Hoe (equipment) - Definition and Overview

Caterpillar backhoe

A Backhoe is a piece of excavating equipment consisting of a digging bucket on the end of an articulated arm, also called a stick or dipper. Modern backhoes are powered by hydraulics. It gets its name because it is typically mounted on the back of a tractor or front loader. (Similar attachments for skid loaders are still called backhoes even though they are mounted on the front of the vehicle.)

Skid loader with bucket replaced by backhoe attachment

A backhoe attached to a swiveling cab on top of tracks is called an excavator.