Hiring and Maintaining Heavy Construction Equipment

Every day, we see so many magnificent buildings and infrastructure around us, but many of us do not have the slightest clue about the earthmoving machines employed in the construction process. Earthmoving is one of the most difficult parts of the construction process. It is usually performed when construction contractors need to prepare the foundation for new buildings or infrastructure, such as roads or dams. Here is an overview of some of the most widely used earthmoving equipment across Australia.

Excavators

As their name suggests, excavators are primarily used for digging earth and moving it somewhere else. Excavators consist of a boom, stick/arm, bucket, undercarriage, and a house-like cabin. Though they are designed the same way, excavators come in different sizes. Hence, there are compact (minis), mid-sized (midis) and full-size excavators. The choice of a suitable size excavator depends on site-specific factors such as the working space available. For example, tight spaces call for smaller machines. However, you should be sure to select a machine that is compact in size but still has the power to get the job done efficiently.

Excavators can either be wheeled or tracked. Wheeled excavators run on large wheels, whereas tracked/crawler versions move around on two endless track chains. Wheeled excavators are ideal for use in plain ground operations, while the crawler versions are favoured for use in hilly terrains. 

Bulldozers

These earthmoving equipment are revered for their large size and tremendous horsepower. Bulldozers are easily noticeable by the large blade located at the front to help move huge heaps of soil or rubble onsite without breaking a sweat. They are commonly used in large excavation projects, such as road and dam construction, which often generate large piles of debris. Most bulldozers come as crawlers because of the difficult conditions in which they are used. The track-chain wheel system allows for optimal balance and stability of the machine when heavy loads are being moved. 

Backhoe loaders

A backhoe loader is a type of a tractor that has a front shovel and small backhoe attached to the rear. The shovel is used for trenching and moving earth, but it can also be used to position large drainage pipes into place. The backhoe on the rear is usually used for digging holes. Backhoe loaders are a great choice for smaller excavation projects that have to be done in space-restricted sites. They are a perfect substitute for mini excavators. 

There are so many other different types of earthmoving equipment available, and it is up to construction contractors to choose the most suitable machine for their excavation. Click here for additional reading.