MODULE 5:

SIX TYPES OF HEAVY EARTH MOVING

EQUIPMENT
There are six main
kinds of heavy earth
moving equipment on
the market and it helps
to be clear on the
features and purpose
of each so you can
make the best choice
when it comes to using
heavy machinery.
1. EXCAVATORS
Excavators can be utilised
over wheels or treads and are
used most often. They are
usually obvious on account of
their long bucket arm
attached to a cab which
pivots. Excavators are
operated by a worker who, in
the cab, has high visibility
over the work area.
2. BACKHOE LOADERS
Backhoe loaders are mounted on tyres
and can be used in suburban areas. They
share many similarities with tractors. The
main difference is they contain a shovel
at the front which can be adjusted and a
bucket at the rear which is used to dig.
Backhoe loaders are usually the best
choice for smaller jobs which need to be
completed in a more restrained space.
Backhoe loaders shift dirt, shovel
trenches and position pipes into place.
3. BULLDOZERS
Generally bulldozers are believed to
be the most heavy-duty machines on
the market. Bulldozers are incredibly
strong and the best choice for
shifting large amounts of dirt on
sites where there are wide open
spaces, rough grading, and grinding
rock. Bulldozers are easily identified
by the huge blade at the front of the
equipment that is controlled with
the use of hydraulic pistons.
4. SKID STEER LOADERS
Skid steer loaders can be used for the
widest range of purposes of all heavy
earth moving machinery. It's also
equipment which is very easy to use
and being on wheels, with a tight
turning range, is the best choice for
smaller sites. Skid steel loaders help
lower soil compaction, work well in
difficult conditions such as snow/mud,
and have a limited impact on finished
zones because of their tread system.
5. MOTOR GRADERS
Most often employed to fine grade and shift small amounts
of dirt and prepare the base before laying asphalt, motor
graders are identified by their longer adjustable blade used to
make surfaces smoother. They also feature an additional
blade so they can be used for decompacting the ground.
6. TRENCHERS
Trenchers are mostly used to dig
trenches before pipes are laid down. A
range of different trencher machines are
available including walk-behind modules,
smaller-sized trenchers or heavier
equipment used to trench firmer
ground. Trenchers are highly versatile in
that they utilise alternating digging
functions according to the needs of the
job. They should be dealt with by
experienced construction professionals
because they can be very dangerous.