The All In-One Machine

Thanks to their versatility, backhoe loaders are among the most widely used machines on Middle East jobsites, and manufacturers are bringing new features and models to the market.

Undoubtedly among the most common pieces of equipment on any jobsite in the Middle East and the wider region, backhoe loaders are designed to be able to do almost everything. On top of that, they can easily traverse a large site. As a country develops, the size of its construction machinery typically shrinks – one reason mini-excavators are so popular in Europe – but in the GCC, large and spread out jobsites make the backhoe a perfect machine for a wide variety of jobs.

“We have a saying that the backhoe loader is a machine that can do it all. It digs, loads, grades, cleans, dozes and lifts,” explains Ahmed Shouman, GM of JCB Middle East. With the addition of various attachments, such as street sweepers, soil compactors, millers and breakers, the machine becomes even more versatile, he adds. The most popular attachments are the breakers and 6-in-1 hydraulic buckets, while an additional option is to use the machine to power hand-held tools such as power washers or jigsaws, rather than have to use a compressor.

There’s no doubt that JCB is the best-recognised BHL brand – globally its market share is around 55-60%, says Shouman. The 3CX and 4CX are its bestsellers in the GCC. When designing and manufacturing its backhoe loaders, the goal was to deliver leading performance and the lowest cost of ownership, he explains. Key specifications and options include auxiliary third pump or variable displacement pumps, fixed or extending dippers, manual or seat-mounted controls, auto manual shift or power shift, and two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

“Every option offered has its value to the customer and each of these options brings a better return on investment from the machine. When we design the machines we have in mind the customer and his return on investment,” he says.

Strong after-sales support is also a core part of the offering. Shouman believes that every second machine is sold on the basis of the after-market offering. “This is displayed by the quality and the size of the dealer network we have in the GCC and the Middle East. We are represented in every country by a well-established local partner who shares our values.”

Performance and durability can help improve residual values on its backhoes says Caterpillar.

JCB’s LiveLink has been fitted as standard since 2012 (and can be retrofitted on older machines), and the telematics tool was additionally handy while there were restrictions on movement due to the pandemic, for machines on critical sites that remained operational. Overall, the telematics system allows JCB to offer a higher level of after-sales support to customers through the dealer network, with technicians monitoring machines and providing instant feedback to customers via the telematics platform if there are any issues.

“What we excel in is the quick response and the proactive approach with our existing customers,” says Shouman. JCB has also introduced a mobile app that operators can use to complete their daily checks and submit daily reports to supervisors and fleet managers. “The aim is to reduce the amount of administrative paperwork required and speed up the process in case there is a quick response required to prevent machine failures.”

In the coming months, JCB is looking to update the standard controls offered on its Middle East backhoe loaders, a measure that Shouman believes will improve operator productivity and efficiency on both the loader and the backhoe. While business was down sharply in March and April, and uncertainty and project delays mean customers are cautious about buying new machines, there has been a slight recovery in demand for machines over the past two months, he adds.

Efficiency focus

Caterpillar’s two most popular backhoe loaders in the GCC are the newly introduced 428 and 426F2 models, says Mamoun Mutair, Building Construction – Product Manager at Mohamed Abdulrahman Al-Bahar. The machines feature a new hydraulic quick coupler to make it easier to change work tools. “The new powered coupler engages tools hydraulically, so you can switch tools from the comfort and safety of the seat,” explains Mutair.

Drive Control allows the operator to switch between two-wheel drive (2WD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) using the three-position drive selector. A third mode, 2WD with allwheel braking, activates AWD when braking and returns to 2WD when the brake pedal is released, ensuring positive braking effort in hazardous driving conditions and reducing tire wear. A lock-up torque converter provides a 16% increase in fuel efficiency and 11% higher average speed, making it an invaluable addition for those travelling between sites.

Other key product features include a dry-type axial air cleaner with an integral pre-cleaner and automatic integrated dust ejection system to extend the life of the air filter when working in dusty conditions, reducing service time and costs, and a large 160-litre fuel tank with a composite material that prevents rust from forming in the tank, protecting fuel injection components. Additionally, the 428 is protected by an undercoat of electro-deposited (E-Coat) primer, sealing each metallic component from damage and corrosion, for optimum resale value.

ProductLink comes as standard on the Caterpillar backhoes, with features such as service hours and location to allow the owner to access machine data to increase productivity while reducing costs. “ProductLink, along with VisionLink, makes equipment management possible. Operators can view fleet information online with VisionLink and use it to make informed decisions that boost productivity, lower costs, simplify maintenance and improve safety on your jobsite,” says Mutair.

Customer driven

Best known for its skid-steer and compact-track loaders, Bobcat launched a range of backhoe loaders four years ago after numerous customer requests, says Gaby Rhayem, Regional Director Middle East and Africa for Doosan Bobcat EMEA. The BHLs are all powered by a highly efficient diesel engine with 74.5kW (100HP) power output at 2,200RPM and maximum torque of 408Nm at 1,350RPM. “[The engine] provides more than enough muscle for the most demanding applications while delivering low operating costs due to low fuel and oil consumption,” notes Rhayem.

Bobcat launched a range of backhoe loaders four years ago following customer requests.

The firm is currently streamlining the range from four models to two and coming up with a new model in the near future, says Rhayem, “offering several machine options to meet all our customers’ needs”. It is also working hard to increase commonality between the BHLs and other products by ensuring they share the same Bobcat DNA, and developing a shared parts platform for Bobcat customers that will cover all products and enhance after-market support. “This will bring a number of new or significantly upgraded products in the future that will help to strengthen our position not only in backhoe loaders, but across all markets.”

Overall, the Bobcat loaders are versatile and powerful; combined with a wide range of Bobcat optional equipment, they can be readily configured to carry out a wide range of applications with ease, such as digging, trenching, breaking and material handling, says Rhayem.

“Similarly for loader applications, they offer premium performance with powerful breakout forces, strong full lift capacities, and enhanced load over height and reach to meet the most demanding material handling jobs. There is a choice of general purpose or 6-in-1 buckets or other optional equipment to enhance both versatility and productivity.”