Compact backhoes are generally standalone backhoe loaders with a digging depth of less than 15 feet.  In general, compact backhoes can attach to a tractor via a 3 point hitch.  You can power them off the PTO drive or via your tractors hydraulics.  In general, the PTO pump solution is superior because it requires less mangling of the tractor’s hoses.  The less you mess with, the less that can go wrong.  Most compact backhoes come with their own oil reservoir.  Virtually every tractor is capable of adding a backhoe – if you have a very light tractor, you probably should have a front loader on the tractor to make sure that you aren’t back-heavy.   This is a picture of a compact backhoe attached to a Kubota M59 Tractor, with 59 horse power.  Most tractors come standard with a front loader, but the backhoe is usually sold separately.  If you are mechanical, or desire to save money, we recommend purchasing a backhoe separately and installing it yourself.  You will want your tractor dealership to support your tractor, but backhoe attachments are easy to build, easy to install, and easy to maintain.