6 Types of Heavy Equipment and Their Dynamic Roles in Construction

Are you curious about the names and uses of different heavy equipment you see on construction sites? Discover these specific types of heavy equipment to learn more about them.

A number of heavy machines are utilized in large construction projects, in addition to the fundamental equipment required to assist in the completion of the work. Explore the various applications of heavy machinery in the building business.

(Photo : Pexels/Ankit Rainloure )

1. Back Loaders

Backhoe loaders are highly adaptable forms of heavy construction equipment. They are fusions of three distinct pieces of machinery: a tractor, a backhoe, and a loader. The backhoe is the major function of this instrument, and it is utilized for digging hard materials, most commonly compacted earth. It can also lift huge loads and position them in a specific location.

2. Cold Planners

In certain regions, cold planers are also referred to as milling machines. The removal of asphalt and concrete from a surface is accomplished with the help of this construction equipment category. Pavement-cutting cutters operate within these devices, accompanied by a large rotating drum that grinds the surface. By being automatically propelled to the center of the rotating drum, loose pavement is transferred to a conveyor belt affixed to the apparatus. Accordingly, water is typically supplied to the drum during this milling process to reduce the dust and heat produced.

3. Dozer

A big metal blade located in the front of a dozer distinguishes it from other types of machines. This blade is used to push large volumes of earth or other materials. When moving substantial quantities over a brief distance, employing a dozer to make the load is an effective method. Integrating an articulated dump truck and a backhoe loader is the more suitable configuration when material transportation extends beyond a short distance.

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4. Compact Track and Multi Terrain Loaders

When transporting heavy goods to and from the worksite, you can use either a compact track loader or a multi-terrain loader. However, despite their similarities in appearance and operation, the two machines are different. Compact track loaders are designed for more severe, heavy-duty operations than multi-terrain loaders. While a compact track loader can tackle more difficult terrains such as rocks, mud, and sand, a multi-terrain loader is more suitable for terrains that require more care, such as sod or turf. However, a multi-terrain loader is powerful and effective.

5. Draglines

Large-scale excavators, known as draglines, reach significant depths at surface mining sites, excavation sites above ground, and other locations. Using a tall boom arm that is fitted with wire-based drag and hoist ropes, draglines can perform their functions. These ropes can transport an attached bucket to and from its application location when used in conjunction. After it has been positioned, the dragline operator commands the bucket to move across the surface to gather debris and shift it about.

6. Telehandler

The employment of a telehandler is joint in situations where a forklift would not be sufficient. Additionally, it can access considerably higher regions than a forklift and has a heavier-duty design. With an arm that can be extended, these pieces of heavy equipment can position loads at elevated positions. Regarding off-road terrain, the machine's massive tires give it an advantage over other vehicles.

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