the right reach and capacity. A sub-compact 6.5-foot model may handle utility installs, but larger 8.5- or 10-foot backhoes are better suited for heavy lifting or burial work. Woods also stresses the importance of adding a thumb, mechanical or hydraulic, which turns a backhoe into a versatile material handler.
“ Whether it’ s moving rocks, logs or debris, not having a thumb is like working without your own,” the company notes in its Groundbreaker backhoe guide.
wrong size bucket can slow progress or stress a machine. A narrow bucket works best for trenching in water and electrical lines, while a wider one speeds excavation but may pull a tractor around in rocky soil. For new operators, Woods recommends a medium-width bucket as a versatile first choice.
Just as important is making sure the backhoe itself has
Efficiency on the Road
Road maintenance is another area where attachments can save both money and manpower. LyCox Enterprises’ Walk‘ n’ Roll packer / roller combines blading and compacting into a single operation, eliminating the need for two machines and operators.
A trial by Transfield Services in New Zealand showed that integrating the Walk‘ n’ Roll into routine maintenance cut equipment use and labor hours nearly in half. Franklin Branch Manager
November 2025 • www. thepartsconnection. org • 9