Getting the job done in construction can sometimes require a variety of heavy equipment. Different situations call for a different machine that is right for the job. While some can do multiple things, some machines do handle certain tasks better than others. In this post, we’ll take a look at a few kinds of heavy equipment that are essential to your fleet being able to handle any job. These are the must-have heavy equipment machines for construction.
Bulldozer
Bulldozers are likely the first machine many people think of when they hear the words “heavy equipment.” These machines are equipped with broad, flat blades on the front that allow them to push large masses of earth. Bulldozers are also great for grading, as their sheer mass and power can flatten most things in their paths. There are different sizes of bulldozers available, so you’ll want to consider which is best for the kind of work you and your team will be doing.
Loader Backhoe
Loader backhoes, more commonly referred to as backhoes. They feature a bucket that can be used for digging and a loader bucket at the opposite end that can be used to push dirt and load material. Loader backhoes also offer the versatility of different attachments for the end of the boom, including different widths of bucket. Backhoes are typically used for smaller jobs and having rubber tires provide the added benefit of being able to be driven to the worksite.
Skid-Steer Loader
Skid-steer loaders are near the top of the heavy equipment world in terms of versatility. A skid-steer loader’s bucket allows it the capability to push, carry and load dirt and other materials. The machine’s capabilities are widened by the vast array of attachments available, including ones designed for drilling and digging. One of the biggest advantages of skid-steer loaders is their size and maneuverability, which allows them to reach places other larger machines cannot.
Excavator
Excavators are among the most versatile digging machines in the heavy equipment category. They can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including digging, demolition and clearing land. While they are primarily used to dig, an increasing number of attachments, such as an auger, make many other functions possible. Excavators feature cabs that can rotate a full 360 degrees, allowing for range that very few other heavy equipment machines offer.
Dump Truck
After digging, you’re going to need somewhere to put that dirt. This is where dump trucks come into play. Not only can they transport earth and debris from the construction site, but they can also transport materials to the job site. They come in a variety of sizes that are equipped to handle different jobs and different loads. You’ll want to check the specifications of the dump truck based on the load size and kind of materials you will be transporting.
You can learn how to work heavy equipment machines like these at Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC). We offer four different programs, each lasting only three weeks. Our experienced instructors will teach you everything you need to know about properly operating heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner. At the end of our programs, you will have learned the skills and knowledge to pursue entry-level heavy equipment operator jobs. To learn more about HEC and the programs we offer, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!
