Towable Backhoe For Sale – Portable Digging Power From $1,500

A towable backhoe for sale at Farmers Equipment gives you real digging capability without the cost of a full-size machine. Hitch it to a standard pickup, ATV, or UTV dig to 6–9 ft depth unhitch and move on. Priced from $1,500 with worldwide shipping available.

For farmers, landscapers, and rural property owners who need occasional excavation work without renting or calling a contractor, this is one of the most cost-effective tools you can own. Used units available at reduced prices contact us to confirm current stock.

Need more dig depth? See our mini backhoe at $5,000 or John Deere backhoe from $8,000.

📩 Get in touch — we’ll confirm current availability and quote a delivered price

What Is a Towable Backhoe?

A towable backhoe (also called a pull-behind or tow-behind backhoe) is a self-contained, gasoline-powered excavation machine on wheels with a standard ball hitch. Unlike a tractor backhoe attachment, it doesn’t require a specific host vehicle hook it up to a truck, ATV, or UTV and you’re ready to work.

On-site: lower the stabilizer legs, engage the hydraulic arm, start digging. Most models reach 6–9 ft suited for drainage, septic trenching, utility line installation, fence posts, and tree planting. This page covers standalone towable units. For tractor-mounted backhoe attachments, contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

Why a Towable Backhoe Makes Sense

No tractor needed. Your existing pickup or ATV is all you need to transport and deploy it. No special licence, no heavy trailer, no extra vehicle.

Dig 6–9 ft for a fraction of the cost. A compact tractor backhoe runs $5,000–$15,000. A towable backhoe handles the same core digging tasks on most small farm and property jobs at significantly lower cost.

Move between sites in minutes. Most models weigh 850–1,300 lbs light enough to tow with a standard ball hitch and unhitch by hand. Genuine daily advantage if you work across multiple properties or a large farm.

Simple to operate and maintain. Gasoline engine, standard hydraulic fluid, no complex electronics. Most first-time operators are comfortable within an hour. Routine maintenance hydraulic oil check, greasing pivot points, hose inspection is owner-handled without specialist tools.

Typical Specifications

Specs vary by model. Contact us for exact specifications on the models currently in stock. For independent reference see TractorData.com:

Specification	Typical Range
Engine Power	8–15 HP (gasoline)
Max Digging Depth	6–9 ft (1.8–2.7 m)
Max Reach	8–10.8 ft (2.4–3.3 m)
Bucket Width	10″–12″ standard (8.5″–24″ optional)
Hydraulic Flow	2.7–10.6 GPM
Operating Weight	850–1,300 lbs
Tow Hitch	Standard 2″ ball hitch
Boom Swing	60°–130° depending on model
Starting Price	From $1,500

Towable Backhoe vs Other Machines

Machine	Dig Depth	Tow Vehicle	Price Range	Best For
Towable Backhoe	6–9 ft	Pickup, ATV, UTV	$1,500–$3,500	Small farms, landscaping, light work
Mini Backhoe (tractor-mount)	7–10 ft	Compact tractor	$2,000–$4,000	Farms with existing tractor
Compact tractor backhoe	10–14 ft	Self-propelled	$5,000–$15,000	Mid-size construction & agriculture
Full-size backhoe loader	14–16 ft	Self-propelled	$8,000+	Heavy farm and construction work

For work regularly exceeding 9 ft dig depth, see our mini backhoe at $5,000, backhoe loader at $4,800, or John Deere 410 backhoe at $12,000.

What Can You Use a Towable Backhoe For?

• Farming & agriculture — irrigation channels, water lines, fence posts, orchard planting, drainage management; one of the most cost-effective tools a small farm can own
• Landscaping & property work — garden ponds, stump removal, large tree planting, retaining wall footings; compact enough to work close to structures
• Residential construction — septic system trenching, drainage pipe installation, utility lines; reaches the 6–9 ft depths required for most residential applications
• Property maintenance — clearing overgrown ditches, digging electrical conduit, maintaining access roads; ideal for rural owners who need occasional excavation without a contractor

Honest Limitations Before You Buy

• Hard clay or consistent rock will slow digging — a heavier machine is more productive in those conditions
• Max 6–9 ft dig depth — not suited for deep foundations exceeding 8 ft
• Built for intermittent use — not designed for all-day contractor schedules
• 850–1,300 lbs operating weight — verify your vehicle’s tow rating before purchasing

If any of these are a concern for your specific job, contact us and we’ll recommend the right machine.

Used Towable Backhoe For Sale – New & Pre-Owned Options

Looking for a cheap towable backhoe or the best towable backhoe for your budget? We carry both new units and used towable backhoes in verified working condition used stock varies, so ask us what’s currently available. Pricing depends on hours and condition; used units typically come in well below new retail.

• New and used towable backhoes in stock — priced to reflect actual condition
• All machines inspected and tested before listing
• We ship globally — export paperwork handled end-to-end
• Transparent pricing — what you see is what you pay

Best Towable Backhoe for Small Farm – Buying Guide

For most small farm buyers the right towable backhoe comes down to three things: dig depth, engine size, and ground conditions.

• Dig depth — if your primary jobs are fence posts, water lines, and drainage, 6–7 ft is enough. For septic systems or deeper drainage, look for a model reaching 8–9 ft.
• Engine size — 8–10 HP handles soft to moderate soils. For clay-heavy ground, 12–15 HP gives noticeably better digging speed and less strain on the machine.
• Soil conditions — sandy, loamy, or soft ground suits any towable model. Consistent hard clay or rocky ground is where towable backhoes reach their limit a compact backhoe loader handles those conditions more reliably.

For most homesteads and small farms under 100 acres with moderate soil conditions, an 8–12 HP towable backhoe in the $1,500–$3,000 range covers the majority of digging tasks without the cost or complexity of a larger machine.

Frequently Asked Questions: Towable Backhoe For Sale

What is the difference between a towable backhoe and a tractor backhoe?

A towable backhoe is self-contained its own engine, tow behind a truck or ATV. A tractor backhoe mounts to a tractor’s 3-point hitch and uses the tractor’s hydraulics. Towable units are more affordable and portable; tractor backhoes offer more digging force if you already own a compatible tractor.

How deep can a towable backhoe dig?

6–9 ft depending on model sufficient for septic systems, drainage trenches, utility lines, and small building foundations. For regularly deeper work, see our mini backhoe at $5,000 or the backhoe loader at $4,800.

What vehicle do I need to tow a towable backhoe?

Any standard pickup with a 2″ ball hitch and at least 1,500 lbs tow capacity. Many models can also be towed by heavier ATVs and UTVs. Always check the specific model weight against your vehicle’s rated towing capacity before purchasing.

Is a towable backhoe good for farming?

Yes — one of the most practical tools on a small or mid-size farm. Irrigation ditches, orchard planting, fence post installation, water lines, drainage management. Farmers with 5–100+ acres typically find one machine handles most of their digging needs.

How much does a towable backhoe cost?

New models from around $1,500 for entry-level 8 HP units. Used units come in below that depending on condition and age. Current pricing and stock available on request.

What maintenance does a towable backhoe need?

Check hydraulic oil before each use, grease pivot points every 20–25 hours, inspect hoses for wear, and change engine oil per manufacturer schedule (typically every 50 hours). Most owners handle all of this without specialist help.

Can I get worldwide shipping on a towable backhoe?

Yes — we ship globally. Send us your location for a delivered price quote.

Ready to Buy a Towable Backhoe?

From $1,500. New and used units available. Worldwide shipping.

Tell us what you need and where it’s going  we’ll confirm availability and quote shipping in one reply.