There is a huge variety of construction machinery. However, some are more widely used due to their efficiency and precision, and are essential for the smooth operation of all construction projects.
Below, we will find a brief overview of the main machines used in construction:
Backhoe loaders
The backhoe loader is one of the most widely used pieces of equipment in the industry, as it serves a variety of purposes. Unlike its cousin, the excavator, it works in a very particular way: it excavates from top to bottom and from the front towards the machine itself, an action that gives it its name.
Its versatility makes it a great work companion, since the reach of its articulated arm makes it suitable for both light and heavy work.
It is exceptionally useful for removing earth, digging trenches and then extracting large quantities of this material below the level of the machine, and the front loading of the bucket can be used to unload and lift materials.
Generally, these excavations are used for the installation of pipes, cables, drains and, especially, for the installation of the foundations of a building.
Operating one of these machines is not for just anyone. Prior operator training is required, covering proper handling and safety practices. Many manufacturers even offer training courses with the machine purchase. Under no circumstances should an inexperienced operator handle one of these machines.
Dredges
The dredger is another widely used piece of heavy equipment that could be considered a continuation of the backhoe, as this machine can excavate at greater depths. It consists of a long-reach boom that ends in an excavating bucket suspended from the top of the boom by a cable.
For example, marine dredges are specifically designed for underwater work, extracting sediment, sand, or mud, making them ideal for port construction.
Motor scrapers or motor scrapers
Motor scrapers are powerful machines mounted on four large tires, designed to move large quantities of materials and deposit them at a distance from the construction site. They consist of a rectangular metal housing with a cutting blade or teeth at the bottom, and a sliding plate at the front that can be adjusted to control the cutting thickness.
The interior is equipped with an ejector plate to gradually remove the excavated material. A hydraulic system operates the entire machine. One of its unique features is the gooseneck-shaped articulated structure that connects the box to the tractor. These machines are quite large and weigh a considerable amount.
Bulldozers
The bulldozer is another type of excavating machine used in construction to remove the topsoil to a predetermined depth. It consists of a tractor stabilized on tracks and, sometimes, on two pneumatic axles. The chassis can be rigid or articulated and includes a wide metal plate with sharp edges, perpendicular to the tractor's longitudinal axis, located at the front. The bulldozer's movement is specifically designed for pulling, not lifting, even though its power and maneuverability would allow it to do so.
Water tanker trucks
Also known as tanker trucks, these vehicles warrant a full entry dedicated to their functions, characteristics, and uses. They are a great help in the daily operations of a construction site. They are used to transport and maintain liquids in perfect condition, depending on their specifications. They not only transport water, but also other liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, or LP gas, which is why they are regulated under strict safety standards in almost every country.
The cargo capacity of these trucks varies depending on their size, ranging from 5,000 to 45,000 liters. In the most modern trucks, this cargo is measured electronically, monitoring the quantity received, in transit, and dispatched.
Mixer trucks or mixer trucks
A mixer truck is a heavy vehicle equipped with a large mixing drum, which can be used to transport concrete or ready-mix concrete, preventing the material from hardening. One of the main advantages of these trucks is that they allow the mix to be transported to the construction site without losing moisture or the properties necessary for optimal results.
The truck's operating principle is quite simple. The rotating drum slows the setting process, ensuring a consistently homogeneous mix. The standard capacity is approximately 8 cubic meters, and this 8-cubic-meter mix weighs 2,400 kilograms. Contrary to popular belief, the truck can also mix other materials such as gravel, cement, sand, water, and additives.
Source: https://www.maquinariacarran.cl/
Cover photo: Pixabay.
