3 Best Towable Portable Mini Backhoe Digger of 2024

For this reason, it is time to switch to a more convenient option. There is an affordable middle ground that can be reached. A portable mini digger is an excellent solution that will work efficiently while saving hundreds of dollars. And what's more! It can either be driven around or towed with the help of a tractor.

While these are becoming more popular by the day, there is a vast list of options to choose from, and that can be quite challenging. But don't worry, we have got you covered.

To help with your decision-making, a comprehensive list of 3 exceptional options has been curated by us. Also, we have included a buyer's guide that will help you choose the one that fits your needs.

Listed below are the 3 best portable mini backhoe diggers from our list:

• HOC TE301H Towable Excavator Backhoe by Honda: Renowned for its powerful 301-cc engine and 2.7 GPM hydraulic pump, efficient for dealing with tough dirt, this model also offers a larger range of motion with its 120 degrees of side-to-side boom movement, though it may be pricier than similar products.
• Towable Ride-On Trencher Special by Central Machinery: Affordable yet efficient with a strong 9-horsepower engine and large hydraulic pump, this trencher stands out with its comfortable padded seat aiding in maneuvering and its big, robust wheels built for tough terrains, but its function speed may not be as fast due to the inability to use two controls simultaneously.
• 7' ft 3 Point Backhoe with Thumb Excavator Attachments Kubota Deere: Designed for substantial work, this attachment features a 16-inch bucket and a digging radius of 112 inches for large-scale excavations, but unlike standalone models, it requires a connection with a tractor for operation.

Are you looking for a portable mini backhoe digger? Look no further. Here is the list of the 3 best portable mini backhoe diggers that will get the job done quickly and efficiently:

1. HOC TE301H Towable Excavator Backhoe by Honda

Known to be one of the most heavy-duty machines, the HOC TE301H Towable Excavator Backhoe is an exceptional option. It boasts a 301-cc engine and a 2.7 GPM hydraulic pump that helps deal with the most resilient of dirt easily.

Honda is well known for its machinery, and this is indeed one of its best creations. Known to be highly reliable, you can work with 200,000 miles of mud and dirt efficiently, thanks to the powerful engine. With a 2-tooth trencher bucket, the work gets done more cleanly compared to its peers.

Also, the boom travels 120 degrees on both sides. This is double the capacity of the previous product listed here. Hence, you will not have to move your truck around too much to adjust the mini backhoe digger’s position.

Adding to the benefits, it comes with 12-inch tires which are DOT-certified and are very sturdy. Take over any difficult terrain with these efficient wheels. All you need is a truck that can toe around 3,500 pounds, and it will be able to handle this Honda product.

While it works brilliantly and will last for years, it is one of the most expensive products. This may not be very affordable for everyone, but if you can spend a little extra, go for it. We can assure you that this investment is worth making if you are going to use it often.

2. Towable Ride-On Trencher Special by Central Machinery

Powered by an efficient 9-horsepower engine, the Towable Ride-On Trencher Special is known to be one of the most affordable options and comes with a set of brilliant features. We loved the big hydraulic pump, which helped us dig the toughest soil with ease.

To begin with, the three sharp teeth are very efficient in digging dirt and you just have to monitor it. Sit comfortably in a padded seat and control the device as it digs an 8-foot-deep hole. Although the maximum depth is 7 feet, you will be able to dig deeper because of the big trencher bucket.

Furthermore, to ensure portability and movement, this is equipped with big wheels that have a diameter of 12 inches. They have a Department of Transportation (DOT) certification and are extremely tough. The wheels allow the machine to move through uneven terrains easily without tipping over.

Coming to the design, we admire the colors that have been used. A combination of black and orange makes it attractive, and it is equipped with a black-colored, well-padded seat.

Overall, we feel that it serves its purpose very well, and with a reasonable price tag, it is indeed a great deal!

We will have to admit that the product is almost flawless except for a slight hiccup. It works efficiently but slowly because you cannot use two controls at once. This could have been possible with an even bigger pump, but that would make it less portable. Nonetheless, this is not a dealbreaker as it does not affect productivity.

3. 7' ft 3 Point Backhoe with Thumb Excavator Attachments Kubota Deere

Ideal for digging trenches and excavations, the 7' ft 3 Point Backhoe with Thumb Excavator Attachments Kubota Deere is a sturdy product to pick. It works with category 1 tractors and needs to be attached to one for maximum benefits.

This is a heavy machine made to handle large-scale excavations with its 16-inch bucket and a digging radius of 112 inches. It can dig up to 84 inches in depth with a bucket rotation capacity of 160 degrees on both sides. We used it to dig drainage ditches on our farm, and it did its work flawlessly.

Additionally, this will work with the truck's hydraulic system and comes with a hydraulic thumb, which will help in attaching them both. In case your truck does not have a pump, you can also buy a standard PTO pump. This will power the machine and have it working with the same capacity.

Coming to the engine properties, the company suggests a 35 HP engine or above for smooth functioning. You should stay below 70 HP to prevent any kind of hindrance.

Unlike Central Machinery and Honda devices, this one cannot function on its own. It is not a standalone towable backhoe and will need support, which can be provided by linking it to a tractor. A standard 3-point Cat 1 linkage will be required in this case.

Buying Guide for the Best Towable Mini Backhoe Digger

By now, you must have gone through our best picks and realized that it is challenging to pick one. There are various factors at play, and you will have to evaluate based on types of terrains, trailers, and the digging range, to name a few.

To help you make a choice, we have detailed the critical points that need to be kept in mind. We hope this guides you toward buying the one that fits the best.

Type of Trailers

There are two main types of portable backhoes, the standalone ones and those that have to be attached to a truck. Now, if you do not own a tractor and want the process to be less complicated, the standalone trailers will work very well. These can function on their own and come with padded seats for your comfort.

On the other hand, if you choose one that needs to be linked to a tractor, you will be making a cheaper choice. This is because you do not have to pay for the extra towable construction. It would also not come with its own tank and would need to be connected to the truck's hydraulic system.

Digging Dimensions

What is the kind of depth that you are aiming for? The depth that you require will help you decide which machine you would need. Most machines dig between 7 to 9 feet deep, but the range varies significantly.

While some may have a range of 60 degrees, others may go up to 130 degrees left and right. A big range ensures that the work is done quickly. But a bigger range might also mean a heavier or more expensive unit. So, make sure that you consider all the factors before purchasing.

Storage Space

While these are comparatively lighter and smaller than the regular backhoe diggers, they will vary in size. It is important that you first measure the amount of space that you can spare to store this.

Terrain

What kind of terrain are you looking at? It is important to buy equipment based on the kind of soil and dirt that needs to be dealt with. Clay soil can be very hard to dig, while muddy porous soil will be easier to work with.

If you are looking to move dirt, check the density, and get a machine that fits. This is because every option does not come with equal amounts of durability and may break down if you try to dig very hard materials.

What is a towable portable mini backhoe digger?

A Towable Portable Mini Backhoe Digger refers to a compact and lightweight digger, designed to be towed by a vehicle, and utilized for small-scale undertakings such as landscaping, gardening, and light construction tasks.

What type of vehicle can I tow a towable portable mini backhoe digger with?

The versatility of Towable Portable Mini Backhoe Diggers allows them to be towed using a wide array of vehicles, from small and medium sedans to larger vehicles such as pickup trucks, SUVs, and even trailers.

How much does a towable portable mini backhoe digger weigh?

The weight of Towable Portable Mini Backhoe Diggers can fluctuate between 500 and 700 pounds, contingent upon their size and the specific model.

What type of terrain can a towable portable mini backhoe digger work on?

Designed for adaptability, Towable Portable Mini Backhoe Diggers are capable of functioning on a variety of terrains which include dirt, gravel, sand, and light asphalt.

What is the maximum digging depth of a towable portable mini backhoe digger?

Generally, Towable Portable Mini Backhoe Diggers can delve into depths up to 8 feet.