When a person has found the perfect plot of land to build their dream home, they obviously wish the construction work to start as soon as possible. Be...
When a person has found the perfect plot of land to build their dream home, they obviously wish the construction work to start as soon as possible. Before this huge project can finally begin, the many aspects of the building process need to be taken into consideration. One of the main preoccupations is the construction equipment. To assess which machines are best suited to each specific terrain and project, it is important to seek as much information as possible about the available equipment.
According to the space available and the nature of the subsoil, various excavators, chassis and attachments can be used. Let’s have a look at the major types of earth work equipment currently on the market. These machines are fundamental to any construction project as they build a solid foundation of the land to support the weight of a building.
Mini Excavators: Also known as Compact Excavators or Mini Diggers. It can often be worthwhile to buy this piece of equipment for private construction projects. They have an operating weight between 0.5 and 7 tons and, as the name suggests, they are more compact and lighter than conventional hydraulic excavators. Known for their ease of use and versatility, it is the perfect machine to use in tight spaces. Due to their small size, they can safely fit within buildings and they are also very efficient on landscaping projects. Mini excavators can be equipped with wheels or tracks, for lower ground pressure. From 7t to 12t, they are commonly known as Midi Excavators, the intermediate between mini excavators and excavators.
Wheeled Excavators: Typical wheeled excavators have an operating weight of 12t to 40t and they are characterized by the fact that they do not require another means of transport when moving from job to job. Thanks to their wheels, they easily run on public roads with a maximal speed of 60 km/h. On the other hand, these excavators sink more easily into in the ground than crawler excavators. Being less stable, they also need to be stabilized into the ground by outriggers.
Crawler Excavators: Equipped with rolling tracks, these large excavators are ideally suited for muddy terrains. No matter how uneven the surface gets, they provide maximum stability. In most cases, they are hydraulic excavators, which implies that the boom is animated hydraulically. Their operating weight varies between 40t and 60t. The larger models are used in quarries or open pits and private builders are probably less likely to enquire about these.
Backhoe Loaders: These multipurpose machines combine both the qualities of an excavator and a loader. They consist of a tractor, equipped at the front with a loading bucket and at the back, an excavator boom. They can be mounted on wheels or crawler tracks and accessorized with different buckets depending on the work that needs to be done. Although the backhoe loader is less powerful than two separate machines, the purchase of a backhoe loader can be worthwhile to save money and space.
Used for demolition, digging and lifting operations, the excavator definitely stands out as the staple for any construction project. To make the right choice amongst the many options regarding sizes, features and attachments, it is important to keep in mind the nature of the task ahead. After clearly understanding all the issues, needs and priorities of the project, you might choose to select one or more excavators, depending on the size of your wallet.
As these machines are designed to stand the test of time, you might also want to consider buying or renting used construction excavators. Many marketplaces are now available online and display a large choice of equipment- making it possible for you to have access to machinery in your neighborhood, across your country and even abroad.
