What Backhoe Services Are Used For: Trenching, Digging, and Site Work in San Antonio
If you’ve ever searched for backhoe services near me or called around asking for someone who does digging and trenching work, you’re not alone. A backhoe is one of the most versatile tools we use at Shady Oaks Express, and it’s perfect for jobs that require more digging power than a skid steer or Bobcat can handle.
In this post, we’ll break down the most common uses for a backhoe on residential and small commercial projects around San Antonio and the surrounding areas—and share a few real examples to help you understand when it’s time to call in a pro.
What Is a Backhoe and When Should You Use One?
A backhoe is a two-part machine: the front has a loader bucket for pushing, lifting, and carrying materials, while the back has a hydraulic digging arm. It’s ideal for deeper digging, trenching, or moving large amounts of soil.
While people often call us for "Bobcat work," once they describe what they need, we’ll recommend a backhoe if we think it’s a better fit.
One customer in La Vernia asked if we could dig a trench for water lines. They originally called it a "Bobcat job," but the trench needed to be over 3 feet deep and 50 feet long—so we brought the backhoe and got it done in just a few hours.
Common Backhoe Services in San Antonio
1. Trenching for Utilities and Drainage
Backhoes are perfect for digging long, deep trenches for:
Water lines
Septic systems
French drains or culverts
Pro Tip: We can also deliver and spread the crushed limestone or washed gravel needed for proper drainage. Learn more in our blog: [Bull Rock vs Limestone: Which is Best for Drainage?]
2. Septic System Installation
Need to install or repair a septic system on your property? Backhoes can:
Dig out tanks or leach fields
Install drain lines
Backfill and compact material
We’ve worked with many rural property owners in Wilson County to prep septic systems on uneven terrain. If you’re also building a pad for a mobile home, check out our post on [How to Estimate Rock for a Building Pad].
3. Foundation & Pier Hole Excavation
If you’re building a metal shop, deck, or concrete pad, you may need:
Footings or pier holes dug to code
Site leveling for forms
Material hauled in or out
Pro Tip: Combine backhoe services with our skid steer grading to finish the job fast. Read more: [Skid Steer Services for Site Prep: What to Expect]
4. Tree and Stump Removal
Backhoes are strong enough to:
Uproot small to medium-sized stumps
Clear brush piles
Move tree debris into dump trucks
This is especially useful after a land clearing or storm cleanup. One customer in Adkins had a dozen old tree stumps behind their shed—they called us for help and we had the whole space cleared and leveled in one afternoon.
5. Placing or Moving Heavy Materials
Whether you’re installing large landscape boulders, setting culverts, or spreading select fill, a backhoe gives you reach and lift that a skid steer can’t always handle.
Pro Tip: If you're ordering bulk rock or dirt from us, we can deliver and use the backhoe to place it exactly where you need it. No wheelbarrows required.
Final Thoughts
Backhoe work doesn’t always mean heavy construction. Sometimes, it’s the difference between a weekend-long dig and a professional job done in half a day. At Shady Oaks Express, we offer backhoe services throughout San Antonio, Bexar County, and the surrounding areas, with the equipment and experience to handle your toughest site work jobs.
Need help deciding whether you need a backhoe, skid steer, or both? Give us a call at 210-842-1440, and we’ll take a look at your project. We also provide material delivery, gravel spreading, and full site prep packages for any size job.
Related Posts:
Skid Steer Services for Site Prep: What to Expect
How to Estimate Rock for a Building Pad
Bull Rock vs Limestone: Which is Best for Drainage?
