There is a whole wealth of construction vehicles now available on the market, and if you are tasked with managing a project, it can be tough to know which ones you need to hire. Some look extremely similar, while others look like they do not serve any purpose at all. So how are you to know what jobs these machines do?
Below, we go through a few of the construction vehicle types available. From backhoes to bulldozers, we describe their functions and variations in our handy guide.
Construction Vehicle Types
The most iconic, and arguably the most useful of all the construction vehicles, is the bulldozer. It is strong, reliable, and can be used for numerous tasks. In addition, it has an awful lot of power.
Mainly used for scooping and transporting loads, it can move and spread heavy materials quickly. The design of the Bulldozer is actually very simple. The engine sits at the back, and a wide blade is attached to the front that is maneuvered by hydraulic pistons.
Due to its ability to clear and spread, it is often the first vehicle on a construction project. You would find it hard to set up any construction site without a bulldozer.
Front Loaders
Once the bulldozer has pushed away the dirt and debris, ready for construction to begin, you need something to take all that away. That is where the front loader comes in. Though similar in design to the bulldozer, it performs a very different function.
Instead of the blade, they have a shovel and scoop type front. They can quickly lift and dump dirt, clearing the construction zone of any unwanted materials. The only downside is that they can not pick up any materials that are below ground level.
Backhoe
A backhoe is a multifunction construction vehicle, used primarily for digging. It resembles a tractor and has two main sections at the back and front. The back has a moveable arm with a bucket, and the front has a large hydraulic shovel.
They are one of the most popular vehicle son a site as they are adept at small, precise digging jobs. They can move dirt, dig trenches for pipes, and then place them into the ground. Once place, the same vehicles can perform the backfill and cover them up again.
The depth to which they can excavate is dependent on the length of the arm. The large bucket at the back of the vehicle can also be replaced with different tools. This all depends on the type of job you want to perform.
You may also see a mini excavator, which is a smaller, scaled-down backhoe with only the digging function. They are ideal for smaller projects, and should you be looking to stick to a budget on a protect you can compare mini excavator prices online easily.
Dump Trucks
Once the bulldozer has cleared the space and the front loader has picked it up, the dump truck takes it away. Therefore, as they take the debris and rubble away from construction sites they are the vehicles most spotted on the open road. They can also bring extra materials to the site, such as gravel and sand.
The dump truck comprises a number of parts. It has a hydraulic ram that can lift the bed, tipping out the material. They have both front and rear axles and come in six or ten wheel versions.
In fact, there are many variations of dump trucks for different jobs. Standard and triple trailers are available so one truck can haul multiple loads. Some can also be specially adapted for rough, offroad construction projects.
Cranes
On any large scale construction zone, cranes will be a common sight. In fact, a crane piercing the skyline is a surefire sign of construction activities in the area. They are used for several different processes.
They are used primarily to lift heavy objects, such as steel girders, metal beams, and can move heavy equipment up to high places. Cranes can move both horizontally and vertically with great precision. They vary in size and the jobs they can perform.
Some cranes may be truck-mounted, while others may be designed for rough terrain. However, the most commonly viewed is the standard tower crane.
Trenchers
Trenchers do exactly as their name implies, and dig small or large trenches easily and efficiently. These can be used to lay in pipes and cables in construction. Recently, they have seen a boost in popularity on building sites.
They differ in size from huge machines to push along trenchers. There are three main types, a chain, micro, and wheel, all characterized by a large disc tool that cuts into the ground.
Graders
Despite its large size, graders are characterized by their finesse. Although it can move small amounts of dirt, its primary use is to do fine grading.
They feature a long blade that smooths over surfaces. Some may even have a second blade at the front of the machine. They can assist in producing flat or sloped, gradient surfaces on the construction site.
Roller
A roller flattens and compacts the earth. You will often see them when making roads, highways, or pavements. They are available in single and tandem drum models, with the option to have static and vibrating drums.
The large drum pushes down on the gravel or asphalt. This compacts it, making it more secure and safer to drive on. They come in different sizes, from 5 tonnes to 20.
Do You Want to Learn More About Construction?
If you are hiring this equipment for a job, or you were just interested in what the various construction vehicle types were used for, we hope we have helped. If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy more of our descriptive, informative content on our site. Visit us today and let us guide you in the ever-changing world of business and technology.
