Towable Backhoe For Sale – Portable Digging Power You Can Tow Anywhere
If you need reliable digging power without the price tag of a full-sized machine, a towable backhoe for sale from Farmers Equipment is the answer. Compact enough to hitch to a standard pickup truck, ATV, or UTV yet strong enough to trench, dig septic systems, and clear ditches these machines deliver serious hydraulic performance at a fraction of the cost of a tractor-mounted unit.
Whether you’re a farmer, landscaper, small contractor, or homeowner with a big property project, a tow behind backhoe gives you the flexibility to get the job done on your schedule, without renting or hiring out.
What Is a Towable Backhoe?
A towable backhoe (also called a pull-behind backhoe or tow-behind backhoe) is a self-contained, gasoline-powered excavation machine mounted on wheels with a standard ball hitch. Unlike a tractor backhoe attachment, it doesn’t require any specific host vehicle hook it up to your truck, ATV, or UTV and you’re ready to work.
Once on-site, you lower the stabilizer legs, engage the hydraulic arm, and start digging. Most models reach 6–9 feet deep, making them suitable for drainage, septic trenching, utility line installation, tree planting, and dozens of other jobs.
A towable backhoe tractor-style setup — meaning a backhoe paired with a tractor — is a different product. This page covers standalone towable units you can move between sites without a tractor. If you’re looking for a tractor-mounted backhoe attachment, contact us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Why Choose a Towable Backhoe For Sale?
1. You Don’t Need a Tractor to Operate It
Most small farms and homesteads don’t have a compatible tractor sitting around. A towable backhoe solves that problem your existing pickup or ATV is all you need to transport and deploy it. No special license, no heavy trailer, no extra vehicle.
2. Dig 6 to 9 Feet Deep for a Fraction of the Cost
A portable backhoe for sale in this category typically retails between $2,500 and $6,500 new compared to $15,000–$40,000+ for a compact tractor backhoe. For light-to-medium jobs, the towable version performs the same core work at 10–15% of the price.
3. Move It Between Job Sites in Minutes
The entire machine weighs between 850 and 1,300 lbs light enough to tow with a standard ball hitch and unhitch by hand. If you work multiple properties or need to move around a large farm, portability is a genuine daily advantage.
4. Low Maintenance, Simple Operation
These machines run on standard gasoline engines (8–15 HP), use readily available hydraulic fluid, and have no complex electronics or computer systems. Routine upkeep consists of checking hydraulic oil, greasing pivot points, and inspecting hoses tasks most operators handle themselves.
5. No Professional Training Required
The learning curve is gentle. Most first-time users are comfortable operating a towable backhoe within an hour. Hydraulic controls are straightforward, and the stabilizer system keeps the machine stable during digging.
Typical Specifications: Towable Backhoe
Specs vary by model. Here’s what you can expect across most towable backhoes in this price range. For model-specific data, cross-reference with TractorData.com:
| Specification | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Engine Power | 8–15 HP (gasoline) |
| Max Digging Depth | 6–9 feet (1.8–2.7 m) |
| Max Reach | 8–10.8 feet (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 |
| Hydraulic Oil Capacity | 3.5–4.2 gallons |
Contact Farmers Equipment for exact specifications on the models currently in stock.
Towable Backhoe vs. Other Machines: Which One Do You Need?
Not every job calls for the same machine. Here’s how a towable backhoe stacks up against the alternatives:
| Machine | Dig Depth | Tow Vehicle Needed | Avg. Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Towable Backhoe | 6–9 ft | Pickup, ATV, UTV | $1,500–$3,500 | Small farms, landscaping, light construction |
| Mini Backhoe (Tractor-Mount) | 7–10 ft | Compact tractor | $2,000–$4,000 | Farms with an existing tractor |
| Compact Tractor Backhoe | 10–14 ft | Self-propelled | $5,000–$15,000 | Mid-size construction & agriculture |
| Skid Steer Attachment | 8–12 ft | Skid steer required | $10,000–$25,000+ | Heavy commercial work |
For most small farm, homestead, and landscaping jobs, a small towable backhoe is the right call. If your work regularly exceeds 9 feet of depth, browse our mini backhoe for sale, Case 580 backhoe for sale, or Kubota backhoe for sale for heavier applications.
What Can You Use a Towable Backhoe For?
Agriculture & Farming
Digging irrigation channels, installing water lines, setting fence posts, planting orchards, and managing drainage on working farms. A towable backhoe is one of the most cost-effective tools a small farm can own.
Landscaping & Property Work
Excavating garden ponds, removing stumps, planting large trees, grading small areas, and installing retaining wall footings. Compact enough to work close to structures without causing damage.
Residential Construction
Trenching for septic systems, laying drainage pipe, digging small foundations, and running utility lines. Reaches the 6–9 ft depths required for most residential applications.
Property Maintenance
Clearing overgrown ditches, building small retention ponds, digging in electrical conduit, and maintaining access roads. Ideal for rural property owners who need occasional excavation work without calling in a contractor.
Honest Limitations to Know Before You Buy
Towable backhoes are excellent machines within their intended range. Here’s where they have limits:
- Hard clay or rocky soil can slow digging speed if your land has dense rock, a heavier machine will be more productive
- Max dig depth of 6–9 ft means they’re not suited for deep foundations exceeding 8 ft
- Not designed for continuous commercial use built for intermittent work on farms and properties, not all-day contractor schedules
- Weight of 850–1,300 lbs means you’ll want a pickup with appropriate tow capacity verify your vehicle’s tow rating before buying
If these limitations matter for your work, contact us and we’ll recommend the right machine for your needs.
Why Buy Your Towable Backhoe From Farmers Equipment?
- Competitive pricing on new and used models no inflated MSRP
- Worldwide shipping available we’ve sent machines to customers across five continents
- All machines are inspected and tested before listing
- Used towable backhoes occasionally available at significantly reduced prices
- Knowledgeable support staff we use this equipment, we don’t just sell it
- Secure payment and transparent shipping costs upfront
Also see our cheap backhoe for sale page or browse all tractors for sale for a full view of our inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions: Towable Backhoe For Sale
What is the difference between a towable backhoe and a tractor backhoe?
A towable backhoe is a self-contained machine with its own engine that you tow behind a truck or ATV. A tractor backhoe is an attachment that mounts to a tractor’s three-point hitch and uses the tractor’s hydraulics. Towable backhoes 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?
Most models dig between 6 and 9 feet deep — sufficient for septic systems, drainage trenches, utility lines, irrigation channels, and small building foundations. If you routinely need more than 9 ft, consider a tractor-mounted or compact backhoe. Contact us for a recommendation.
What vehicle do I need to tow a towable backhoe?
Any standard pickup truck with a 2″ ball hitch and at least 1,500 lbs tow capacity will work. 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 — it’s one of the most practical tools on a small or mid-size farm. Common uses include digging irrigation ditches, planting orchards, installing fence posts, laying water lines, and managing drainage. Farmers with 5–100+ acres typically find one machine handles most of their digging needs.
Is a towable backhoe the same as a towable backhoe tractor?
Towable backhoe tractor is a phrase some buyers use to describe a tractor fitted with a backhoe attachment. The standalone towable backhoe on this page is a separate, self-powered machine — it doesn’t require a tractor, just a hitch vehicle. If you’re searching for a tractor-mounted backhoe, contact us and we’ll point you to the right page.
Can I buy a used towable backhoe for sale?
Yes. Farmers Equipment periodically carries used towable backhoes in verified working condition at reduced prices. Availability changes frequently contact us directly to ask about current used stock.
How much does a towable backhoe cost?
New models range from around $1,500 for entry-level 8 HP units up to $4,500 for 15 HP machines with wider buckets and greater reach. Used units can be found for $1,000–$3,000 depending on condition and age. Contact Farmers Equipment for current pricing on available models.
What maintenance does a towable backhoe need?
Routine maintenance is simple: check hydraulic oil level before each use, grease all pivot points and pins every 20–25 operating hours, inspect hydraulic hoses for wear or cracking, and change the engine oil per the manufacturer’s schedule (typically every 50 hours). Most owners handle all of this themselves without specialist help.
What’s the difference between a towable backhoe and a mini excavator?
A mini excavator is a self-propelled tracked machine more stable in difficult terrain, higher digging force, and better suited for continuous commercial use. A towable backhoe is lighter, cheaper, and more portable but less powerful in hard ground. For occasional farm and property use, towable is usually the right choice. For daily contractor work, a mini excavator is worth the investment.
Do towable backhoes work in hard clay or rocky soil?
They can handle moderately hard soil and soft rock. If your land has consistently dense clay, hardpan, or significant rock, a heavier machine will be more productive. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right machine for your soil conditions.
Ready to Buy a Towable Backhoe?
Farmers Equipment stocks a selection of towable backhoes for sale at competitive prices, with worldwide shipping and genuine customer support. Whether you need a new machine for your farm or are looking for a used towable backhoe for sale at a reduced price, we can help.
Browse our cheap backhoe for sale options or contact us today for a quote, availability check, or any questions about finding the right machine for your land and budget.
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