The International Association of Dredging Contractors (IADC) has released its ‘Facts About’ publication on backhoe dredgers.
‘Facts About’ is a series of concise, easy-to-read leaflets which give an effective overview of essential facts about specific dredging and maritime construction subjects.
Each leaflet provides a kind of ‘management summary’ for stakeholders who need a quick understanding of a particular issue.
These leaflets are part of IADC’s on-going effort to support clients, consultants and others in understanding the fundamental principles of dredging and maritime construction because providing effective information to all involved parties is an essential element in achieving a successful dredging project.
Facts About: Backhoe Dredgers
A backhoe is a hydraulic excavator with a single digging bucket positioned on the end of a two-part articulated arm.
Land-based backhoes are typically mounted on the back of a tractor or front loader that has an undercarriage with wheels or with tracks. A backhoe dredger (BHD) is water-based excavator that evolved from the land-based backhoe.
The water-based backhoe dredger is a stationary, hydraulic crane mounted on a dedicated dredging pontoon that often has a rotating table.
The word “backhoe” does not refer to its location on the back of a vehicle or pontoon. It refers to the action of the shovel, which digs by drawing earth backwards, rather than scooping material with a forward motion like a steam shovel or a bulldozer or a dipper.
In dredging operations both land-based and water-based backhoes may be used.
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IADC also released Spanish and French versions of Facts About: Backhoe Dredgers.