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Writer's pictureRALPH COPE

A Quick Look into the Versatile World of the Tractor Loader Backhoe (TLB)


TLBs are arguably the most versatile earthmoving machines on the planet; powerful enough to get the job done, but smaller than their industrial counterparts. They can also travel on the road, and the cost savings of being able to move these machines between sites that are closely located can add up to a serious financial benefit. So, let's dive into the wonderfully versatile world of the TLB.


A TLB is a tractor-like unit fitted with a loader-style shovel/bucket on the front and a backhoe on the back, and can be used for the following:

1) laying pipes for an irrigation system

2) spreading gravel and grading a road

3) laying foundations

4) small demolition work

5) hauling materials

6) dig ponds

7) remove stumps

8) move boulders


TLBs versus Excavators So how does a TLB stack up against an excavator, and which machine is best for you? Their differences can be explained in three ways: size, versatility, and rotation.


Size

How big a job do you have in mind? Excavators are built for big and hard jobs – like mining, demolition, rock blasting, and large-scale industrial projects. The TLB on the other hand is more agile and nimble and better suited for small construction, road, and farming projects, in addition to loading jobs and smaller-scale earthmoving jobs.


Versatility

Although both machines offer a number of attachment options, this is where the TLB outshines the slightly less versatile excavator. The TLB offers more attachment options which in turn widens the range of functions that it is able to perform. The versatility of the TLB is further enhanced by the fact that it can be driven on the road which enables you to use the same machine on multiple work sites.


Rotation

The final distinguishing factor between these two beasts is their rotation ranges. An excavator is able to rotate the entire machine's chassis and arm 360 degrees. The TLB is not able to execute this full rotation and is typically limited to approximately 200 degrees. Finally, backhoes and excavators have different rotation ranges which make them very different machines from an operator’s standpoint. An excavator operator can rotate the entire machine’s chassis and arm together in a complete circle, while a backhoe’s arm only pivots across a range of about 200 degrees.


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