Heavy Construction Equipment: Safety Tips and More

A Guide on Earthmoving Equipment

Earthmoving equipment refers to machines that are used during excavation. They are essential when putting up foundations or during the construction of dams, roads, and bridges. Below is a short guide on earthmoving equipment. 

Types of earthmoving equipment.

Some common earthmoving machines include; 

• Bulldozers. These are machines with a hydraulic blade located at the front. They can push large amounts of soil as well as pull heavy loads or machines.
• Excavators. The excavator consists of a boom, bucket, and dipper. It is a shovel-like machine that can excavate, load or dispose of debris. The machine can also be used to demolish structures.
• Backhoes. The backhoe is a dual purpose machine. It has an excavation unit and an articulating bucket used to load or dispose of soil.
• Graders. The grader has a long blade located at its front or the middle. These machines are used to flatten or reshape earth surfaces.
• Road rollers. These machines have drums that are used to compact concrete, gravel, soil, or asphalt. Most have vibrators to increase their efficiency. 

Safety when using earthmoving equipment. 

To avoid accidents on-site, observe the following safety measures when using earthmoving equipment. 

• The machines should be operated by trained and qualified personnel.
• The equipment must be serviced on a regular basis. Before using earthmoving equipment, conduct inspections to ensure all components are fully functional.
• Ensure that the working area does not have any human traffic.
• When parking the machines, lower all attachments. Also, park the equipment in such a way that you do not disrupt traffic. Preferably, you should have signage to warn road users of stationary machines.
• There should be a clear line of communication between the machine operators and other personnel on site. You can either use signals or radio calls.
• Always observe load limits. 

Tips when hiring earthmoving equipment. 

Since earthmoving machines are expensive, most contractors choose to hire such equipment when they need them on a short-term basis. Although costs are a significant factor when hiring such machines, look out for the following:

• The machine should be available for the period that you need it.
• What is the condition of the machine? Ask for an inspection report to ensure it is safe to use.
• Inquire on the terms of hire. Who will conduct maintenance and repairs when the machine is in your hands? Who will transport the machine to and from the site?
• The machine should be fully insured. 

To learn more about your options, contact local earthmoving equipment services.