In order to select the best backhoe service, you should first consider the job that needs to be done. There are many different kinds of backhoes, so you will need to locate a service that has the right tools for the job. Some large backhoe services can meet the demands of almost any project, while others are far more specialized. One important factor to consider is the terrain, since you will typically need a backhoe with four-wheel drive if your project involves any mud, snow or loose soil. You may also want to consider asking around, or utilizing Internet resources, to find customer feedback, which may give you a better idea as to whether a particular backhoe service will be able to finish your project satisfactorily.
Choosing the best backhoe service has a lot to do with selecting the best backhoe for the job. Some services have many different types of backhoes suited to all kinds of work, while other small operations may only have a handful of units. The first step to finding the best service is to examine the job that needs to be done. Some common backhoe jobs include in-ground tank removal or installation, the cutting of driveways, water line installation and all kinds of excavation.
Before you start looking for a service for excavation work, you may want to take note of how deep a hole the backhoe will need to dig. Compact backhoes will usually suffice for holes up to 10 feet (about 3 meters), while holes up to 16 feet (about 4.8 meters) can be excavated by full sized backhoes. Deeper holes can be excavated by both classes, though that requires additional work as the hole may need to be dug in stages. There are also a variety of attachments that can replace the excavator on a backhoe, such as grinders and crushers. If your job requires any of these special tools, then you need to locate a backhoe service that has access to them.
It can also be helpful to take your terrain and the weather conditions into account when looking for a backhoe service. If your job involves any deep mud or other unfavorable terrain, a two-wheel drive backhoe may become stuck. This can also be the case if there is any snow or ice involved. A four-wheel drive backhoe with tire chains can often complete a job in this type of harsh weather, but you may need to look for a backhoe service that specializes in that type of work.