What type of equipment is primarily used to excavate a broken sewer pipe?

The backhoe is primarily used to excavate broken sewer pipes due to its versatility and design, which allows for digging in deep trenches and tight spaces. Backhoes feature a digging bucket on the rear and a loader on the front, giving them the capability to perform various tasks in excavation, including breaking through asphalt or concrete above a sewer line, digging to access the pipe, and then removing the material surrounding the pipe for repairs or replacement. This equipment is favored in sewer maintenance because it can easily maneuver in urban environments where space is limited.

Other equipment options, while useful in other contexts, do not match the specific requirements for excavating broken sewer pipes as effectively as a backhoe. An excavator, for instance, is larger and often used for heavier digging in broader areas, making it less practical for tight, urban settings. A front loader is generally designed for lifting and transporting materials rather than precise digging tasks. A skid steer is compact and can be effective in limited spaces but lacks the depth and reach of a backhoe, making it less suitable for deep excavation required in sewer maintenance.