There are different types of construction vehicles used in the construction industry. These vehicles are used for fast construction work. We will learn about the types of construction equipment used in modern construction.
Let’s know about all the popular types of construction vehicles used in construction industry.
Table of Contents
Most Common Construction Vehicles
1. Excavator:
An excavator is an essential construction vehicle that plays a vital role in excavation activities on construction sites. It comprises a bucket, cab, dipper, and boom mounted on a movable platform, which is supported by a tracked or wheeled undercarriage. Excavators come in various sizes, with compact excavators being the smallest among them.
The primary function of an excavator is to dig holes, foundations, and trenches. Its effectiveness and efficiency in excavation tasks surpass those of other equipment due to the incorporation of hydraulic hammers.
Excavators find application in a wide range of industries, including river dredging, demolition, construction, forestry, mining, material handling, and heavy lifting.
2. Bulldozer:
The bulldozer is a highly popular and extensively utilized construction equipment. It is renowned for its immense power and resembles a tractor equipped with a large blade at the front.
This metal blade is capable of moving various materials such as waste, sand, and dirt.
Bulldozers are primarily employed for cutting and pushing materials over short distances.
They consist of a tractor with a front-mounted blade that is operated by hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders enable the adjustment of the cutting depth and leveling rate according to the specific material and purpose.
3. Crane:
A crane is a special construction vehicle that helps lift and move heavy things up and down. It has a strong frame, a lifting part called a hoist, and strong cables or chains.
The crane’s frame is like a big, tall structure with a part that can turn around. It also has a long arm called the boom that can stretch out and go up or down.
The hoist is what helps the crane lift things. It has a special drum or winch that winds and unwinds the strong cables or chains. The hoist is powered by an engine or motor, and it can be controlled from inside the crane or from far away.
There are different kinds of cranes for different jobs. Some cranes stay in one place and reach high up, like tower cranes. Others can move around on wheels or tracks, like mobile or crawler cranes. There are also cranes that hang from above, called overhead cranes.
Cranes are very important in construction. They help lift heavy parts and materials, move them to the right spot, and put them in place. They make construction work faster, safer, and easier to do.
4. Trencher
A trencher is a versatile construction equipment that serves various purposes. It comes in different models and sizes, from small walk-up trenchers to larger machines.
Trenchers are favored for their flexibility and are commonly used for tasks such as drainage, pipeline installation, trench digging, and preparation for trench warfare.
5. Dump Truck:
A dump truck is a large vehicle that transports loose materials, such as sand, gravel, or demolition debris.
It features a deep, open-top bed known as a dump body, which can be raised at an angle or tilted to unload its contents. Construction, mining, and other industries commonly utilize dump trucks for the efficient movement of bulk materials.
6. Backhoe Loader:
A versatile machine combining a loader in the front and an excavator in the back, used for digging, loading, and lifting tasks.
Backhoes resemble tractors but have unique features. They consist of a tractor-like unit with a shovel/bucket in the front and a backhoe at the rear.
These versatile machines, called backhoe loaders, are widely used in heavy construction. They excel at various landscaping tasks, such as tree excavation and transportation while preserving the root ball. They are also adept at moving rocks, gravel, and dirt, as well as pushing topsoil into place.
Backhoes can be employed to construct irrigation ditches, ensuring year-round landscape irrigation and vitality.
7. Forklift
The forklift is a robust piece of construction equipment commonly used for transferring materials over short distances.
It plays a crucial role in transporting large goods within construction sites or warehouses, assisting in the lifting and movement of heavy items that would be difficult for a person to handle. Forklifts have become indispensable equipment at job sites.
Scissor lifts, similar to boom lifts, are elevated platforms utilized for lifting workers. They come in electric or engine-powered variations.
8. Skid Steer Loader:
A skid steer loader is a small and nimble machine used for different jobs in construction. It has a strong frame and a lifting arm that can hold different tools.
The loader can turn in one spot because it has wheels that work independently. People use skid steer loaders for digging, lifting, pushing, and smoothing things in places like farms and gardens.
9. Wheel Loader:
A wheel loader is a heavy construction equipment primarily used in earthmoving and construction projects. It features a front-mounted bucket on articulated arms that can raise and lower.
The main purpose of a wheel loader is to scoop, lift, and transport materials like soil, gravel, sand, or other loose materials. Industries such as construction, mining, agriculture, and forestry commonly utilize wheel loaders.
10. Compactor
A compactor is an essential construction equipment used for soil compaction. It plays a critical role in construction projects of any size. There are various types of compactors available for different purposes.
A baler-wrapper compactor is used to create compact bales, while a trash compactor is employed to compress rubbish into a smaller volume. Vibrating plate compactors are utilized in hard-to-reach areas. Smooth rollers are commonly used in road construction projects. Among these types, smooth rollers are the more popular choice for compacting materials.
Compactors are crucial for achieving proper compaction and ensuring stability, load-bearing capacity, and prevention of settlement or shifting of materials in construction projects.
Sum Up
Gaining knowledge about the different types of construction vehicles is essential for individuals involved in the construction industry or those interested in construction projects. These vehicles perform crucial roles in executing various tasks efficiently, including excavation, hauling, lifting, and paving.
By acquainting ourselves with the diverse array of construction vehicles, we can make informed decisions when selecting the appropriate equipment for specific jobs, thereby ensuring productivity, safety, and successful project completion.
These are the most popular types of construction vehicles. I hope you liked this article.