Most construction workers rely heavily on machines to complete projects. If you’re new to heavy machinery, you must know what equipment to get and how to make your projects go as smoothly as possible.
Whether you’re planning to work in the construction field or you’re on the market for some machines for personal use, knowing some effective equipment solutions can help you perform tasks safely and efficiently. With the U.S. construction industry valued at $2.3 billion in 2023, investing in private or commercial construction solutions is a smart move.
When you work in construction, it’s about more than the equipment you use. It’s also about how you use it — meaning you must take time to create an optimal environment for your work. Fortunately, you can usually prepare a site with equipment that you already have on hand, which saves you the trouble and expense of getting specialized units.
Some standard equipment types used for grading and ground leveling include:
These equipment options help you prepare the on-site ground for preparation so that you can use machines effectively.
With multiple options for using heavy machinery in construction, you might need some help selecting the right machine for your needs. Here are some of the most essential and versatile construction machines. Starting with a few of these units will offer you an excellent starting point for performing various common construction tasks.
Dozers — or bulldozers — are one of the most popular construction equipment types. These powerful machines can move large amounts of material. Since construction projects often require moving ground and rubble, dozers are necessary as they allow you to do so safely and quickly.
One of the most significant advantages of dozers is that you can choose between various options. Whether you need a mini bulldozer for smaller personal projects or a large-scale wheel or crawler dozer, you can find a solution that meets your needs. You can use bulldozers during the preparation stage and the construction project.
Backhoe loaders are among the most versatile equipment types. They’re compatible with various attachments and can perform multiple duties. They can transport and demolish materials while also digging and paving, allowing you to perform a diverse range of construction tasks with one single machine.
They have buckets that can dig and uproot the work area alongside a front loader for plowing.
The primary purpose of a skid steer loader is to dig, making them well-suited for construction jobs that require demolition or excavation. Like backhoe loaders, you can use this equipment type with various attachments, allowing you to get even more use out of it.
If you don’t have a backhoe loader but require a bucket, you can use a bucket attachment with your skid steer loader. Since these machines are designed to carry lighter loads, they are also lightweight, making them easy to transport and maneuver in small spaces. They can landscape an area and act as a snow plow so that you can use them for site preparation and construction.
As their name suggests, excavators can dig and grade, so they’re a popular machine in road construction. They also effectively clear sites, which is helpful before, during and after a project.
Once again, you have multiple options for which excavator you pick from, depending on what best aligns with your needs. You can select between different sizes, so whether you require a robust excavator for heavy-duty construction projects or a small one for moving in tight spaces, you can find a suitable excavator.
Once you have the machines you need, you should consider optimizing their use. Here are two leading practices you can implement to ensure that your equipment is used efficiently.
The best way to ensure that equipment is used effectively is to follow the regulations for safe operation. Nearly 20% of workplace deaths in 2022 were in the construction industry, so you need to protect your workers by enforcing safety standards. Implementing safety regulations also reduces the risk of accidents and crashes, lowering the chance of equipment damage.
Some basic safety procedures you should follow include:
Another way to optimize equipment usage is to train your employees to use machines safely. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all operators be trained to comply with section 1926 of their regulations. Also, workers who are still in training may only operate units as trainees under supervision.
Once they receive their license and certification, they may operate equipment independently.
Even if you do everything right by preparing the site, investing in the correct equipment and finding ways to optimize it, you may still have unexpected obstacles. Let’s look at some of the most common on-site problems you may face and how to solve them:
One of the most important decisions you need to make when it comes to construction equipment is selecting where to purchase your machines. To ensure that you have safe and reliable units that efficiently perform the duties you need, you should purchase or rent equipment from a reputable company with good reviews, quality products and excellent client service.
If you’re ready to take the next step and invest in quality equipment for your personal or professional construction purposes, H.O. Penn has you covered. Our trained personnel can provide quick and cost-effective solutions to ensure you get the best unit for your needs.
Browse our range of equipment options to see what we have available. We also offer used units and machine rentals, so if you want to evaluate your options, you can do it all in one place. If you need guidance or want more information, contact us to discuss your needs with our team.