What Is a Skid Steer Backhoe? A Practical Guide for Buyers and Operators

If you’ve ever asked yourself “what is a skid steer backhoe?”, you’re not alone. A lot of people know what a skid steer is, but aren’t quite sure how a skid steer backhoe attachment fits into the picture—or whether it’s the right equipment for their projects.

Simply put, a skid steer backhoe is a backhoe attachment that mounts on the front of a skid steer (or skid steer loaders) and turns this compact, outdoor hydraulic powered machine into a powerful digging tool. Instead of buying a separate backhoe or mini excavator, you use one machine with multiple skid steer attachments to handle various tasks like trenching, grading, and digging foundations.

In this guide, we’ll break down what a skid steer backhoe is, how it works, where it shines on the job site, and how to choose the right one so you can make an informed decision for your next project.

What Is a Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment?

A skid steer backhoe attachment is a compact digging arm with a bucket on the end that connects to the front of a skid steer loader. It uses the skid steer’s hydraulic power to excavate earth, scoop dirt, rocks, and sand, and place them where you need them.

Unlike a full-size backhoe or excavator, a skid steer backhoe is an attachment, not a standalone machine. That means:

• You start with a skid steer.

• You connect the backhoe attachment to the universal quick-attach plate on the loader.

• Hydraulic hoses plug into the skid’s auxiliary circuit to power the digging and curling motions.

Because it’s one of many steer attachments available—alongside a front loader bucket, pallet forks, augers, or snow blowers—it turns skid steer loaders into extremely versatile machines that can switch from snow removal to trenching to grading in minutes.

Key Components and How It Works

A typical skid loader backhoe attachment includes:

• Boom and dipper (digging arm) – These hinged arms reach out and down to excavate earth, dig holes, or clean drainage ditches.

• Bucket – Comes in different bucket sizes and bucket width options for different excavation tasks, from narrow trenching to wider cleanout work.

• Hydraulic cylinders – Provide the power and ripping force to break into compacted soil, clay, or loose debris.

• Mounting frame – Connects to the skid’s quick-attach system and ensures attachment compatibility with your specific skid model.

• Controls – Usually operated from the skid steer cab; some designs use separate backhoe-style controls.

This compact setup creates a heavy duty, hydraulic powered digging system that makes quick work of earth excavation, land clearing, and small demolition jobs—especially in tight spaces where larger machines struggle with maneuverability or access.

What Can a Skid Steer Backhoe Do on the Job Site?

Because the attachment is small and agile, it excels in grounds maintenance, landscaping, and light construction work where tight lot lines or obstacles limit machine size.

Common Tasks for a Skid Steer Backhoe

• Digging trenches for utilities, irrigation, and drainage ditches

• Digging foundations for small additions, garages, and sheds

• Earth excavation for ponds, swales, and landscape features

• Land clearing light brush and roots (within reason for the operating weight and ripping force)

• Cleaning out ditches filled with soil, dirt, and debris

• Small-scale demolition and removal of broken concrete or slabs

• Supporting grounds and grounds maintenance crews in facilities and parks

Pair it with other attachments—like a loader bucket for moving loose material, a grapple for handling heavy loads, or a snow blade for snow removal—and you get a truly cost effective, multi-purpose setup that can stay busy year-round.

Skid Steer Backhoe vs. Mini Excavator and Other Equipment

When you’re comparing equipment, the big question is often: Should I buy/rent a skid steer backhoe, a mini excavator, or a dedicated backhoe? Each has unique strengths.

Skid Steer Backhoe

• Uses a compact skid steer chassis with a backhoe-style arm

• Great maneuverability in tight spaces

• Ideal for contractors who already own a skid steer loader and want more versatility

• Can quickly swap between loader and backhoe, then to other skid steer attachments

Mini Excavator

• Designed purely for excavation and trenching

• Often has 360° swing and better visibility for operators

• Usually offers deeper dig depths and stronger ripping force for heavy excavation tasks

• Better choice when the entire job is heavy digging or foundations work

Full-Size Backhoe Loader

• Combines a full backhoe at the rear with a large front loader bucket

• Higher operating weight and more power for larger job site projects

• Less nimble than a compact skid steer in tight residential yards

In many cases, if you already own a skid steer, adding a steer backhoe attachment is the most cost effective way to get into serious digging and trenching without buying another machine. If your work is 80–90% pure excavation, a mini excavator or dedicated excavator may make more sense.

Choosing the Right Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment

To truly save money and stress, you need the right match between your skid steer, the backhoe attachment, and your typical tasks.

1. Attachment Compatibility

Always check attachment compatibility with your skid steer’s:

• Quick-attach style

• Hydraulic flow and pressure

• Recommended operating weight and lift capacity

Manufacturers and dealers will list which skid steer loaders a particular skid steer backhoe fits. Never ignore those charts—oversizing or undersizing the attachment can affect performance and safety.

2. Bucket Width and Sizes

Think about your most common job types:

• Narrow trenching for utilities or irrigation: choose smaller bucket sizes and narrower bucket width.

• General earth excavation, grading, and shaping: a mid-size bucket works well.

• Cleaning ditches or light land clearing: a wider cleanup bucket may be useful.

The right buckets allow you to excavate earth efficiently, without wasting time or fuel.

3. Power and Durability

Look for:

• Strong ripping force from the cylinders

• Reinforced pins and bushings for heavy duty use

• Good protection for hoses and hydraulic components from rocks, debris, and impacts

If your project involves frequent contact with hard earth, rocky soil, or compacted sand, durability matters as much as raw power.

Cost, Rentals, and When a Backhoe Attachment Makes Sense

Many people start with a rental before they buy. When comparing options, think about:

• Rental costs for a skid steer plus skid steer backhoe attachment vs. renting a dedicated mini excavator

• How often you’ll realistically use the attachment

• Whether you can bill it across multiple tasks—grading, excavation, landscaping, grounds maintenance, snow removal, and more

If you already own a compact skid steer, the math often favors adding a skid steer backhoe attachment instead of buying another machine. The ability to do various tasks with one platform can significantly reduce total equipment overhead and transport costs.

Working closely with experienced dealers can also help you pick a model that matches your workload and avoids overbuying or underbuying.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Skid Steer Backhoe Working Hard

Like any heavy duty attachment, your skid steer backhoe will reward regular maintenance. A few basics:

• Grease pivot points daily when working in dirt, mud, or abrasive soil.

• Inspect the bucket teeth and edges; replace when worn for better digging.

• Check hydraulic hoses and fittings for leaks, especially after working in debris or jagged rocks.

• Watch your skid steer’s cooling system—excavation in hot weather can push power systems hard.

Good maintenance extends the life of both the attachment and your skid steer, and helps you avoid mid-job breakdowns that increase rental costs or labor downtime.

Safety and Best Practices for Operators

Even though a skid steer backhoe is compact, it’s still a powerful outdoor hydraulic powered machine capable of moving heavy loads of earth and materials. Always:

• Call before you dig to locate buried utilities before digging trenches or drainage ditches.

• Be aware of edges, slopes, and soft ground when you excavate earth or work near foundations.

• Keep bystanders clear of the swing radius and loader area.

• Use proper PPE and follow your manufacturer’s operating manual.

New operators should practice in an open area first, getting used to the maneuverability, control feel, and the way the loader bucket or backhoe reacts when moving heavy loads of dirt or debris.

Is a Skid Steer Backhoe Right for You?

To recap, a skid steer backhoe is:

• A backhoe attachment that mounts to a skid steer, turning it into a multi-purpose excavation tool.

• Ideal for landscaping, construction, grounds maintenance, light demolition, and farm or ranch tasks.

• A flexible, often cost effective way to add digging ability if you already own or plan to own a skid steer.

If your work involves frequent trenching, small foundations, land clearing, or earth excavation in tight spaces, this attachment can provide impressive versatility while helping you save money and reduce the number of machines you need to own or rent.

The key is to note your most common job site conditions and talk through them with reputable dealers. With the right match of machine, attachments, and bucket options, a skid steer backhoe can become one of the hardest-working tools in your fleet.