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Top Backhoe Loaders for Deep Trenching

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Need a backhoe loader that can dig deep utility trenches without bringing a full-size excavator to the site? This ranking compares the Terex TX970B, Komatsu WB156 and Volvo BM 6300 based on maximum digging depth, working reach, stability and practical excavation performance.

These machines are suited to drainage, pipeline, foundation and roadwork projects where a standard backhoe arm may run out of depth.

Table of contents

01

Komatsu WB156 Backhoe loaders
2006-2013

Generation-Komatsu WB156 Backhoe loaders-cover

The Komatsu WB156 sits as a strong mid-size backhoe loader, offering 70.84 kilowatt net power and 413.52 Nm of torque for practical digging and loading work. Positioned against the Komatsu WB146 and Komatsu WB150, it stands out for its stronger torque figure and balanced size for contractors who need power without excessive machine bulk.

Overview

The Komatsu WB156 (2006–2013) is a mid-size backhoe loader designed for excavation, loading, trenching support, and general construction work. It delivers 70.84 kilowatt net power, 413.52 Nm torque, and a 7,498 kg operating weight, giving it a stable and capable working profile for contractors.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Pros Strong 413.52 Nm torque and 7,498 kg operating weight give it stable digging and loading performance.
Cons Overall length of 7.53 m may limit convenience in very tight working areas.

Performance & Efficiency

The 70.84 kilowatt engine produces 413.52 Nm of torque, giving the WB156 dependable force for digging, loading, backfilling, and jobsite support. Its 150.26 liter fuel tank helps support longer work periods, while the 7,498 kg operating weight gives the machine useful stability during heavier cycles.

In Comparison

Komatsu WB146: Smaller and easier to manage for lighter backhoe loader tasks.
Komatsu WB150: Comparable mid-size option with solid construction-site capability.
Komatsu WB156: Stronger torque output and balanced size for contractors needing more pull and stability.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Komatsu WB156 is a capable backhoe loader within the AED 210,000–320,000 range, offering strong torque, practical weight, and reliable site performance for construction and utility work.

150.26 liter Fuel cap
413.52 Nm Max torque
70.84 kw Net power
7,498 kg Operating weight
7.53 m Overall Length
2.38 m Overall Width
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 320,000

Starting from

AED 210,000
See owner ratings
02

Terex TX97 Backhoe loaders
2005-2023

Generation-Terex TX97 Backhoe loaders-cover

The Terex TX97 sits as a heavier and more capable backhoe loader than the TX86 and TX87, with strong torque, extended digging reach, and Dana full powershift transmission. Positioned against the Terex TX86 and Terex TX87, it stands out for buyers who need deeper reach, heavier operating weight, and better drivetrain capability for demanding site work.

Overview

The Terex TX97 (2005–2023) is a backhoe loader built for excavation, trenching, loading, backfilling, and heavy site support. It delivers 70.1 kilowatt net power, 393.18 Nm torque, an 8,011 kg operating weight, and a 6.22 m extended backhoe digging depth, making it a strong option for buyers who need reach, force, and a more robust drivetrain setup.

Expert rating: 5 stars

Pros Deep extended digging reach, strong loader breakout force, and Dana full powershift transmission.
Cons Heavier size and wider turning radius are less convenient on cramped jobsites.

Performance & Efficiency

The turbocharged 1104C-44TH engine produces 70.1 kilowatt net power and 393.18 Nm of torque, giving the Terex TX97 useful strength for trenching, loading, pushing, and backfilling. Its 6.22 m extended digging depth, 7.35 m extended reach from swivel, 1.07 cu m bucket capacity, and 5,575.11 kg loader breakout force make it capable in utilities, roadworks, construction, and heavier site cleanup.

In Comparison

Terex TX86: Strong older backhoe loader with good power and loader force, but lighter and simpler in drivetrain setup.
Terex TX87: Similar power and strong digging reach, with a slightly lighter operating weight.
Terex TX97: Best fit for buyers wanting the heavier TX platform, extended digging capability, and Dana full powershift transmission.

Final Verdict

Rated 5 stars, the Terex TX97 offers strong backhoe loader value within the AED 180,000–270,000 range. Its digging reach, torque, loader breakout force, Dana full powershift transmission, and heavier working weight make it a capable option for contractors who need real site performance.

130.2 liter Fuel cap
393.18 Nm Max torque
70.1 kw Net power
8,011 kg Operating weight
7.32 m Overall Length
2.32 m Overall Width
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 270,000

Starting from

AED 180,000
See owner ratings
03

Volvo BM 6300 Backhoe loaders
1984-1992

Generation-Volvo BM 6300 Backhoe loaders-cover

The Volvo BM 6300 delivers heavy-duty backhoe loader performance with a 4.63 m digging depth and 78 kilowatt net engine power. Compared with machines like the Volvo BM 616B and the newer BL70, it stands out for its larger bucket capacity, stronger loader breakout force, and powerful turbocharged engine.

Overview

The Volvo BM 6300 (1984–1992) is a large heavy-duty backhoe loader designed for demanding construction and infrastructure work. It delivers 78 kilowatt net engine power, 425 Nm torque, and a 4.63 m digging depth, providing strong excavation and loader productivity.

Expert rating: 3 stars

Pros Very strong loader breakout force and large bucket capacity.
Cons Older hydraulic technology and heavier machine footprint.

Performance & Efficiency

The turbocharged Volvo BM TD 45 B engine produces 78 kilowatt and 425 Nm of torque, delivering strong digging and loading performance for large-scale excavation work.

In Comparison

Volvo BL70: Newer backhoe loader with improved hydraulics.
Volvo BM 616B: Older and lighter machine with smaller capacity.
Volvo BM 6300: Larger machine with stronger loader performance.

Final Verdict

Rated 3 stars, the Volvo BM 6300 remains a durable heavy-duty backhoe loader within the AED 80,000–140,000 range.

195.31 liter Fuel cap
425.04 Nm Max torque
78 kw Net power
10,800 kg Operating weight
8.11 m Overall Length
2.53 m Overall Width
See full spec & review

Makana rating

Owner rating

 | 3

Market average

AED 140,000

Starting from

AED 80,000
See owner ratings

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Top Backhoe Loaders for Deep Trenching FAQ.

The Terex TX970B ranks first, reaching a maximum digging depth of approximately 6.2 m when equipped with the extendable dipper. This gives it the widest deep-trenching range among the three machines compared.

The Komatsu WB156 can reach approximately 5.97 m with its extended backhoe configuration. It combines strong digging depth with a more manageable operating size for utility, drainage and general construction work.

Yes. The Volvo BM 6300 offers an excavation depth of approximately 5.18 m and a working reach of around 6.94 m. Its heavier platform also provides useful stability during demanding excavation work.

Maximum reach, bucket digging force, hydraulic response, stabiliser condition and machine weight also matter. Buyers should also inspect the boom, extendable dipper, pins, bushings, hydraulic cylinders and rear frame for wear or previous repairs.

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build datetime: 8/17/2026, 2:01:49 PM