Backhoe loaders come in all shapes and sizes, albeit with a similar silhouette, and stand as one of the most popular and versatile pieces of plant machinery to grace any site.

A typical backhoe loader may look alike when parked up next to another, but anybody worth their weight in pennies will tell you that it’s how those machines function that’s omnipotent. You can’t be purchasing a used backhoe loader that only likes to work on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, you need one that you can rely on.

To the untrained eye, it might be difficult to distinguish a JCB from a Deere, but in the trade, that’s like comparing tomatoes to cauliflowers - only with more passion coming from the machinery fans.

So what are the top 10 brands of backhoe loaders that you should be keeping an eye out for when in the market to purchase new or used plant machinery?

1. JCB

We’re going to start with the undisputed king of the backhoe loader, the JCB.

To many, the JCB is the be-all and end-all of the “digger” world and with a huge brand created from the yellow and black colour scheme, the backhoe loader is just one of countless construction products that the company churns out.

If you’re looking for a new or used backhoe loader, JCB should always be your first point of contact - searching for a used backhoe loader JCB 3CX for sale will always yield great results. They’re incredibly reliable, they’re incredibly versatile and they look great too - there’s nothing to dislike.

There’s a reason why JCB’s are the universal favourite.

2. Caterpillar

A very close second in the world of the backhoe loader comes Caterpillar, or CAT for short.

After JCB, the CAT’s are the most popular plant machinery choices around the world and for good reason too. Confusingly, Caterpillar has chosen the same yellow and black colours to represent their machinery, but it’s always characterised by a slightly dulled appearance.

A new or used Caterpillar backhoe loader is the perfect addition to any fleet of plant machinery and will never let you down for as long as it’s owned.

It’s not easy to get a good reputation in this industry, and the top pair in our list are very-much deserving of what they’ve earned.

3. Komatsu

Komatsu is up next in our list, showing off the first of the Japanese brands in our list.

The company is famed for making a number of incredible pieces of plant machinery including the increasingly popular WB140. The Japanese heritage is reflected in the design of the equipment with incredible engineering packaged into small frames.

The machinery isn’t quite at the very top of the pecking order when it comes to picking out the top backhoe loader brand, but if you’re looking for a new or used small plant vehicle, there’s not a lot better.

4. CASE

First producing steam engines in 1876, CASE construction equipment have evolved at a rapid rate, ultimately forming the company we know today.

The American-made construction equipment is available across the globe with the CASE 580N tractor loader backhoe proving one of the most popular products in the lineup. It’s no wonder thousands are searching the comparisons of the JCB Backhoe vs the CASE Backhoe Loader.

It’s exactly what you’d expect from CASE and the American spirit and quality are implanted into the DNA of each backhoe loader. They’re products you can use, abuse and rely upon without any worries of poor materials or subpar engineering.

5. New Holland

Founded in 1895 in Pennsylvania, New Holland Agriculture comes another top brand manufacturing a number of incredible plant machinery vehicles.

New owned by CNH Industrial with a headquarters in London, New Holland backhoe loaders are some of the best in the business. Identified with a stealth appearance with a liberal application of black components, the backhoe loaders are some of the best looking in the business.

But that doesn’t mean that they’re just a pretty face and the equipment can run with the wolves, so to speak, with incredible engineering making an incredibly attractive product.

6. John Deere

John Deere has a cult-like following that’s recognized around the globe and with everything from tractors and combine harvesters to backhoe loaders produced, there’s something for every collection.

To cut a long story short, whether you’re picking up new or used John Deere equipment, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. Yes, it can be a little on the pricer side of things, but quality comes with a price and you can’t put a price on quality.

7. Fiat Hitachi

On to one of the few backhoe loaders that don’t come in the typical black and yellow colour scheme, it’s the bright orange Fiat Hitachi.

The two companies working together are one of the more surprising partnerships in the construction world, but it’s one that doesn’t disappoint. With Japanese technology and engineering combined with the Italian flair, you’re left with a bright orange workhorse for every season.

8. Terex

American worldwide manufacturer Terex is another of the top brands that shouldn’t be forgotten off of any list.

The white, black and red backhoe loaders are some of the very best to come out of America and with a brand name reminiscent of a giant dinosaur, it’s a theme carried over to the equipment that they produce.

Don’t forget to check out Terex when searching for the best new and used backhoe loaders.

9. Volvo

Manufacturer of uber-safe estate cars, Volvo continues their reputation into the plant machinery industry with a collection of incredible machines.

With the BL170 backhoe loader, alongside a number of other iterations, Volvo have very much cemented themselves as a reliable name in the industry. An incredible side-venture from the automobile manufacturer.

We can’t get enough of the Swedish giant’s work.

10. Hidromek

Looking more like a stormtrooper than a piece of construction equipment, the Hidromek backhoe loader is one of the newest entries to the market.

The company, founded in 1978, the Turkey-based company has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of decades, producing a great collection of construction machinery to rival the likes of JCB and Caterpillar.

They may be new, but they’re definitely worth checking out when looking for a new or used backhoe loader.