Heavy Equipment | Their Types And How To Maintain Them

Introduction

Heavy equipment plays a crucial role in the construction industry. They have significantly impacted the construction industry by making construction more efficient, faster and more precise. From ready mixed concrete and excavators to bulldozers and loaders, these machines make it possible to build structures that would otherwise be impossible or too expensive to construct. There are various types of heavy equipment used in construction. In this article, we will discuss what is heavy equipment, the various types of heavy equipment and how to maintain them to ensure it performs optimally. 

Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment also known as earthmover refers to a diverse range of heavy-duty machinery, tools, and vehicles that are used in construction projects to perform various tasks such as constructing buildings, roads, bridges and other construction projects. There are various categories of heavy equipment which are used in construction depending on what type of construction work you are doing, including excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, skid steer loaders, cranes, forklifts, dump trucks, and more.

Types of Heavy Equipment in Construction

There are many types of heavy equipment. Each category has its own unique features and is designed for specific tasks. Some of the major categories of construction equipment are

Earth moving equipment: 

Also known as earthmover machines are heavy-duty equipment designed for excavation and grading tasks. They are used for various construction activities such as digging foundations, trenches, leveling the ground, landscaping, demolition and to move large amounts of earth, soil or other materials.. There are various types of earthmover machines. Some of the common earthmover machines are- excavators, graders, loaders, backhoe, bulldozer, trenchers, scrapers and wheeled loading shovels.  

Material Handling Equipment:

Material handling equipment is used to move materials around a construction site. This equipment is designed to transport heavy materials quickly and efficiently, such as bricks, concrete, steel, and lumber. Common examples of material handling equipment include cranes, forklifts, hoists and conveyor belts.

Concrete Equipment:

Concrete equipment is used to mix, transport and place concrete materials during construction. Some examples of concrete equipment are- concrete batching plant, concrete pump, concrete mixer, concrete tank, concrete crusher. Construction equipment is used to prepare and pour concrete. This equipment includes concrete mixers, concrete pumps, and concrete vibrators. Concrete mixers are used to mix concrete ingredients, such as cement, sand, and water, to create a consistent and high-quality mixture. Concrete pumps are used to transport the mixed concrete from the mixer to the construction site. This equipment can be either truck-mounted or stationary.

Paving Equipment: 

Road construction equipment is used to build roads and pavements. This equipment includes asphalt pavers, compactors, and milling machines. Asphalt pavers are used to lay asphalt on roads and pavements. They come in various sizes and types, including tracked and wheeled pavers.

Tips to Maintain Heavy Equipment

Maintaining heavy equipment is essential to ensure they operate efficiently, safely, and for an extended period. Proper maintenance can help prevent costly repairs, equipment downtime, and increase the lifespan of the machinery. Here are some of the ways to maintain construction equipment:

Operation:

The first step to maintaining heavy equipment in construction is to ensure proper operation. Each equipment requires different skills to operate. Operators should be trained to operate the machinery as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Overloading, overheating, or operating machinery beyond its capacity can cause extensive damage to the equipment. 

Regular Cleaning: 

Dirt, debris, and other contaminants can accumulate in the machinery, leading to a host of problems such as rust, wear and tear of the equipment. Regular cleaning can help prevent these issues. Dust off the equipment regularly, ensure the fuel tank and all parts of the equipment is clean in order to prevent dirt buildup.

Lubricants: 

All heavy equipment used in construction required proper lubricant for better performance. Regular lubrication helps reduce friction around the moving parts of the equipment and decreases the wear and tear of the equipment, thus increasing its lifespan. Check the lubricant levels before starting the equipment and top up as required. Use the right lubricant as per the manufacturer’s recommendations and the specific type of equipment.

Fluid Levels: 

Construction equipment relies on different types of fluids, such as hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant.It is important to regularly check and record the fluid levels to ensure the equipment operates efficiently and detect any operational problems. Low fluid levels can cause equipment to overheat and lead to significant damage. 

Wear in Construction Machines: 

Factors such high temperature friction and age of the machines often contribute to wear the machines. Regular inspection for wear and tear will help prevent such issues. Check for damage, cracks, or signs of wear, and replace parts as needed. It’s recommended to perform an inspection after every use or at least weekly.

Misalignment Checks: 

Although heavy equipment are designed to be compatible to work in difficult terrain. It is suggested to regularly inspect for any misalignment issues as some part of the machine can get misaligned during intense use. Keep an eye for any uneven wear patterns, vibrations, and other signs of misalignment and fix the misalignment as required.

Maintenance and repair: 

Scheduling maintenance and repair for construction equipment is of paramount importance, given that construction equipment is often subjected to harsh conditions that can cause wear and tear. Downtime caused by equipment failure can lead to delays in project completion, increase costs, and have a detrimental impact on the machine. Which is why regulated servicing of the equipment should be done frequently and properly documented. 

Conclusion: 

Heavy equipment are an essential part of construction industry. They make construction work much more efficient and ensure timely completion of the project. There are many categories of heavy construction equipment, From excavation and grading to material handling and concrete pouring, and each has its own unique features and is designed for specific tasks. It is important to choose the right type of equipment as it has a significant impact on the project’s efficiency, quality, and timeline of the construction project. As well as ensuring proper maintenance of the equipment. These machines are expensive and complex, so it is important to keep them in good working condition to avoid costly breakdowns and downtime. Scheduling maintenance and repairs for following the instruction of the machinery is crucial in order to prevent costly repairs and downtime. If you are curious about construction industry check out https://builders9.com/  to learn more about construction and various related topics in the construction industry..