Heavy equipment is an important part of any major construction project. They make the transportation of construction materials much easier and more efficient, saving a lot of time and money. By using heavy equipment, construction crews can avoid transporting materials manually, which can be very slow and difficult.
Additionally, using heavy equipment can help minimize the amount of damage that can be done to construction materials during transport. However, if you plan on using heavy equipment for your next construction project, familiarize yourself with the proper safety procedures and take all necessary precautions.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when using and maintaining heavy equipment for construction material transport:
Common Heavy Equipment Used for Transport
Heavy equipment is a term that refers to large machines used in construction and other industries. They are often necessary for moving large amounts of material over short and long distances. Here are a few of the most common heavy equipment used for transporting materials:
Loaders
There are different types of construction loaders, including front-end loaders and backhoes. Each type of loader has its own set of specialized functions. For example, front-end loaders scoop loose material, such as dirt, sand, or gravel, and load it into trucks. They can also be used to push heavy objects, such as boulders. Meanwhile, backhoes are typically used to dig trenches or holes and can also be used to load material into trucks.
Tipper Trucks
Tipper trucks transport construction materials, such as earth, rocks, and sand. They are typically equipped with a large dump bed that can be tilted to release the material being transported. This allows them to quickly and easily move large quantities of construction material from one location to another.
Concrete Trucks
Concrete trucks transport concrete from the mixer to the site where it is needed. Most trucks are between 8 and 10 yards in capacity. Since concrete is so heavy, getting it to flow from the truck into the forms where it will be used can be difficult. This is why concrete trucks have a revolving drum that mixes the concrete as it is transported.
Tankers
Tankers transport liquids, such as gasoline, oil, or water, to construction sites. They are often used to transport fuel to construction equipment that cannot be refueled on site. Tankers come in various sizes, from small trucks that carry 500 gallons to larger trucks that can carry up to 10,000 gallons.
Heavy Equipment Repairs
Heavy equipment needs to be properly maintained to function safely and correctly. If you are using heavy equipment, it is important to know what to look for if you need repairs. Here are a few common problems that can occur with heavy equipment:
Engine
Engines are the heart of heavy equipment. They provide the power to move and lift massive loads. Without them, these machines would be powerless. So ensuring you manage engine problems quickly before they worsen is critical to keeping your equipment up and running. As an example, if your CAT equipment won’t start, randomly turns off, or overheats, these are signs of possible engine problems.
In this case, you would need immediate servicing for the safety of your workers and the continued flow of operations. You should hire Caterpillar diesel engine repair services to resolve the problem on-site and get your equipment running again. This will save you time and money in the long run and keep your construction project on schedule.
Electrical and Hydraulic Lines
Electrical and hydraulic lines are essential for the movements of machinery and equipment. The electrical lines provide the power to operate the equipment. Meanwhile, the hydraulic lines provide the force needed to move the equipment. However, they are also susceptible to various issues that can cause them to malfunction, including electrical shorts, hydraulic leaks, and corrosion. These must be repaired immediately to avoid costly downtime and repairs.
Brakes
Maintaining brakes on machines and vehicles is essential for the safety of workers. If you suspect the brakes are not functioning as smoothly as they used to, you should get a professional to check it out as soon as possible. Brake maintenance is important for the safety of everyone who uses the machine or vehicle and should not be neglected.
Wheels
Construction sites are notoriously hard on equipment, and wheels are often one of the first components to be damaged. Several factors can contribute to wheel damage on a construction site, including heavy loads, rough terrain, debris, inclement weather on construction sites, and sometimes, carelessness. This is why construction companies need to have maintenance and repair measures in place.
Heavy equipment is a vital part of many industrial and construction settings. They must be well-maintained and properly operated. Learning the basics of heavy equipment maintenance can help you avoid costly safety risks and expenses.
