Operating Cost (Backhoe vs. Skidloader)

[Trucking]

Just wondering which has the lowest operating cost when considering (fuel, maintenance, and repair cost). Maybe the cost are pretty close?
 

[NCWayne]

Usually the backhoe is going to have the higher total operating cost. I say this because it's typically going to have a larger engine, larger tires to replace, larger hydraulic system, etc, etc. In other words the larger the machine the higher the operating costs. That said, comparing the two different machines really isn't like comparing apples to apples anyways because both have capabilities that the other doesn't. That being the case what your expectations out of the machine are would be the driving factor in which machine to buy. Heck you might even get one and find you need both if the job requirements called for it. For all maximum flexibility though you can't beat the skid steer with all of the attachments available for it. Thing is for every attachment you get for it that's another piece of equipment that has to be maintained so ultimately the complete operating cost for a skid steer gets higher the more attachments you plan to use with it.
 

[jm.]

If you take one of the higher end 70 hp or so skid steer and compare it to the backhoe the pre hr cost is higher on the skid steer. We run into it ever day have to get upwards from $ 65.00 per hr or so Because the tire wear is just much more and if you go on into the track machines it just gets ridiculous. That being said the operating cost is not what you need to consider. What you need to be thinking is what jobs you want to get done. Both are better suited for different task and working enviorments.
 

[jm.]

Wayne if you get time click on my name and e-mail me a phone number. I had it somewhere but lost it. Got a question on a JD 690D that you might know.. jm.
 

[Bret4207]

The 2 machines are so different in their uses that I think it would be hard to compare. If you limited it to 2 machines with the same size bucket loading a truck from a bank maybe you could get an accurate comparison. But you'd need similar sized/make engines, etc. And it all depends on what you're doing. No matter what, repairs are going to be expensive.
 

[ericlb]

like others have said its not about the operating costs there 2 completely different machines designed for 2 different purposes, they can cross into each others jobs, but not do them as well, for example a skid steer can dig a hole with a backhoe attachment, but not as deep, or as fast, and its "left handed" as heck to use when compared to a decent backhoe, a backhoe works dirt excellent, but unless it has a bucket attachment setup that uses skid steer attachments it cant do everything a skid steer will with the proper attachments