While backhoes are a staple in many large fleets where they are cared for by a full-time fleet manager, they are equally – if not more so – widespread among owner/operators and smaller businesses where the person operating the machine is also the one performing maintenance on it, hauling it, site foreman, lunch gofer, etc.

Even in those large fleets, where they may have “a guy” who performs all the maintenance, there are actions that operators can take in their day-to-day activities that will have a long-term effect on the health and performance of the machine.

CASE Construction Equipment’s dozers, backhoes and a motor grader were all recognized as part of the 2016 Contractor’s Choice Awards from Roads & Bridges magazine. The awards were decided by the magazines’ subscribers, who electronically voted on the best equipment in the industry.

The voting takes several months to complete and starts with obtaining equipment nominations. Road & Bridges subscribers, who are contractors and producers, then vote on the best products via email. Only professionals that actually use the equipment and products are allowed to vote.