before your first bid. You might also want to purchase insurance policies and get OSHA certification.
Final Thoughts
There aren’t many things you can’t do with a backhoe. Besides having the front loader and backhoe digger, you can purchase or rent many different attachments for a wide array of jobs. While backhoes aren’t the most expensive piece of heavy machinery available for purchase, they still represent a sizable investment.
Costs also vary significantly. New backhoes, which may include several modern features, often run anywhere between $30,000 and $150,000 (and sometimes more). Used backhoes are less expensive, with quality used machines going for about $15,000 to $100,000. With a good amount of research, an auction purchase can save you between 20 and 40% on your next backhoe purchase.
If you’re ready to buy a quality used backhoe or simply want to see what’s out there, there’s no better place than Purple Wave to buy a quality used backhoe.
Our processes for selling and buying used vehicles and equipment are straightforward, but we abide by a strict set of standards to protect each party. We’d be honored to facilitate your next transaction.
For any questions on how much a backhoe is or should be, please reach out to our customer service team.