Back actor
A back actor (backactor or sometimes backacter) is a type of earth moving plant used on construction sites to place and transport excavated soil. It is sometimes referred to as a backhoe, backhoe loader or rear actor, and may also be informally referred to as a JCB. This abbreviation comes from the initials of Joseph Cyril Bamford, the founder of the Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Ltd. company. Other brands exist.
Back actors are fitted with a shovel (or dipper) for digging. This shovel is fixed to the back of the tractor by way of a two-part digging arm referred to as a boom and bucket arm or a dipper arm. This mechanism allows the dipper to move with a great deal of flexibility.
Backactors can be fitted with different attachments for tasks such as boring, digging, excavation and loading. They can also be used for minor demolition, powering building equipment, breaking asphalt and transporting light building materials.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February