Euro style Backhoe vs. American style Backhoe

I have seen quite a few youtube videos and noticed that in Europe most if not all backhoes have a side shift boom with vertical stabilizers. Also many have the large front tires, 4 wheel steer, and forks that fold up over the bucket. It is very rare for me to see a backhoe with side shift boom here in the U.S. let alone, 4 wheel steer, big front tires, or folding forks. Other than the obvious, more maneuverability, what advantages do those euro style backhoes have? And why don't you see more in the U.S.? I feel they would be more useful than the American style.

I am no expert but I would say they are not as stable when you swing the bucket 90* and more steering parts = more **** to break or wear out. different , better in some case but as a whole here in the USA we are going to mini excavators due to productivity and cost. Backhoe is the jack of all trades master of none!

The European machines are becoming more and more popular here in Canada. Especially the JCB 3CX and 2CX.

The sideshift is very handy if you want to excavate something parallel to the machine such as along a foundation. The vertical stabilizers are just as stable as regular radial stabilizers. I find that the European machines are much quieter, more fuel efficient, smoother on the controls. Oh and you can get a coffee maker factory installed.

Breakdowns are not that common. There is really not any more wear parts than on a regular centermount machine. Also the cylinders on the stabilizers are protected much better since they are surrounded by the stabilizer housing.

I'm sure this will start a barrage of comments from the loyal CAT, John Deere and Case guys!

I can see where the 4 wheel steer could cause repair problems but everything else seems like a no brainer. As for stability, if I have to dig something where I have to swing enough weight over the side to tip, we usually use an excavator. We use backhoes more for support, backfill, and small jobs. With the radial stabilizers in a tight area you can't use them, and you better hope you have a good park brake and enough air your tires. I also hate having to lean over to see around the boom when digging straight on. The flip up forks look really handy too, they are always with you. I just don't understand how these features have been overlooked in the U.S.

I talked to the professional operator :thumbsup:notworthy@conexpo at the kinshoffer? booth about these machines.( IF you seen him you would know). he was demoing a rotating/tilting backhoe coupler all week. from what I gathered these machines are pretty heavy compared to the us machines (if you have ever run a 710 jd you will understand) if I remember correctly he said that they would only dig about 10' he also said that when he was digging shallow utility ditches 3'-4' he would not put the stabilizers all the way down and just let machine creep ahead while he was still digging sounded neat to me