Best backhoe loaders
Discover the top heavy-duty backhoe loader picks in 2025. Ranked by brand and model, these machines deliver outstanding power, efficiency, and reliability for construction, excavation, and heavy-duty earthmoving projects.
The John Deere 310 SG (2001–2007) is a mid-size backhoe loader offering 91 hp from the 4045T turbo diesel, ~6,123 kg operating weight, ≈1.25 yd³ loader capacity, and ~4.4 m digging depth.
- Engine: JD 4045T turbocharged diesel, 91 hp / 276 lb-ft torque
- Operating Weight: ~13,500 lb (6,123 kg)
- Loader Bucket: ~1.25 yd³ (~0.96 m³)
- Dig Depth: ~14 ft 6 in (~4.4 m)
- Transport Dimensions: 23.5 ft L × 7.16 ft W × 11.52 ft H
The SG is John Deere’s mid-tier offering—mechanical shuttle (PS) and optionally 4×4 (MFWD). It deliberately skips nibbling at premium tech to keep uptime up and headaches low.
Overview
The SG focuses on jobsite versatility — turbo drive, power-shuttle transmission, optional 4×4 — all housed in a nimble package that's easy to position yet rugged enough to last.
Efficient hydraulics and shuttle drive reduce operator fatigue.
Transport and access still need planning due to its size.
Performance & Efficiency
Turbocharged engine, power shuttle, and smooth hydraulics enable quick cycles and less fatigue — moving dirt and material fast.
In Comparison
Larger than mini units, lighter than heavy-duty 4×4 machines — a nimble workhorse without oversize headaches.
Verdict
Go with the 310 SG for reliable, steady productivity. Want cab tech or extra automation? You’ll need to step up, but for straightforward work this is your machine.
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AED 605,000Starting from
AED 182,000The JCB 3DX (2019–2025) is a compact backhoe loader built for tight sites with real digging and loading power. It runs a 4.8 L 4-cyl JCB 448 at 56 kW (75 hp) and 305 Nm @ 1100 rpm, weighs ~7,510 kg, carries a ~1.1 m³ loader bucket, digs to ~4.77 m with ~5.97 m reach, and travels up to ~40 km/h.
- Engine: JCB 448, 4-cyl, 4.8 L, 56 kW (75 hp), 305 Nm @ 1100 rpm
- Operating Weight: ~7,510 kg
- Loader Bucket: ~1.1 m³
- Backhoe Dig Depth: ~4.77 m
- Horizontal Reach: ~5.97 m
- Travel Speed: ~40 km/h
Overview
Balanced, compact, and productive. The base 3DX covers daily site work; 3DX Plus focuses on value, 3DX Xtra adds load and lift muscle, and 3DX Super pushes digging performance — up to ~5.05 m depth depending on setup — while keeping service simple and uptime high.
Fuel-smart DieselMAX platform, easy service access, low-fatigue cab.
Still a ~7.5 t machine, so transport and access need planning.
Performance & Efficiency
DieselMAX, auto-idle, and variable-flow hydraulics keep fuel and heat down while maintaining quick cycles. Tearout forces are stout for the size, and daily checks are fast to keep uptime up.
In Comparison
Heavier and more capable than compact units, lighter and easier to move than big rigs. Choose Plus for budget work, Xtra for stronger loading, Super for deeper, faster digs.
Verdict
A no-nonsense mid-range backhoe that fits tight sites, works all day, and does not punish the fuel bill. Pick Super if your mix leans toward deep trenching and frequent backhoe use.
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AED 220,000Starting from
AED 190,000:quality(75)/products/10123/view_360/82b6c56a-a437-4ce4-9c3c-368374f112c4.webp "JCB 3DX Plus backhoe loader")
The Case 770EX (2021–2025) is a compact, hard-working backhoe loader powered by an FPT S8000 3.9 L diesel (~57 kW / 76 hp). Operating weight is ~7,710 kg, with a ~1.1 m³ loader bucket, ~0.26 m³ backhoe bucket, breakout forces of ~49 kN (loader) and ~36.5 kN (backhoe), digging depth ~4.5 m, horizontal reach ~5.8 m, and travel speed up to ~39.2 km/h.
- Engine: FPT S8000, 4-cyl, 3.9 L, ~57 kW (76 hp)
- Operating Weight: ~7,710 kg
- Loader Bucket: ~1.1 m³, width ~2.3 m
- Backhoe Bucket: ~0.26 m³
- Breakout Force: Loader ~49 kN; Backhoe ~36.5 kN
- Dig Depth: ~4.5 m; Reach: ~5.8 m; Dump Height: ~3.3 m
- Travel Speed: ~39.2 km/h
- Transport Dimensions: Width ~2.3 m; Height ~3.9 m
Overview
A do-it-all mid-size backhoe loader with easy maintenance, solid fuel efficiency, and the flexibility to suit different site roles. The 770NX adds selectable power curves, economy modes, and telematics; 770EX Plus offers more loader breakout; Magnum versions push digging depth and reach further.
Fuel-efficient with variants tailored for different needs.
Weight requires planned access and transport.
Performance & Efficiency
FPT diesel with smart hydraulics delivers smooth operation and strong breakout forces while keeping fuel use low. Auto-idle further cuts unnecessary burn.
In Comparison
Mid-size category—larger than small loaders, more mobile than heavy-duty rigs. Base is versatile, Plus boosts loader power, NX adds telematics, Magnum maximizes dig depth.
Verdict
A capable, dependable mid-size backhoe. Choose Plus, NX, or Magnum depending on lift, data, or depth needs.
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AED 170,000Starting from
AED 150,000The Case 851EX (2021–2025) and 851FX+ (2022–2025) are solid mid-size backhoe loaders. The 851EX weighs ~8.23 t, with a 1.2 m³ loader and 0.3 m³ backhoe bucket, breakout forces of 64 kN (loader) and 55 kN (backhoe), digging depth ~4.7 m, reach ~5.9 m, dump height ~3.3 m, travel ~39.2 km/h, transport width ~2.8 m, height ~3.8 m. The FX+ trims weight to ~8.1 t, with breakout forces of 55.1 kN (loader), 37.1 kN (backhoe), dump height ~2.86 m, transport width ~2.27 m, height ~3.85 m.
- Engine: 851EX uses FPT S8000 (~72 kW / 96 hp); FX+ uses F5BFL413A*W (~72 kW)
- Weight: EX ~8.23 t; FX+ ~8.1 t
- Loader Bucket: ~1.2 m³; Backhoe Bucket: ~0.3 m³
- Breakout Force: EX – Loader 64 kN, Backhoe 55 kN; FX+ – Loader 55.1 kN, Backhoe 37.1 kN
- Dig Depth: ~4.7 m; Reach: ~5.9 m; Dump Height: EX ~3.3 m, FX+ ~2.86 m
- Travel Speed: ~39.2 km/h
- Transport Dimensions: EX ~2.8 m W / 3.8 m H; FX+ ~2.27 m W / 3.85 m H
Overview
Mid-size loaders that balance strength and simplicity. 851EX gives solid base power; FX+ trims weight; 851NX (with 74 hp engine, ECO modes, telematics, Extendahoe) pushes reach and comfort further.
Efficient FPT powerplants and variant flexibility.
Blocky 8-ton frame still needs site prep for access.
Performance Efficiency
Breakout forces stay stout under load, with smart hydraulics and engine modes cutting idle time and fuel burn.
In Comparison
Roomier than compacts but still manageable. EX is barebones power, FX+ trims, NX adds comfort and reach.
Verdict
851EX for a no-nonsense tool, FX+ if you need lighter log shift, NX if you want smart features and reach upgrade — all stay work-focused and efficient.
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AED 210,000Starting from
AED 189,000Related machinery rankings
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