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Backhoe dredgers

Backhoes are hydraulic excavators with a single digging bucket positioned on the end of a two-part articulated arm making it highly efficient for precision dredging tasks. Backhoe dredgers are water-based excavators that evolved from the land-based backhoe.

A backhoe dredger is a powerful and versatile dredging pontoon used for excavating and removing sediments from waterways, ports, and coastal areas. Backhoe dredgers are particularly effective in handling hard soils, rocks, and compacted materials, ensuring accurate excavation in confined or challenging environments. Some newer backhoe dredgers may be self-propelled which offers more mobility between work sites. The largest backhoe dredgers are transported by water with spuds that are designed to be tilted out of the water.

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Backhoe dredger, 1,000 kW

BH1000.04

 

Backhoe dredgers for sale

Looking for a backhoe dredger for sale? Boogaard Brokers offers a selection of high-quality backhoe dredgers tailored to your dredging needs. Whether you need a powerful machine for harbour deepening, trenching, or land reclamation, we have the right solution for you. Browse our current listings and find the perfect backhoe dredger to enhance your operations. 

What is a backhoe dredger?

A backhoe dredger is a stationary dredging pontoon equipped with an excavator that operates similarly to a land-based backhoe. These machines are commonly used for precision dredging in harbours, rivers, and shallow waters. Unlike trailing suction hopper dredgers, backhoe dredgers rely on their robust mechanical power to dig and lift materials such as sand, clay, and rock from the seabed. 

They are widely used for infrastructure projects, including port construction, pipeline trenching, and land reclamation. With their ability to operate in confined spaces and handle hard soil conditions, backhoe dredgers are essential assets for dredging companies worldwide. 

Backhoe dredgers are often used in foreshore protection operations. Smaller backhoes can be track mounted and work from the banks of ditches especially when being used in harbours or other shallow waters, as well as in access channels and harbours along quay walls that are difficult to reach. They can be used for dredging relatively small quantities of material at varying depths.
The new, much larger backhoes that have been delivered in the last few years are able to dredge at greater depths, some in excess of 30 meters. They are often used for bulk dredging of a variety of sediments.

How does a backhoe dredger work?

A backhoe dredger operates by using its hydraulic excavator to dig into the seabed and remove sediments. The dredger remains stable, thanks to its three stabilising spuds, which anchor it firmly in place. The excavated material is then loaded onto a barge or transported to a designated disposal site. This method allows for precise and controlled dredging, making backhoe dredgers ideal for projects requiring accuracy in confined areas.

Because of their mechanical operation, backhoe dredgers excel in digging through hard soils and rock formations. They can operate in conditions where other dredging vessels struggle, making them indispensable in urban dredging projects, pipeline installations, and port construction.

Backhoe dredger capabilities

The capabilities of a backhoe dredger depend on its size, arm length, and bucket capacity. These vessels can dredge depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters, depending on the model. Their powerful excavator arms allow them to handle challenging materials, including compact clay, boulders and bedrock. 

Key advantages of backhoe dredgers

  • High precision - Ideal for dredging in restricted areas such as ports and canals.

  • Strong digging force - Capable of excavating tough seabeds. 

  • Stable operation - Three spuds ensure minimal movement during dredging. 

  • Versatile applications - Used in infrastructure projects, environmental dredging, and offshore trenching. 

Backhoe dredgers with Boogaard Brokers

  • In-house expertise

  • Market knowledge backed with an extensive database

  • A commercial philosophy always aimed at customer's satisfaction

  • Global covering

At Boogaard Brokers, we connect you with the best backhoe dredger for sale that suits your operational requirements. Our extensive market knowledge and industry expertise enable us to source backhoe dredgers from leading manufacturers and operators worldwide. Explore our latest listings here.

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