Demolition and excavation machines are a staple on construction sites, but they can handle more than just breaking up buildings. They also help remove debris and recycle materials.
There are three main types of demolition machinery that construction professionals use for their work, and each can be used to do different things. These include an excavator, a bulldozer, and a skid steer loader.
Excavator
Full-sized demolition and excavation machines can deliver the power and durability you need to do the job right. But some jobs require agile, versatile equipment that can access hard-to-reach areas and dig into difficult soil.
For those types of projects, you can turn to skid-steer loaders and compact excavators with a variety of attachments. They can handle everything from ripping out city sidewalks to helping demolish nine-story parking garages.
To make sure your excavator performs as it should, inspect the movable parts like thumbs and cylinders to ensure they are greased and in good working order. This will help prevent any potential leaks that could damage your machine.
Bulldozer
Demolition work often requires large, powerful machines that can tear down buildings and other structures. However, for projects of a smaller scale, a skid steer loader is often the right choice.
The compact equipment offers many attachments that allow you to move, haul and lift. For example, you can use a hydraulic breaker to break up asphalt or a drop hammer for concrete flatwork demolition.
Besides being a great way to get the job done, compact equipment also saves time and money. Attachments such as the industrial bucket grapple and rotating grapple can sort, separate and load debris from a site.
For tough demolition jobs, you can also use an excavator with a crane. The long reach can allow you to operate the machine over a stable, level surface and keep your workers safe from high points.
Skid Steer Loader
Skid steer loaders are extremely versatile pieces of equipment. They can be used for a variety of tasks including digging, demolition, and excavation.
These machines are very compact, making them an excellent option for small spaces where a large excavator won’t fit. They can be paired with a wide array of attachments for even more versatility.
The best part is, they can be rented to companies of all sizes. Buying every piece of equipment could cost thousands, but renting is a much cheaper option.
These machines can also be used for a number of different jobs, from roadwork to snow removal. They can be equipped with various attachments, such as a snow blade or snow blower, to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Articulated Trucks
Articulated trucks are the ideal machines for hauling massive amounts of debris from a construction site or demolition job. They’re also incredibly versatile and work great for landscaping projects.
Unlike rigid dump trucks, articulated trucks have an articulating frame that connects the back and front of the truck. This helps the machine stay stable as it moves over uneven terrain.
These types of trucks are particularly useful in construction and mining sites, where they can maneuver through rocky, muddy, and crowded areas without twisting or damaging their frames.
They’re also commonly used in landfills for cell development, hauling cover soil, and moving rock or other material to create haul roads. These trucks also have a variety of attachments that can be swapped out to suit different jobs.
Debris Removal
Demolition is a process that involves tearing down an existing building. This may be to make way for a new building or to remove an older building that poses a safety risk.
Excavation is a similar process but differs in some ways. First, the land site needs to be prepared.
Once the ground is ready, the excavation team can begin using machinery to carry out the work. This includes staking and clearing, as well as ground tracing and rough grading.
The removal of debris following a disaster can be a critical part of a community’s recovery efforts. It’s important to ensure that all parties involved in debris removal follow FEMA documentation procedures and have access to accurate records.