Two primary design approaches cover the skid steer backhoe attachment market: fixed-boom and swing arm. Understanding the difference helps operators select the right setup for the work at hand.
A fixed-boom backhoe mounts in a set position and requires the operator to reposition the machine to change the dig location laterally. This design is simpler, lower-maintenance, and suits straight-line trenching where the dig path is consistent. A swing-arm backhoe includes a hydraulic or mechanical mechanism that moves the boom side-to-side, allowing the operator to cover a wider working area without repositioning. This is the better choice for irregular dig patterns, working close to structures, and jobs that require frequent lateral adjustments.
Both designs are in our lineup, with different manufacturers optimizing for digging depth, bucket compatibility, ripping force, and operator control. For any excavation project involving utility trenching or work near buried lines, the Common Ground Alliance operates the national 811 call-before-you-dig service, a free program that requires excavators to contact 811 before breaking ground so that utility lines can be located and marked at the dig site.
Skid Steer With Backhoe Attachment: Full-Size Models For Serious Digging
Our full-size backhoe attachment lineup covers digging depths from 6 to 7 feet across multiple brands, with hydraulic flow requirements and bucket width ranges suited to different machine classes and job types.
CID And Paladin Backhoe Attachments
The CID X-Treme Swing Arm Backhoe Attachment covers bucket widths from 8 to 24 inches at 10 to 15 GPM, reaches 7 feet of digging depth, delivers 14,000 pounds of ripping force, and includes a 110-degree swing arc that reduces the need to reposition the machine on irregular jobs. A 3-inch diameter hydraulic cylinder and an optional thumb attachment round out the build for operators who need to handle rock, logs, and debris alongside the digging work.
The Paladin Bradco Backhoe reaches 73 inches of digging depth at 15 to 25 GPM and accepts bucket sizes from 10 to 24 inches. Its bucket linkage system maximizes breakout force, hardened bushings with greaseable fittings keep maintenance requirements low, and an optional fixed thumb adds material handling versatility. The Paladin Fixed Backhoe with 18-inch bucket covers the same 73-inch depth on a universal SSL hitch compatible with all major skid steer brands.
HLA Attachments, Erskine, And Titan
The HLA Attachments 6 ft. Skid Steer Backhoe covers 6 feet of digging depth with a 140-degree swing, accepts 9 to 20-inch buckets in tooth or smooth-edge styles, and operates on a single auxiliary hydraulic outlet using the included electric valve and cylinders. Its offset boom lets operators dig flush along foundations and fences. Wiring kits are available for Bobcat, Case/New Holland, John Deere, Kubota, and CAT/ASV machines.
The Erskine BH-780 uses a curved-boom design with dual cylinder swing, reaches 78 inches of depth, accepts 9 to 18-inch buckets, and runs at 5 to 7 GPM, making it the lowest-flow backhoe in our lineup. Its operator seat swings with the boom for sightline control during digging. The Titan Attachment Fronthoe Excavator is a front-mounted single-arm configuration covering 6 feet at 11 to 20 GPM with 8 to 24-inch hydraulic tilt bucket options controlled from the cab and a tube steel frame for structural rigidity.
Mini Skid Steer Backhoe Attachment Options For Compact Operators
Operators running mini skid steers for landscaping, utility work, and property maintenance have a purpose-built backhoe option that delivers real digging depth without exceeding the machine's hydraulic capacity.
The EI Attachments OP00A Mini Skid Steer Backhoe reaches 6 feet 6 inches of digging depth at 6 to 12 GPM and includes a 12-inch bucket and mount as a complete ready-to-use package. Vertical stabilizers provide a stable platform during digging on uneven terrain, and dual control options let operators work from the cab or from an external perch seat depending on the job. The lightweight design maintains the skid steer's balance during travel, which matters on compact machines where weight distribution affects control.
Our mini skid steer implements and attachments collection includes this model alongside additional digging and excavation options for compact operators. Our mini skid steer equipment pages cover the full range of task-specific attachments available for smaller machines.
Bucket Width, Digging Depth, And Swing Angle: Three Specs That Define The Job
Three specifications determine whether a backhoe attachment can handle a given job: bucket width, maximum digging depth, and swing angle.
Bucket width determines trench width and the amount of material moved per pass. Narrow buckets in the 8- to 12-inch range are suitable for utility trenching for pipe and conduit. Wider buckets from 16 to 24 inches suit footing work, drainage ditches, and applications where volume per pass matters more than trench precision.
Digging depth determines whether the attachment reaches the required grade. Utility lines and irrigation work typically require 3 to 5 feet of clearance. Drainage and footing applications often require 6 feet or more. The American Society of Civil Engineers, the nation's oldest engineering society, founded in 1852 and representing 150,000 civil engineering professionals in 177 countries, publishes the technical standards that govern drainage, foundation, and structural design, the same engineering specifications that determine the required excavation depths contractors and landowners must reach when installing drainage infrastructure, footings, and utility systems. The CID X-Treme at 7 feet and the Erskine BH-780 at 78 inches are the deepest options in our lineup for demanding jobs.
Swing angle determines how much lateral coverage the operator has without moving the machine. The HLA Attachments unit at 140 degrees and the CID X-Treme at 110 degrees cover the widest arc. Our skid steer equipment catalog includes a complete collection of skid steer implements and attachments, with full specs for each model.
