CAT CLASS: HQ-10203

14-16 ft Backhoe Loader

The 14-16 ft backhoe loader is the industry workhorse — a four-wheel-drive utility machine that digs to 15 ft and loads its own spoil pile. This size class sits in the middle of the backhoe ladder, representing the most common configuration for general excavation, trenching, and material handling. With 90–107 hp diesel engines and operating weights from 6,761 to 15,268 kg, these machines balance digging reach, bucket capacity, and maneuverability on mixed-use sites.

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Max dig depth	14–15.3 ft (4.3–4.7 m)	Defines reach for utility trenches, footings, and below-grade work
Engine power	90–107 hp	Diesel power sufficient for continuous digging and loading cycles
Operating weight	14,905–33,660 lb (6,761–15,268 kg)	Mass range affecting stability, traction, and transport requirements

How to choose

This size class suits general excavation, utility trenching, site prep, and projects requiring both digging and loader work from a single machine. The 14–16 ft dig depth accommodates most water, sewer, and foundation tasks without over-sizing for residential or light commercial sites. The **Up to 14 ft Backhoe Loader** is the better choice for landscape work, compact job sites, or tasks where a smaller footprint and lighter weight are priorities. The **16+ ft Backhoe Loader** becomes necessary when dig depth exceeds 15 ft, when larger bucket capacities are required for high-volume earthmoving, or when heavier-duty cycle times justify the additional machine mass.

What this size handles

Utility trenching for water, sewer, and electrical lines to 14 ft depth
Foundation excavation and backfill for residential and light commercial buildings
Site preparation with loader bucket for grading and spoil management
Drainage installation and stormwater system construction
Municipal street repair and infrastructure maintenance
Agricultural drainage and pond construction

Safety & operation

ROPS/FOPS cab protection standard; operator must wear seatbelt when cab-equipped
Outriggers must be fully extended and stable before backhoe operation to prevent tip-over
Overhead clearance and underground utility location critical due to 15+ ft vertical reach
4WD and articulated steering require operator training for road travel and slope work

Transport & logistics

Requires heavy-duty tiltbed or equipment trailer rated for 15,000–17,000 kg gross
Transport width typically 7–8 ft; length 18–20 ft; most units fit legal trailer limits without permits
Self-loading onto low-angle trailers via integrated ramps or yard loading docks

Power & supply

Diesel fuel, typically 60–100 liter tank capacity for full-day operation
Self-contained power; no external electrical or hydraulic connections required on site

Frequently asked

What distinguishes a 14-16 ft backhoe from smaller models?

This class adds 2–4 ft of dig depth over compact models, heavier counterweight for stability during deeper excavation, and typically higher horsepower for sustained production cycles. The four-wheel-drive system and larger loader bucket also improve material-handling capacity.

Can this size class handle standard utility depths?

Yes. Most residential and commercial water, sewer, and electrical services run 6–12 ft deep; this class provides 14–15.3 ft maximum depth, leaving margin for sloped trenches, safety benching, and varying grade conditions.

What trailer capacity is required for transport?

A trailer rated for at least 17,000 kg gross vehicle weight accommodates machines in this class, accounting for the upper operating weight of 15,268 kg plus trailer mass and safety margin.

Compare popular models

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Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Operating weight	Max dig depth	Max reach	Engine power
Case 590SV	15,267 lb (6,925 kg)	15.1 ft (4.6 m)	-	99 hp
Case 580SV	14,905 lb (6,761 kg)	14.4 ft (4.4 m)	21.4 ft (6.5 m)	90 hp
John Deere 310P	15,221 lb (6,904 kg)	14.1 ft (4.3 m)	-	101 hp
Sany SLB95	17,725 lb (8,040 kg)	14 ft (4.3 m)	-	95 hp
Caterpillar Cat 430	24,251 lb (11,000 kg)	15.1 ft (4.6 m)	-	107 hp
Case 570ST	-	15.3 ft (4.7 m)	-	97 hp