The Polish Army UMI Backhoe

Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) is Poland’s largest manufacturer of construction equipment. The Polish Army UMI Backhoe Loader 9.50 is based on the commercial model 9.50 backhoe loader introduced in 2004. A small number of machines have been supplied to the Polish Army, and some are known to have been deployed operationally.

The UMI Backhoe Loader 9.50 is entirely conventional in design and complies with the latest relevant commercial legislation. By means of a hydraulic quick connection system, the front arm may be fitted with assorted buckets, a dozer blade, a snow plough, a grab for handling tree trucks or similar, or various forks for lifting. The rear backhoe may also be fitted with assorted buckets, a hydraulic hammer or may also be used for lifting operations.

For military applications the vehicle is supplied with rifle brackets in the cab (for PM-63 or similar), an electrical system for installation of a radio telephone type R3501 and passive night-vision goggles, a compressor with air-line, a set of sapper tools, facilities to locate camouflage netting, catches to locate a riotous protection kit, and a rear convoy light. Climatic operational range is -30°C to +40°C. Time to switch from transportation mode to operational mode is a maximum of 10 minutes. The standard vehicle may be transported by rail and may be adapted to fit inside a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.