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
Confirming previously announced funding, and welfare changes amid adjusted growth forecast.
Scottish Government responds to Grenfell report
As fund for unsafe cladding assessments is launched.
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Architects Academy at an insulation manufacturing facility
Programme of technical engagement for aspiring designers.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.