A backhoe is a piece of heavy machinery consisting of a front bucket and a rear bucket, also known as a rear hoe. The rear bucket is available in 12", 16", 18" and 24" sizes and allows for great versatility at jobsites because of its ability to move from side to side. Backhoes are general purpose construction tools, which can be used for both loading construction materials and excavating. Basic uses for a backhoe consist of the following: