The distinction between heavy equipment and light equipment is more complicated than merely separating them based on size. Machines classified as heavy equipment are found in the construction, forestry, mining, and industrial fields. Heavy equipment is machinery capable of heavy duty work. Heavy equipment comes in a wide range of sizes, and it is used to perform large operations, such as earthwork. There are many different types of heavy equipment, each of which is used for a specific task. Here are some types of heavy equipment and how to use them on your job site.
- Skid Steer Loaders – A skid steer loader can serve many purposes on a jobsite, despite its small size. Loaders can be used for moving debris, rocks, logs and other materials. Skid steer loaders are typically compatible with a wide variety of attachments, making them versatile machines. Skid steers are often used for road work, excavation, and demolition.
- Backhoe Loaders – Backhoe loaders have a bucket at the front and a backhoe at the back. This equipment can be used to carry and push materials. On job sites involving construction, excavation, and digging, backhoe loaders serve as multitasking machines.
- Wheel Tractor-Scrapers – You can use a wheel tractor-scraper to loosen soil at your project site. An automatic conveyor belt will then collect the loose material. Earth can then be moved to other locations on your construction site. A tractor-scraper is useful for projects that require leveling land.
- Blast Hole Drills – This type of drill is commonly found at mining sites. It can drill a hole right through rock. Once the hole is drilled, explosives are inserted into it. It creates cracks in the rock when it detonates, assisting mining activities and further drilling.
- Cranes – A crane can range in size from a small option to one as large as a building. Heavy loads, such as materials or machinery, can be lifted from one job site area to another with this equipment. Cranes have either telescopic or fixed booms.
- Trenchers – Trenchers are useful for digging ditches, holes, and other trench-like areas. The holes are typically dug to lay cables or pipes. Trenchers come in many sizes, like other heavy equipment.
- Road Graders – Surfaces of roads are flattened and smoothed by road graders. Generally, road graders are used to prepare an area for paving, but you can also use them to maintain dirt roads. They are useful when you need to lay a foundation for other structures as well.
- Excavators – Construction sites often use excavators as multipurpose tools. Excavators can be tracked or wheeled and are available in various sizes. Usually excavators come with bucket attachments, but they can also be used with other tools. Excavators can be used for many things, including digging and landscaping.
- Forklifts – When it comes to moving, loading, and unloading heavy materials and packages, forklifts are often the best choice. This heavy equipment is ideal for warehouse applications. Several types and sizes of all-terrain forklifts are available that work outdoors and indoors. These machines are ideal for transporting items from one place to another.
- Bulldozers – Bulldozers have three blade options which allow them to move anything from rocks to soil to snow. Additionally, you can use the blades to break and loosen other items. The bulldozer is a valuable piece of heavy equipment for construction, forestry, mining, and more.
- Asphalt Pavers – Asphalt can be laid and packed with a paver. As the dump truck transports the asphalt, the paver follows behind, laying the material. A paver can be used to create a public road, recreation area, or driveway.
