Choosing the Right Construction Site Equipment: Factors to Consider
Deciding what type of construction equipment you need for your business requires a lot of research and consideration of many different factors. The type of business you are in and the functionality of the equipment are primary considerations, but you also need to consider factors like operator training, maintenance, and the cost of breakdowns. For example, if you know you are going to be using a lot of heavy machinery and lifting large items, a good place to start is to pay attention to the Hydraulic Components you are likely going to use. More specifically acquiring a quality range of relief valves is crucial, as these components ensure the safety and efficiency of your hydraulic systems. Using high-quality relief valves can prevent costly damage and downtime, contributing to the overall reliability of your equipment. Additionally, this guide provides detailed information on various types of construction equipment, their functions, and their suitability for different tasks. This helps you understand which equipment will best meet your specific needs and operational requirements.
In addition to the primary machinery, it's crucial to consider the necessity of a road plate for ensuring safe and efficient access across the construction site, especially in areas with heavy traffic or unstable ground.
Types of Construction Projects
There are four main types of construction, and while some types of equipment are used for many different kinds of projects, your business needs specific types to get the job done depending on the focus of your company.
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
Infrastructure
The Size of Your Project
When you’re choosing the best equipment for your job, the size of your project is important. You can handle a small earth-moving project with a backhoe, but if you’re building a road, you could need everything from bulldozers and scrapers to large-wheeled excavators. You may choose to purchase your equipment, but if it's something you need for one specific project, or you would prefer equipment that you know is compliant and up to date with safety and environmental standards, you could rent your equipment from a supplier such as https://nationwidediggerhire.co.uk/. This can be a great cost-effective choice for any project, of different sizes.
Smaller types of heavy equipment can maneuver more easily on small projects. When building a residential building, you might be able to do all of the site prep with a skid steer, but if you're building a large industrial building, you will need an excavator. For precise underground utility location and tracking, a ditch witch 750 tracker can be indispensable on certain construction sites.
Functionality
Construction equipment (CE) can be categorized into different classifications based on its functionality. Here are some common functionalities of CE.
Earth-moving
Compacting
Hauling and equipment moving
Hoisting and lifting
Conveying
Crushing
Concrete mixing
Pile driving
Drilling
Attachments
The functionality of various types of heavy equipment can be increased with a variety of attachments. Versatile types of CE, including backhoes, skid steers, tractors, and forklifts, have a variety of attachments that can make them more useful, which will save your company money in the long run.
Backhoes
Many different types of buckets, blades, trenchers, and post-hole diggers can be attached to a backhoe to increase its usefulness. Snowplows are another common attachment, and they make your backhoe useful year-round.
Forklifts
Forklifts have a wide range of attachments. One of the most useful attachments is a forklift trailer hitch. They are hands-free, so you can pick them up without leaving your seat, and the self-locking mechanism doesn’t require pins or chains. These attachments make it easy to grab a trailer and move it with your forklift.
When using attachments like forklift trailer hitches, it's important to ensure that all parts are in good working condition for optimal performance. Over time, equipment components can wear down, especially when handling heavy loads. That's where Intella Parts Company LLC comes in. They provide a wide range of high-quality forklift parts and accessories, helping businesses maintain and repair their machinery efficiently. Whether you need a replacement for a trailer hitch or other forklift components, Intella Parts offers reliable solutions to keep your equipment running smoothly.
Skid Steers
Everything from augers to pallet forks and power rakes can be added to your skid steer. There are over 70 different attachments available for skid steers, making them one of the most versatile types of heavy equipment on the market.
Operational Costs
There are a lot of variables in any construction project, which can make it hard for companies to stay profitable. To choose the right CE for your job, there are certain factors to keep in mind. If you decide to rent your equipment, researching expert insights on rental equipment trends is essential to ensure you get the best value and the most suitable machinery for your project needs. Alternatively, if you plan to purchase the equipment outright, you will need to consider the scope of your project and how much the equipment costs to operate.
Here are some of the factors you should consider when thinking about operational costs associated with CE.
Operator wages
Fuel usage
Transportation to and from the job site
Financing and cost of equipment
Versatility of the equipment
Operator Training
Providing operator training is required for many types of equipment, but it’s important because it can make your job site safer and more productive. When an operator is properly trained, they understand what it takes to use equipment properly, and your company will avoid heavy fines from OSHA. Proper operator training also protects your equipment.
Operator availability is an issue when choosing the right equipment for your site. Heavy equipment operators are in high demand, and it can be hard to find an operator trained to operate some types of equipment. Starting an apprenticeship program in your company to train new employees how to operate heavy equipment safely and productively is a good way to attract and keep workers.
Breakdowns
One of the reasons it’s a good idea to buy new equipment is that breakdowns can destroy your business. Not only does your company have to fork out the money to pay for repairs, but you may also have to rent equipment so you can keep working. Downtime is another significant factor that you need to consider.
Running a construction company successfully requires that you prepare for equipment breakdowns. Regular equipment maintenance is important to prevent breakdowns, but it can’t stop them from happening altogether. Fortunately, heavy equipment operating cost calculators can predict the cost and frequency of breakdowns. Factors like the size of your equipment, how old it is, and what it is used for will determine how often it breaks down. You should also consider equipment breakdown insurance to protect your company further.
Job Site Terrain and Weather
The job site terrain is another factor to consider when you are choosing the type of equipment you need. For example, if you work on steep hillsides and you’re shopping for an excavator, you may need one with tracks because they are better for uneven ground.
Working in extreme weather conditions can strain your equipment. Extremely cold weather can cause metals to snap and dry winds create dust that clog air intakes and gears. Consider the amount of heat, sun, rain, snow, cold, and wind when you’re choosing heavy equipment.
Find the Right Construction Equipment for Your Company
When it comes to finding the right construction equipment, there’s a lot more to consider than what it costs to purchase it. Staying profitable in the construction industry can be challenging, and you want to make sure you’re getting equipment that does the job without costing you too much. Evaluate the hidden costs of owning and operating heavy equipment before you decide.
