A backhoe dredger, also called a backacter, is a hydraulic excavator mounted on a spud pontoon, used for precise mechanical dredging in harbours, along quay walls and in hard or mixed soils. Boogaard Brokers has been selling dredging equipment since 1923. Our current listings range from a modular 600 kW backhoe barge to a 1,900 kW self-manoeuvring backhoe dredger, with buckets up to 14 m³ and dredging depths up to 23 m.
| Built | 2008 |
| Dimensions | 55.00 x 19.00 x 3.50 m |
| Excavating depth | max. 21.00 m (with boom/stick configuration 20 m/ 10 m)
19 m (with boom/stick configuration 20 m/ 7 m) |
| Bucket capacity | 12 m3, 9 m3, 7 m3 and 5 m3 |
| Spud carriage | stroke 10.00 m |
| Built | Built 1981 as pontoon, in 2012 rebuilt into backhoe dredger |
| Classification | AMSA Survey Class 2B / 2D |
| Dimensions | 35.00 x 15.00 x 3.00 m |
| Excavator | Hitachi Super EX 1800-3, , 2 x Cummins type QSK-19 448 kW/each |
| Bucket capacity | 1.5m3/3m3/4m3/6m3
hydr. grab 3 m3 |
| Dredging depth | max. 17 m |
| Built/yard | 2000, U.S.A. |
| Classification | American Bureau of Shipping, ✠A1, Barge, valid until May 2029 |
| Dimensions | 50.30 x 15.30 x 3.20 m |
| Excavator | Liebherr 994, weight approx. 170 tons |
| Excavating depth | max. 23 m |
| Bucket capacity | 14 m3 (mud) 6 m3 (hard materials) |
Above you will find the backhoe dredgers we currently offer, built between 1981 and 2021. Each listing shows the main specifications: excavator make and model, installed power, bucket sizes and maximum dredging depth. Contact us for the full specification, class status, inspection and delivery options. Many vessels are sold before they are published, so if the size you need is not listed, send us your requirements.
Buyers usually select a backhoe dredger on excavator size and bucket capacity first, then on dredging depth, pontoon size and propulsion. As a rough guide:
We do not publish prices, because the value of a used backhoe dredger depends on the combination of pontoon and excavator. The main factors are:
For a price indication on a listed vessel, contact us. For an independent market value, see our vessel valuation reports.
The pontoon is held in position by three spuds: two at the front and one at the stern, often on a tilting spud or spud carrier that lets the pontoon step forward. The excavator digs the material and loads it into a split hopper barge moored alongside, which transports it to the disposal or reclamation site.
Unlike a cutter suction dredger, which cuts the soil and pumps it through a pipeline, a backhoe dredger works mechanically and removes material at close to its natural density. That makes it the better choice for hard soils, debris and sites where a pipeline is not practical. For deeper water, a grab or clamshell dredger is the usual alternative.
We guide buyers from the first enquiry to delivery: specifications, inspection, negotiation, the Memorandum of Agreement and transfer of ownership. See our dredger brokerage services.
Also see our split hopper barges and cutter suction dredgers. Owners who want to sell can list their backhoe dredger with us.
There is none. Backacter is another name for the same machine: a hydraulic excavator on a spud pontoon.
A backhoe dredger with a rock bucket can remove weathered or fractured rock. Strong, solid rock usually needs pre-treatment by drilling and blasting first.
Large backhoe dredgers are towed or shipped as heavy-lift cargo. Modular backhoe barges can be dismantled and moved by road.
Yes. List your vessel with us on a no cure, no pay basis, or ask for a valuation first.
Contact us
