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Heavy machinery plays a crucial role in any construction project. These heavy-duty machines are constructed with durable materials to withstand the conditions and demands of various applications. Additionally, heavy machinery in construction increases efficiency, quality of work, productivity and safety for operators.
Roles of Different Construction Equipment
The construction process involves professionals completing tasks with the appropriate equipment and tools. Heavy machinery is used throughout each stage, providing the necessary power and precision to complete even the most complex tasks.
Excavation
Excavation entails the removal of soil and rocks from the site to prepare the foundation. Since excavation deals with significant amounts of soil, heavy machinery is needed to do the job efficiently and effectively. Some standard heavy equipment used for this stage includes:
- Excavators: Several types of excavators are used depending on the application, from crawlers to skid steer excavators. As the name suggests, excavators are usually the popular choice for digging large trenches and removing materials.
- Bulldozers: Bulldozers are ideal for breaking up sizeable rocks and moving piles of debris and soil.
- Wheel loaders: If you need to dig and haul dirt, rocks and larger materials away from an excavation site, wheel loaders provide the power, attachments and versatility to complete the job.
- Dump trucks: Dump trucks are handy for transporting materials to and from the work site. They play a key role in clearing away clutter and making projects more efficient and safe.
Grading
Grading is another essential task for site preparation. It is the process of creating a level base or sloping the surface to ensure proper drainage and a solid foundation. The process usually requires earthmoving construction equipment and tools, such as:
- Motor graders: A motor grader offers high-precision grading and is used to level surfaces, spread materials, construct slopes and more.
- Tractor scrapers: Tractor scrapers are used during the grading process to remove layers of dirt or gravel on the ground and to further level graded surfaces.
Lifting
Lifting involves operating specialized heavy equipment to lift and lower loads during construction. The load could be anything from materials to other equipment and even people. There is a wide range of lifting equipment used in the construction process, including:
- Cranes: This lifting equipment raises and lowers heavy loads using a boom.
- Forklifts: Forklifts carry and transport materials around the work site. For outdoor construction jobs, rough terrain forklifts are best suited for rocky and uneven surfaces.
- Telehandlers: Telehandlers offer the perfect combination of a crane’s elevation capabilities and the lifting power of a forklift. The machines can be fitted with different attachments, allowing them to lift and move various types of building materials.
Finishing
The finishing phase in construction is when the entire project culminates. At this point, the structure is built and only needs the final touches like flooring, painting, electrical work and HVAC installations. Some of the heavy equipment needed for this stage includes:
- Skid steer loaders: Skid steer loaders move materials from one location to another, and they have the ability to operate effectively in narrow spaces. Since they can be fitted with different attachments, these machines can move pallets and bales, clear materials and prepare landscapes.
- Compact track loaders: A compact track loader can be used with a variety of attachments to carry small materials or move aggregates around the site.
- Work tools: Work tools, such as brooms and blades, are easily attachable to several types of heavy equipment, and they help ensure efficient cleaning and debris removal.
Shop Premium Heavy Machinery From H.O. Penn Machinery
At H.O. Penn, we provide a wide selection of heavy construction equipment and tools for every stage of the process. Explore our inventory of new and used Cat® equipment and contact us for a quote.