There are over 3.7 million construction companies in the US working on a variety of different projects. However, what many have in common is the need for earthmoving equipment, which can make or break a construction project. So, how can you ensure you pick the right equipment for your project?
Earthmoving equipment refers to a variety of construction machines. Tasks are often heavy-duty, involving digging, pushing, and excavating earthworks. However, because earthmoving equipment covers a broad range of functions and machinery, it can be hard to know where to begin when choosing equipment for your project.
Picking the wrong equipment can cause costly delays, requiring construction downtime while you source new equipment and deal with any damage caused by choosing the wrong machines. In order to avoid any issues with equipment, read on to learn everything you need to know about how to pick the best earthmoving equipment for your project.
Equipment Purposes
When deciding on the best earthmoving equipment, reviewing the most common machinery purposes is an excellent place to start. It can help inform your own needs for your project and help rule out machinery that would not have a purpose at your construction site.
Global construction costs are expected to rise by over 4%, so you want to do everything possible to avoid unnecessary spending. Here are some standard earthmoving equipment options.
Excavators
Excavators have different capacities to and excavating depths, and are able to dig up to 30” or more (as with the 374FL excavator). Excavators are used to complete a variety of applications:
- Mass excavation
- Stockpiling
- Digging Trenches
- Loading trucks
- Site clean up
- Backfilling
- Lifting
Some of their main benefits are that they come in various sizes and can aid different tasks, making them a versatile piece of equipment to have on your site.
Loaders
There are various sizes of wheel loaders to handle a variety of applications. They are mainly used for scooping material with a bucket or can have a set of forks attached. Applications include: l
- Moving dirt, rocks, sand or debris
- Lifting materials
- Excavating
- Clean up
- Compacting
Loaders are popular to use in a variety of construction settings.They work well in a variety of settings, and you can attach lots of equipment to them, such as palette forks or a jib boom.
Bulldozers
A popular category of earthmoving equipment choice is the bulldozer. A bulldozer’s main task is to push, level, and move huge loads of debris, such as dirt. They have a variety of uses, including:
- Leveling
- Ripping
- Demolition
- Bulk excavation
- Battering and benching
They offer efficiency and are easy to operate with experience. However, it is essential to stick to standards. Otherwise, it is easy to dig too deep or run into other issues that could delay construction.
Dump Trucks
Earthmoving equipment is diverse, and there are other types of equipment to consider. These include dump trucks, which perform many tasks other earthmoving equipment falls short on.
Dump trucks are perfect when removing excessive amounts of dirt and other items from a site. Usually, they are customizable, and you can pick a suitable size for your project.
The Earthwork Materials
Once you know your earthmoving equipment options, you can start to narrow down your search based on the tasks you need to complete. Then you can consider the type of material you need to move. Knowing the ground surface will help you rule out certain pieces of equipment.
For example, if the material is easy to load and spread, you may benefit from using a scraper. Loaders are great for moving sand, snow, and gravel. Whereas, if materials are difficult to move, such as it being rocky, you need another piece of equipment, such as an articulated truck and excavator.
Also, consider the general ground surface of the construction site. Your equipment may also need to travel across different ground surfaces that may impact your earthmoving equipment options.
Check the Construction Site
The construction sector in North America continues to improve due to a variety of factors. One of these factors is how efficiently companies are working on completing projects. The good news is construction equipment like earthmoving equipment is developing, with technical integrations and more sophisticated processes.
However, there are still some limitations to what earthmoving equipment you can use at your construction site. When choosing earthmovers equipment, also consider the conditions of where you will be. There are several factors you need to consider that will inform what equipment you need to use.
Road Conditions
What are the conditions of the roads leading to your site? Towing roads can determine what type of machinery you use.
Size of Construction Project
Not all earthmoving equipment thrives in the same environment. Consider the size of your project and if you need any features such as rotation or high production.
Small loaders work well in tight spaces; excavators can move in all directions but stick to one area. However, excavators can take up more space because of their size. Also, take into consideration any attachments you will need to use, which will impact the size of the machine for your project.
You can also judge size needs by considering the cutting lengths and depths you need. For example, articulated haulers work well in confined spaces because of their top-loading technique.
Hauling Distances
One of the main factors that impact the earthmoving equipment you choose is the hauling distances at your site. For job sites with longer hauls, cycle times become an important consideration.
If you pick equipment that is too small or too slow, it will not be able to keep up with the production required to keep your job running smoothly.. Avoid wasted time on your construction project by choosing earthmoving equipment that is suitable for the distance that you need to haul.
Load Height and Capacity
Along with focusing on the ground, you also need to look to the sky. If your project requires certain load heights, it will determine your chosen equipment.
For example, lifting loads to high places may require machinery that meets height requirements. Likewise, some job sites require work underneath overhead obstacles, so machine size can be a consideration.
You also need to consider the machine’s capacity and how much it needs to transport. Pick a size that can manage material capacity with ease. You do not want to damage or break equipment due to poor capacity choices and being overloaded.
Flexibility and Versatility of Equipment
It is helpful to consider the specific tasks that require earthmoving equipment. However, it is essential to remember that conditions can quickly change on a construction site.
At a construction site, rain could cause slick soil texture or create too much standing water, causing the job to shut down for multiple days while it dries out. In contrast, soil can become too dry making it harder to compact or create dust. You should also be aware of what extreme weather conditions could occur in your area, such as heavy snow, and consider these factors when searching for earthmoving equipment.
It can be useful to pick earthmoving equipment that offers flexibility and versatility. You then use the equipment for various tasks and in different conditions.
Construction Targets
Do you have specific construction targets to reach? Before deciding on earthmoving equipment, check your construction goals. You might want to aim for certain production levels, such as a daily digging target.
Construction goals can help inform your decision of what size, capacity, and type of earthmoving equipment you can pick. Equipment can easily enhance productivity or delay it, so choose wisely.
Buy vs. Rent Earthmoving Equipment
Once you decide what equipment you need, consider renting earthmoving equipment or buying it. There are pros and cons to both choices.
Earthmoving equipment rental positives include:
- Transportation assistance
- Initial cost-savings
- Maintenance and repair support
- Project-specific rentals
- No need for storage
Earthmoving equipment rentals allow you to use equipment targeted at specific construction project needs. However, if you consistently use the same equipment at construction sites, you might consider earthmoving equipment for sale, which can lead to long-term cost savings.
Equipment Condition
When considering either earthmoving equipment rentals or buying, you must also factor in equipment condition. There is usually a choice to pick used or new equipment.
Buying used earthmoving equipment often opens up more extensive inventory options, so you can target your specific earthmover needs. There is also a lower upfront cost and lower insurance rates.
Renting used equipment also opens up more equipment options. However, you might also want to rent equipment to try it before you buy it. If so, it is also worth considering the latest equipment models to compare productivity and functioning.
Price
It is vital to work out your construction project budget before choosing earthmoving equipment. You can start by requesting a quote for equipment.
Your budget may impact whether you rent earthmoving equipment or buy it, and it can affect how many options you have. You might be limited to specific brands or types of machinery.
If you have a smaller construction budget, you may benefit from choosing equipment that is versatile, with many application options. This way, you do not have to rent or buy as many pieces of equipment to lower costs. You can also consider used equipment, which is also more affordable.
However, remember that the cheapest option is not always the best deal. And the most expensive option is not always the best quality.
Consider your specific needs and other factors when considering pricing, such as load capacity, technology, and what is included in the price. Is there a warranty or maintenance service? Do you have flexible earthmoving equipment rental dates?
Brand Reputation
The brand of earthmoving equipment can also impact your final choice. Reputable brands have got to their position for a reason, such as Superior Manufacturing, so you should always check out their equipment options. They have quality equipment that is reliable and efficient.
You can also look at lesser-known brands, which may offer cheaper deals. It is best to check customer reviews for all equipment. Try to focus on reviews from similar construction projects that have similar needs to your project.
Earthmoving Equipment Supplier
The earthmoving equipment supplier you pick can also make or break your equipment choices. Firstly, you want to choose a supplier with an extensive equipment supply. Otherwise, you may have to source the equipment you need from different suppliers, which can cause construction delays and is time-consuming.
It is useful if an earthmoving equipment company works in various industries, as this also broadens your options and ensures you can pick industry-specific items if you need them.
Also, look out for a supplier with exceptional customer service. They can help advise you on what equipment is best for your project. And you want to be able to reach out to them if you have any issues.
A reputable supplier will be transparent about their repair process, ways to contact them, and their equipment options. You can also check customer reviews for extra peace of mind.
It can be useful to consider their location and how easily they can transport equipment to you. One of the main advantages to earthmoving equipment rentals is location logistics, but always check the supplier offers the services you require.
Choose the Right Earthmoving Equipment
It can feel overwhelming when you begin to look for earthmoving equipment for your project. However, do not settle for the first equipment you can find. Investing time now to find the most suitable equipment for your project will offer many rewards in the long run.
Avoid construction delays due to using faulty, incorrect, or inefficient equipment. Follow these tips to help you find the best earthmoving equipment for your project.
Are you ready to look at your options? Worldwide Machinery is here to help, with the option to buy or rent earthmoving equipment. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions; someone from our experienced customer service team will assist you.
