9 Types Of Heavy Equipment Used In Construction

This blog will provide some insight into what types of heavy equipment are commonly used in construction projects.

Heavy equipment includes excavators, cranes, bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, and graders. These types of machines often move dirt or other materials around a job site.

The size, shape, and purpose help determine the type of machine needed. So, knowing the differences between each type helps you choose the proper tool for the job.

1. Articulated Truck

An articulated truck is a semi-truck that has two separate chassis, one for each axle. This allows the driver to drive at higher speeds while still having the ability to turn sharp corners.

The main advantage of an articulated truck is that it can carry longer loads and therefore saves on fuel costs.

Today, articulated trucks are used to move large objects such as cars, boats, and machinery and are also used to transport goods across the United States.

2. Asphalt Paver

An asphalt paver is a machine that spreads hot asphalt onto a road surface. This is done using large rollers to apply the asphalt across the road.

Asphalt pavers are usually required when resurfacing roads, parking lots, driveways, etc. They are also used to pave parking lots, roads, driveways, sidewalks, etc.

Asphalt pavers are used to create decorative patterns on brick walls, stone walls, and other types of paving.

3. Draglines

A dragline is a large machine used to dig holes for oil wells. The dragline has two arms that move up and down like a giant claw.

Draglines are usually operated from a tower crane. The operator sits inside the cab and controls arm movement using levers and pedals.

A dragline is also used to excavate mines. Draglines use buckets to scoop dirt and rock from the mine floor and dump them into trucks. The bucket is attached to a long arm called a boom which extends out over the pit. This allows the operator to move the bucket around the hole and pick up loose ore.

4. Backhoe

A backhoe is a large machine for digging holes, moving dirt, and excavating rocks. Backhoes are usually equipped with a bucket at the front end attached to a long arm that extends out from the machine's body.

The bucket has a wide mouth that allows it to scoop up soil and move it around. Attachments like buckets will enable the machine to dig deeper into the ground. The arm can be raised or lowered by hydraulic cylinders. A backhoe may have one or more components depending on its size.

Backhoes are often used in construction projects to dig trenches, install pipes, and perform other excavation work. They are also commonly used to remove trees and stumps from landfills.

5. Dozers

Dozers are used for many projects such as farming, land clearing, building roads, demolishing buildings, home renovations, etc. In addition, this is an essential piece of machinery for construction sites.

A dozer is a handy machine for any project because it is versatile enough to perform multiple tasks.

The dozer is a tracked vehicle with a large blade mounted on the front. The edge can move up and down, allowing the operator to dig into the ground, break up hard surfaces, cut trees, clear brush, and even level off terrain.

6. Excavators

Excavators are versatile machines capable of tackling many different tasks. They can dig trenches, cut down trees, move large amounts of the earth, and even lift heavy loads.

While some excavators are designed solely for digging, others are built for specific jobs like construction, mining, and landscaping.

Mini excavators are compact and easier to manoeuvre around tight spaces, unlike larger models. Their small size makes them ideal for renovating homes and buildings. In addition, these little machines are often used for small demolition projects and smaller excavation jobs.

Medium excavators are great for more significant demolition projects and larger construction sites. They usually feature a more extended reach arm, making it possible to clear out debris and fill holes much faster than smaller excavators.

7. Forklifts

Counterweight forklifts are best suited for moving loads weighing up to 2 tons. They are usually used for short-distance movements such as picking up goods from one location and delivering it to another.

These machines are ideal for warehouses where there is little space for manoeuvring. They can easily navigate in tight spaces and narrow corridors.

Side loader forklifts are designed for lifting and transporting heavier loads. Their load capacity ranges from 5 to 15 tons. They are often used in manufacturing plants and construction sites.

Pallet jacks are suitable for handling loads ranging from 10 to 20 tons. They are commonly found in factories, distribution centres, and retail stores.

8. Motor Graders

Motor graders are versatile machines designed to do many different jobs. For example, a motor grader can be used for construction projects such as road paving, trenching, grading, and even landscaping.

These heavy equipment vehicles are usually powered by diesel engines and can weigh up to 80 tons.

Several factors affect a motor grader's performance, including the type of engine it uses, the size of the tires, the weight of the vehicle, the number of horsepowers, and the operator's height.

9. Wheel Tractor-Scrapers

Wheel tractor scrapers are beneficial machines for scrapping, moving, and collecting soil. In addition, they are used for construction projects, landscaping, farming, and even mining.

Many types of wheel tractor scrapers are available, including crawler track scrapers, rubber tire scrapers, and even electric-powered scrapers. These scrapers can be purchased or used depending on your budget and needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Construction Equipment

Using construction equipment helps us get the job done fast and effectively. Though with its advantages come disadvantages to using construction equipment, and it is important for you to be aware of these.

Below is a table of some of these advantages and disadvantages.

Conclusion

Construction equipment is an essential tool used in construction, and different types of equipment perform various tasks - so it's important to know what each is used for.

We hope this article has given you a clearer understanding of how and when to use construction equipment.

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