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Best backhoe loaders

Choosing the right backhoe loader means balancing digging depth, loader capacity and everyday reliability. This guide ranks the top backhoe loaders on the market, comparing engines, breakout force, digging depth and reach so you can match the right machine to your job site. Whether you need a compact unit for tight sites or a heavier model for deep trenching, you'll find clear pros and cons for each. All featured machines are available through Makana with certified inspection reports.

Table of contents

01

John Deere 310 Backhoe loaders
1996-2021

Generation-John Deere 310 Backhoe loaders-cover

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.

Pros Compact but powerful — good for tight spaces.
Efficient hydraulics and shuttle drive reduce operator fatigue.
Cons Basic tech — no telematics or advanced traction control.
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.

6,124 kg Operating weight
3,332 kg Lifting capacity
0.21 m3 Bucket capacity
2,590 mm Loader dump height
911 mm Loader dump reach
147 mm Loader digging depth
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 605,000

Starting from

AED 182,000
See owner ratings
02

JCB 3DX Backhoe loaders
2019-2025

Generation-JCB 3DX Backhoe loaders-cover

The 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.

Pros Compact frame with real loading and digging capability.
Fuel-smart DieselMAX platform, easy service access, low-fatigue cab.
Cons Limited telematics on some trims.
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.

7,200 kg Operating weight
1,650 kg Lifting capacity
32.3 kph Max speed forward
37 kw Gross power
2,740 mm Loader dump height
880 mm Loader dump reach
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 220,000

Starting from

AED 190,000
See owner ratings
03

Case 770 Backhoe loaders
2021-2025

Generation-Case 770 Backhoe loaders-cover

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.

Pros Strong lift and dig forces for size.
Fuel-efficient with variants tailored for different needs.
Cons Telematics only available on NX trim.
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.

7,780 kg Operating weight
3,515 kg Lifting capacity
0.26 m3 Bucket capacity
54.4 kw Gross power
2,730 mm Loader dump height
760 mm Loader dump reach
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 170,000

Starting from

AED 150,000
See owner ratings
04

Case 851 Backhoe loaders
2022-2025

Generation-Case 851 Backhoe loaders-cover

The 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.

Pros Strong lifting and digging for their class.
Efficient FPT powerplants and variant flexibility.
Cons Telematics comfort reserved to NX trim.
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.

8,100 kg Operating weight
0.3 cu m Bucket capacity
72 kw Gross power
3,700 kg Lifting capacity
2,660 mm Loader dump height
840 mm Loader dump reach
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 210,000

Starting from

AED 189,000
See owner ratings

Related machinery rankings

Top 3 backhoe loader Best JCB backhoe loaders

Best backhoe loaders FAQ.

JCB, Case, and John Deere are consistently rated among the top backhoe loader brands, each offering strong lifting power, dependable hydraulics and solid resale value.

A backhoe loader combines a front loader and rear digging arm on one wheeled chassis, making it more versatile for mixed loading and digging tasks, while an excavator is purpose-built for continuous digging and trenching.

Standard backhoe loaders typically dig 14 to 16 feet deep, while extended-stick models can reach 18 feet or more for deeper excavation like pipeline work.

Used backhoe loaders generally range from $30,000 to $90,000 depending on brand, hours and condition, with certified inspection reports helping buyers verify value before purchase.

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build datetime: 7/23/2026, 7:51:29 AM