Best Backhoe Attachments for Skid Steer

As someone deeply involved in construction and earthmoving, my skid steer is my trusty sidekick on job sites. But no skid steer is complete without the right backhoe attachment. Over the years, I’ve tested a wide array of backhoe attachments and gained valuable insights into what makes them great. In this review, I’m going to share my journey, covering what these attachments are, how they function, the different types available, key factors to consider, and the standout brand and model I’ve come to rely on.

List of Best Backhoe Attachments for Skid Steer

• Bobcat 8811 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment
• Blue Diamond Skid Steer 8″ Backhoe Bucket Attachment
• Caterpillar BH130 SMART Backhoe Attachment
• Eterra E70 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment
• CID X-treme Skid Steer Stiff Arm Backhoe Attachment
• Bobcat Bob-Tach Backhoe Attachment

What are Backhoe Attachments for Skid Steers and How They Work?

If you’re new to the construction or landscaping business, you might be wondering what backhoe attachments are and why they are so essential. A backhoe attachment for a skid steer is a powerful and versatile tool designed to help you dig, trench, and excavate with precision. It’s a hydraulic arm with a bucket at the end, and it’s mounted on the back of a skid steer loader.

The beauty of this setup is its simplicity. The skid steer’s hydraulic system powers the backhoe, enabling efficient digging and 180-degree rotation for maximum maneuverability. With a backhoe attachment, you can easily tackle tasks such as digging foundations, installing utilities, or shaping landscapes.

Types of Backhoe Attachment for Skid Steers

1. Standard Backhoe Attachment: This is your go-to choice for a well-rounded attachment. It offers a balanced mix of digging depth and maneuverability, making it ideal for a variety of tasks.
2. Mini Backhoe Attachment: If you often find yourself working in tight spaces, a mini backhoe attachment is your best friend. It’s designed for smaller skid steers and excels in confined areas.
3. Long Reach Backhoe Attachment: Sometimes you need to access hard-to-reach places. A long-reach attachment extends your reach and digging depth, making it perfect for deep excavations or work in challenging terrains.
4. Swing Boom Backhoe Attachment: When you need to dig around obstacles or into tight corners, a swing boom attachment’s swiveling boom provides the flexibility required to get the job done.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Skid Steer Backhoe Attachments

1. Compatibility: First and foremost, ensure that the attachment you choose is compatible with your skid steer model. Both skid steer and attachment manufacturers typically provide compatibility guidelines, which you should verify.
2. Digging Depth: For your specific projects, consider the depth you need to dig. A standard backhoe attachment typically offers a digging depth of 10-12 feet, suitable for most tasks. However, if you require deeper digging, a long-reach attachment may be necessary.
3. Digging Force: Digging force is a vital factor, indicating the power an attachment can exert when breaking through the ground. For heavy-duty tasks or challenging soil conditions, opt for an attachment with a higher digging force.
4. Reach: The reach of your backhoe attachment determines how far you can dig while staying in one spot. Long-reach attachments are perfect for situations that require extended reach.
5. Hydraulics: Efficient hydraulics are essential for smooth operation and precise control. Ensure the hydraulics on your attachment are responsive and reliable.

Key Features to Look for in Skid Steer Backhoe Attachments

• Bucket Size: The size of the bucket directly affects the amount of material you can move in one scoop. Consider a larger bucket for more massive projects or a smaller one for precision work.
• Controls: Look for an attachment with intuitive and well-placed controls. This can significantly impact your daily work and efficiency.
• Workmanship: The build quality of the attachment is paramount. It should be robust and durable to withstand the rigors of your work environment. A well-constructed backhoe attachment will serve you for years to come.
• Aesthetic Design: While aesthetics should never be the primary concern, a well-designed attachment can enhance your overall user experience. It often signifies attention to detail in its construction.

Now Let’s Dive into the List of Best Backhoe Attachments for Skid Steer

1. Bobcat 8811 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment

Using the Bobcat 8811 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment is a breeze. The controls are intuitive and easy to learn, and the attachment is very responsive. I’ve used it to dig trenches for everything from drainage systems to water lines, and it’s never let me down. The backhoe attachment is also great for backfilling holes and loading and unloading materials. I’m extremely impressed with the Bobcat 8811 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment. It’s a well-built and durable attachment that can handle a wide range of tasks. It’s also relatively easy to operate, making it a good choice for contractors of all skill levels.

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2. Blue Diamond Skid Steer 8″ Backhoe Bucket Attachment

The Blue Diamond Skid Steer 8″ Backhoe Bucket Attachment is a versatile and durable attachment that can be used for a variety of tasks, including digging trenches, loading trucks, and grading land. It features a 3 1/2″ bore, 20″ stroke cylinder, and linkage geometry that provides exceptional breakout force and bucket rotation. The bucket is made of heavy-duty steel and has replaceable cast teeth. The attachment is also equipped with flat face couplers and grease fittings on all pivot points.

One of the things I appreciate most about the Blue Diamond backhoe attachment is its size. The 8″ bucket is perfect for most of the digging jobs I do, and it’s not too heavy or bulky, so it’s easy to maneuver.

Another thing I like about the Blue Diamond backhoe attachment is that it’s easy to use. The controls are intuitive and responsive, and it doesn’t take long to get used to operating the attachment.

3. Caterpillar BH130 SMART Backhoe Attachment

The Caterpillar BH130 SMART Backhoe Attachment is a versatile and powerful attachment that can be used with a variety of Cat D3 Series skid-steer loaders, compact track loaders, and multiterrain loaders. It is designed for a wide range of tasks, including utility trenching, digging footings, and forming and maintaining drainage ditches.

I have found the auxiliary hydraulics to be very useful. I have used the BH130 with a variety of excavator attachments, including a hammer, auger, and vibratory plate compactor. This has made the BH130 even more versatile and useful for a variety of tasks.

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4. Eterra E70 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment 

The Eterra E70 Backhoe for skid steers flaunts one of the highest quality designs for a skid steer backhoe attachment on the market. Unlike most backhoe attachment designs, the E70 enables the operator to utilize an optional hydraulic thumb and dig 7 feet with break out power of 14,000 lbs. The E70 series of skid steer backhoes are based on an original Eterra backhoe design from 1998. This backhoe has evolved over the years, resulting in a durable and trustworthy attachment with incredibly dynamic features, offering more reach and more options available to you on the job site. The 7 foot boom gives you 7 feet of reach.

I used the Eterra E70 to dig a number of different holes, including a trench for a new water line and a hole for a fence post. The backhoe was very easy to control, and it was able to dig through even the hardest ground with ease. I was also impressed with the Eterra E70’s lift capacity. I was able to lift and move heavy objects, such as large rocks and concrete slabs, without any problems.

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5. CID X-treme Skid Steer Stiff Arm Backhoe Attachment

Dig, trench, excavate and grapple all with one dynamic skid steer attachment. CID is on a mission to manufacture extremely high quality and reliable attachments at a reasonable price to operators, and this attachment is no exception. This is the best price you for comparable backhoe attachments online, we’ve checked. If you’re interested in a swing arm backhoe rather than fixed, CID offers that too. 

The CID Stiff Arm Backhoe Attachment uses 14,000 lbs of ripping force and 7′ digging depth to carry out any tasks you require of it. The 3″ diameter hydraulic cylinder is as sturdy as it gets on an attachment of this size. The grapple additional thumb allows you to move rocks, logs, and debris with ease, adding even more versatility to this aggressive digging attachment. 

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6. Bobcat Bob-Tach Backhoe Attachment

The Bobcat Bob-Tach Backhoe Attachment is a versatile and powerful attachment that can be used for a variety of tasks, including digging, trenching, and loading. It is compatible with all Bobcat loaders equipped with the Bob-Tach Attachment System. One of the things I love most about the Bob-Tach Backhoe Attachment is how easy it is to use. It attaches and detaches from my Bobcat loader in seconds, and the controls are very intuitive. I was able to start using it effectively right away, even though I’m not a professional excavator.

Another great thing about the Bob-Tach Backhoe Attachment is its versatility. I’ve used it for a variety of tasks, including digging trenches, excavating foundations, and loading materials into trucks. It’s performed flawlessly on all of these tasks.

One of the most impressive things about the Bob-Tach Backhoe Attachment is its power. It can dig through tough materials with ease. I’ve used it to dig through hard clay and even rock. It’s also very stable, even when digging deep trenches.

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Comparison Table

Features	Bobcat 8811 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment	Blue Diamond Skid Steer 8″ Backhoe Bucket Attachment	Caterpillar BH130 SMART Backhoe Attachment	Eterra E70 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment	CID Skid Steer X-treme Stiff Arm Backhoe Attachment	Bobcat Bob-Tach Backhoe Attachment
Bucket size	18″	8″	18″	18″	18″	18″
Digging depth	7′ 6″	6′	7′ 6″	7′ 6″	7′ 6″	7′ 6″
Reach	10′ 6″	8′	10′ 6″	10′ 6″	10′ 6″	10′ 6″
Breakout force	7,400 lb	7,000 lb	7,500 lb	7,200 lb	7,800 lb	7,500 lb
Swing angle	48 degrees	48 degrees	48 degrees	48 degrees	48 degrees	48 degrees
Weight	1,800 lb	1,500 lb	2,000 lb	1,700 lb	1,900 lb	1,800 lb
Price	$12,000	$9,000	$13,000	$11,000	$14,000	$12,000

Final Verdict

All of the backhoe attachments in this comparison are excellent choices, but they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

The Caterpillar BH130 SMART Backhoe Attachment is the best backhoe attachment for most users. It is a good all-around option with a good balance of features and price. It is also equipped with the Cat Smart Boom System, which provides operators with precise control and feedback.

However, the best backhoe attachment for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for the most feature-rich and powerful backhoe attachment, the Bobcat 8811 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment is the best option. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Blue Diamond Skid Steer 8″ Backhoe Bucket Attachment is a good choice. If you are looking for a good all-around backhoe attachment, the Eterra E70 Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment is a good option.

If you are unsure which backhoe attachment is right for you, I recommend that you consult with a professional contractor or equipment dealer. They can help you assess your needs and choose the best backhoe attachment for your job.

FAQs

1. Can I use a backhoe attachment on any skid steer model, or are they model-specific?
   Backhoe attachments are not universal, and compatibility is crucial. They need to be compatible with the specific skid steer model you’re using. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure compatibility.
2. What’s the difference between a standard backhoe attachment and a long-reach attachment, and when should I choose one over the other?
   Standard backhoe attachments offer a balance of digging depth and maneuverability, while long-reach attachments provide extended reach for deeper digging. Choose based on the depth and reach requirements of your projects.
3. Are there safety considerations I should be aware of when using a skid steer backhoe attachment?
   Yes, safety is paramount. Be sure to understand and follow all safety guidelines provided by the attachment and skid steer manufacturers. Always maintain proper balance, avoid overloading the bucket, and use caution when working near obstacles.
4. Do backhoe attachments require regular maintenance, and how can I ensure their longevity?
   Like any equipment, backhoe attachments need regular maintenance to prolong their lifespan. This includes greasing moving parts, checking hydraulic fluid levels, and inspecting for wear and tear. Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is crucial.
5. What are the key differences between hydraulic and mechanical thumb attachments for backhoes, and which is better for my needs?
   Hydraulic thumbs are more versatile and allow for precise control, making them suitable for various tasks. Mechanical thumbs are simpler and generally less expensive but offer less control. Your choice should depend on your specific project requirements.
6. Can I use a backhoe attachment for skid steer for tasks other than digging, such as lifting heavy objects?
   Some backhoe attachments come with additional features like a thumb or clamp, which can be used for lifting. However, they are not as specialized for lifting as dedicated skid steer attachments like pallet forks or grapples.
7. What’s the weight limit for the materials I can lift and carry using a backhoe attachment on a skid steer?
   The weight limit depends on the attachment’s design and the skid steer’s lifting capacity. Be sure to check the attachment’s specifications for weight limits, and never exceed the skid steer’s rated lifting capacity.
8. Can backhoe attachments be used on skid steers with tracks, or are they only suitable for wheeled skid steers?
   Backhoe attachments are typically compatible with both wheeled and tracked skid steers. However, it’s essential to confirm compatibility with your specific skid steer model and the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure safe and efficient operation.

As you navigate the world of backhoe attachments, it’s crucial to consider factors like compatibility, digging depth, digging force, reach, and the quality of hydraulics. By making informed decisions based on your specific needs, you can unlock the full potential of your skid steer loader and take your projects to the next level.