Heavy machinery, or construction equipment, consists of vehicles that execute large-scale building and civil engineering tasks. Some examples include:
Loaders are machines that dig up and move dirt around. They have a front bucket that scoops up materials and load them onto trucks. They are available in wheeled and tracked versions.
Excavator
The need for heavy machinery is inevitable when embarking on a construction project or any large-scale endeavor. The decision whether to rent or purchase these machines is a crucial one. For instance, heavy equipment rental Villa Hills, Kentucky, offers several benefits, making it a favorable choice for many project managers and contractors.
Excavators are a staple on construction sites. These machines dig trenches, build foundations, grade land, and load or unload heavy materials.
They’re powerful, versatile, and able to adapt to different environments or jobs by swapping out their digging bucket for other attachments.
The machine’s hydraulic system is a complex network of high-pressure hoses, pumps, and control valves that act like the machine’s biceps and triceps. Hydraulic cylinders allow the excavator arm to rise and lower, move the boom, and rotate around its connection to the house.
Bulldozer
A bulldozer is a powerful machine for pushing earth or rocks. It consists of a heavy, broad steel blade mounted on the front of a crawler tractor.
These large vehicles are essential in construction, mining, forestry, and land clearing. They have a strong frame that can handle twisting forces and have specialized blades for different jobs. Early types were adapted from farm tractors used to plow fields. To dig canals, raise earth dams, and partake in other earthmoving tasks, these tractors were equipped with a thick metal plate on the front, which earned it the name blade.
Paver
Heavy equipment includes vehicles specifically designed to execute construction jobs that require earthwork. It’s commonly used in agriculture, mining, oil and gas, forestry, transportation infrastructure, and military engineering. A paver is a machine that uses asphalt to lay pavements. It consists of a tractor with an engine, receiving hopper, feeder conveyors, and distribution augers. The operator controls the paver’s speed to match the job’s demands.
Backhoe
Designed to combine two popular functionalities of heavy machinery, the backhoe has a loader bucket for pushing, lifting, and transporting materials on one side and a dipper stick for digging. The backhoe can also be equipped with various other attachments to perform specific tasks, such as forks, hammers, and breakers.
The front of a backhoe cab is equipped with a tractor-like loader, which lifts and moves material using a hydraulic system. Many loaders are outfitted with features that support the operator, such as steering assists and air suspension seats to reduce jolting.
Wheel Tractor-Scraper
A wheel scraper is a piece of heavy machinery used in construction, agriculture, and earthmoving. This machine utilizes a scraping blade that cuts into the soil to load and transport it into a trailer bucket called the bowl. A metal plate called an apron closes the bowl, preventing the material from spilling out once it is full.
These machines operate in various power zones and provide the speed and traction required for various applications. They are also capable of working with a wide range of materials.
Utility Vehicle
A utility vehicle is a powerful, four-wheel, off-road work vehicle that’s built to haul equipment and supplies in areas where it would be impractical or dangerous for a truck to go. Also known as side-by-sides, they have a cabin with seat belts and roll-over protection and can accommodate two people.
Before using a UTV, it’s vital that the operator read the owner’s manual and follow all safety decals on the machine. It’s also helpful if a supervisor can provide model-specific, hands-on training for safe operation.
Track Loader
The track loader, also known as a skid-steer loader (SSL), works well in space-restricted areas and can maneuver in tight spaces. Look for a model with industry-leading lift height and rated operating capacity to get the most bang for your buck.
The tracks spread the machine’s weight over a larger area, making it easier to “float” on boggy ground. It makes for an efficient workhorse with powerful pushing, digging, lifting power, and superior traction.