Abstract: In a backhoe type of excavating apparatus comprised principally of: a main arm or mast fulcrumed at one end from a rear platform of a tractor; a second hydraulically articulated arm, or so-called dipper stick, supported by and pivoted on the free end of the main arm; and a trenching or digging bucket pivotally attached to the free end of the dipper stick and being hydraulically articulated to provide a swinging or curling motion thereto, an improved dipper stick constructed of telescoping sections for extending or shortening the length thereof in response to an internally contained hydraulic actuator and including at its mast supported end a hydraulic rotator assembly whereby the dipper stick (and attached digging bucket) may be rotated over approximately 150.degree. in each direction from its normal vertical orientation.