Such attachments include augurs for drilling, hydraulic hammers for breaking up asphalt, asphalt grinders for milling road, grapples for pulling up roots and stumps, and compactors for compressing loose road material such as gravel. All of these attachments, its compact size, and its manoeuverability on wheels make the backhoe an extremely versatile and popular piece of heavy equipment machinery,but is able, because of its articulated arm, to dig much deeper than the front bucket. Its narrow dimensions enable it to dig trenches quickly and effectively for laying pipe or cable, and preparing areas for concrete foundations, and drainage.
Because of its popularity - Caterpillar alone reports having sold over 100,000 backhoe loaders since 1985—the laws of supply and demand have kept prices for backhoes very competitive. Used backhoe loaders can run anywhere from $5000 to $30,000, depending on the equipments age, capabilities, and included attachments.