What Type Of Equipment Do I Need?
If you will be beginning your first major construction project, you may not be aware of all the equipment you will need. Beyond basic construction tools, such as a hammer, it may be difficult to know whether you need a bulldozer, dump truck or any number of other options from a contractor equipment rental store.
The Basics
At the very least, you will need a pickup truck. This will provide you with the flexibility needed to haul equipment, debris and materials to and from the work site. However, if you are hauling medium or large equipment, you may need a trailer to connect to the pickup truck.
Examples Of Earth-Moving Equipment You Might Need
Common forms of equipment you may need include:
- Skid-steer loaders
- Motor graders
- Crawl loaders
- Scrapers
- Trenchers
Backhoe Loaders
A backhoe loader is a very versatile piece of equipment that can be used for smaller projects. It comes with an adjustable shovel in the front of the loader and a bucket on the back of the loader that can be used for digging. This is useful whenever dirt needs to be moved or when backfilling is required. It is also useful if you must dig a trench quickly.
Bulldozers
If you need more power, a bulldozer may be needed. Not only can it move large amounts of dirt, but the weight of the bulldozer can be used to crush boulders. Rough and fine grading can also often be performed by the bulldozer depending on its size.
Excavators
When a large amount of earth needs to be removed, an excavator is the best option. This is a large piece of equipment that can precisely move dirt from one location to another. It can also be used like a crane to move other large objects, such as a pipe or a smaller piece of equipment.
If you are not specialized in a specific form of construction, it is recommended that you handle other aspects of the construction process, such as billing, scheduling and contracts. However, if there is a specific area you are specialized in, such as the installation of drywall, you should contact a contractor equipment rental specialist to decide what you will need. The great thing about equipment rental is that you won't have to worry about owning enough equipment during a boom time. Also, during a lean time, you will not have to worry about maintaining equipment that you will not even be using.