top of page

5 Machines that Move the Earth for Us

Writer: RALPH COPERALPH COPE


Earth-moving machines are at the heart of any construction project. Earth-moving activities require multipurpose heavy machinery to carry out the tasks of digging, loading-unloading, moving large quantities of earth, grading soil, breaking rock, landscaping, clearing out debris, demolition work, and much more. The following are 5 types of construction equipment most commonly seen on construction sites:


1. Excavators

An excavator is one of the most valuable pieces of heavy construction equipment on-site. It is used for digging trenches, holes, and foundations. It consists of an operator cabin, undercarriage, boom, stick, and bucket. The operator cabin, popularly known as the house, sits on top of the undercarriage with tracks or wheels. A hydraulic excavator relies on the power of hydraulic fluid, hydraulic cylinders, and a hydraulic motor to accomplish its tasks. Several types of excavators are available, each with different features that assist in the task at hand on the construction site. For example, tracked excavators are suitable for digging, material handling, and demolition. In contrast, mini-excavators are small and lightweight, making them ideal for trenching and utility work.



2. Backhoe loader

The backhoe loader (also sometimes known as a TLB) is heavy construction machinery combined with three types of construction equipment. It consists of a tractor, a loader, and a backhoe. Their mobility makes them suitable for earth-moving activities in urban areas. They are used for excavation works, digging trenches, placing pipes, filling trenches, lifting materials, etc. Backhoe loaders are one of the most popular earthmoving machinery in India.


3. Wheel Loader

Wheel loaders, also known as front loaders, are versatile heavy-duty machinery with a high load-carrying capacity. The primary purpose of a wheel loader on-site is to dig, carry, haul, and transport material on-site. A wheel loader consists of an arm with a hauling bucket or scoops that efficiently carries large-scale materials. Besides construction sites, they can also be used for agricultural and landscaping purposes. Loaders come in various sizes, making them ideal for projects of any size.


4. Motor grader

The motor grader is heavy-duty machinery with a multipurpose long blade. Motor graders are primarily used in civil construction, roadworks, and mining sites to create smooth roads. Graders have special attachments that make them multipurpose, like a ripper, scarifier, blade, or compactor.


5. Skid-steer loader

Skid-steer loaders are tire-mounted, small-sized construction machinery commonly used on construction sites with space restrictions. The machine has lift arms designed to latch onto several attachments. The wheels of the skid-steer loader are locked in synchronization on each side. This mechanism allows the left-side drive wheels to be driven independently of the right-side wheels. The skid-steer loader has a tough and rigid frame. Robust wheel bearings are required to prevent torsional force caused due to motion from damaging this machine.


Summary

Construction sites vary in terrain types and size. Hence, choosing the perfect construction equipment for a site contributes to the economy, quality, safety, and timely completion of a project. Thorough research is essential before purchasing or renting any piece of construction equipment to keep operational costs in check.



コメント


Workshop Locations

Durban: Bux Farm

Johannesburg: Benoni

Vikfin logo

Telephone/WhatsApp

083 639 1982 (Justin Cope) - Durban

071 351 9750 (Ralph Cope) - Johannesburg

©2019 by Vikfin (PTY) Ltd. 

bottom of page