Whether it be a forklift, crane or concrete mixer, there are a range of tools that are fundamental when it comes to construction work. At BS Power, we strive to provide top-of-the-line construction equipment to ensure the quality of your project. From industrial buildings to residential housing, all construction projects require the work of powerful equipment, heavy machinery and specialized tools to create durable, safe structures for us to use.
In this quick read, we’ll be exploring the top eight tools used by construction workers as well as the functions they serve when being used for construction projects.
The Importance Of Construction Equipment
No matter who we are or what industry we work in, construction plays an important role in all our lives. Whether it be the roads we drive on, the hospitals we frequent or the bridges we cross, construction projects pave the literal way for all citizens. Construction projects are constantly being started across the globe to build and maintain these essential structures.
Because construction projects are being implemented on a continuous basis, the equipment used to make these projects is just as important. Construction workers can only do so much when it comes to the strenuous labour of these structures, which is why they need construction equipment and machinery. Depending on the scale of the project, some workers may need to operate heavy machinery and use specialised tools.
Without the help of construction equipment, creating the roads, buildings and structures we use everyday would be impossible. This equipment is not only essential to the action of these projects but also ensures durability and safety for workers and pedestrians. There are many reasons why construction equipment is so important, such as:
Saving On Costs
Hiring out heavy machinery and specialised equipment for construction projects is an investment. While it may seem like a hefty purchase at first, the right equipment will be saving you more in the long run. This is because proper construction equipment will help speed up the production, resulting in fewer days needed to complete the project.
Additionally, a well-built structure made with good quality equipment is more durable and is less likely to require consistent maintenance in the future. A trustworthy concrete mixer, for example, will help workers produce concrete for roads and buildings at much faster speeds than by hand and will create a well-combined mixture. Investing in a mixer is a valuable expense for you and your project.
Meeting Deadlines
Construction workers and contractors are required to complete their projects within a specific time frame. While having a skilled team of workers may help the progress of your construction project, having the right construction tools will speed up production even more.
With the use of a forklift or mixer, construction workers can optimise their labour and finish their project according to their given deadline. Whether you’re building a new school or working on the roads, construction equipment is guaranteed to streamline the workload of your project so that targets can be met.
Performing Complex Tasks
Construction projects require a great deal of work, especially if they’re large-scale. Having the correct construction tools and machinery, such as a concrete mixer, is necessary for not only big projects, but also more complex ones. No matter how skilled or large your team of workers is, some tasks are impossible to execute manually as they are too dangerous or physically demanding.
Hiring or investing in cutting edge construction equipment is a must when it comes to certain projects. Without the use of proper tools or machinery, these projects can produce unreliable, more fragile structures, which can be extremely dangerous for people to use.
Safety
Construction workers are tasked with executing a range of strenuous tasks on a regular basis. Heavy machinery and other specialised tools not only lessen the workload for workers, but also ensure their safety. Because the nature of construction, be it small or large-scale, can be physically dangerous, safety is fundamental on any construction site.
Without the proper measures, training or equipment, construction workers can suffer serious or even fatal injuries on site. Additionally, using cheaper or faulty construction machinery can result in life-threatening accidents, putting both you and your team at risk of danger. Investing in good quality construction equipment, such as a professional concrete mixer, guarantees the safety of workers.
The Top 8 Construction Tools
Be it a high-rise building or residential structure, most construction projects require similar pieces of equipment to complete them. From using a concrete mixer to transporting heavy materials to dumping scraps, there are endless strenuous tasks that take place on any construction site. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the 8 most important construction tools used by works, which include:
Crane
When it comes to building large or high structures, cranes are a must. During construction projects, cranes perform a variety of tasks and are extremely useful for their efficiency, power and versatility. This piece of heavy machinery is used for lifting and transporting large materials on construction sites, such as other machines, building materials and heavy loads.
Not only are cranes able to carry extremely heavy objects, but they can also transport these materials to high areas. With the help of cranes, contractors can build high-rise and multi-story buildings with ease.
Concrete Mixer
Whether you’re working on the construction of an apartment building, roads or schools, you’re likely to need a concrete mixer. A mixer is essential for most if not all construction projects as they help to produce the key material in most structures today, concrete. These mixers come in a variety of types and sizes, such as truck mixers, site mixers, drum mixers, pan mixers and mortar mixers.
Depending on the specific requirements of your project, you may need a certain type of mixer for the structure you’re building. If you need to produce large batches of concrete for your project, you may want to consider investing in a concrete mixer.
Excavator
One of the primary benefits that come with using an excavator is its versatility. Excavators can perform multiple tasks such as lifting and transporting materials, but are primarily used for the digging of foundations, trenches and holes on construction sites. These mighty pieces of heavy machinery help constructions to properly lay the foundations for their projects.
Additionally, they are also used for the demolition of existing structures and the grading of landscapes. All excavators are typically made with a rotating cab, a bucket and an arm for scooping, but can come in various different types, namely long-reach, wheeled, crawler and short swing radius.
Trencher
Similar in nature to an excavator, trenchers are used to dig into and move large mounds of earth. The main difference between these two types of heavy machinery is that while excavators leave extensive backfill from the uneven ditches it creates, trenchers can dig straight, smooth walls in the ground with a flat base.
The key reason as to why trenchers are just as important as excavators is that they are essential for laying the proper foundation for underground piping, sewer systems, electrical cables and utility lines. These machines can dig various types of trenches depending on the specifications of their construction project, such as benched, sloped, bell-bottom pier holes and straight trenches.
Self-Dumping Hopper
Referred to sometimes as a forklift dumpster, self-dumping hoppers are used to collect and dump leftover scrap found on construction sites. Because many construction projects, especially if they’re large-scale, create large amounts of debris and scrap material, construction workers are often left to clean up the remaining mess.
Without the proper tools or machinery, the clean-up of a construction site can delay the completion of projects due to the abundance of leftover materials and trash. Self-dumping hoppers are especially useful as they optimise the cleaning process and removal of scraps on site so that construction workers can focus on more important tasks.
Forklift
Used also for the transportation of materials, forklifts are primarily used within warehouses as opposed to construction sites. When it comes to loading equipment and machinery onto trucks, forklifts are essential in the construction world. While forklifts may be similar in nature to cranes, the key difference between the two is their size and function.
Forklifts are not designed to travel far but rather to reach extreme heights. Instead, this type of equipment is made for transporting heavy materials over short distances and is built with a metal fork platform. Additionally, forklifts are motor driven by construction workers.
Backhoe
Much like an excavator, backhoes are used for digging on construction sites. Unlike the excavator, backhoes are more versatile in nature as they can be used for loading jobs, farming and various other project types while excavators are better suited for demolition-based projects.
Additionally, backhoes can have various types of attachments depending on the project they’re being used in. If you’re working on a small to medium scale construction project, a backhoe would be better suited for digging and lifting earth.
Dump Truck
While forklifts and cranes are useful for the transportation of heavy materials and equipment, dump trucks are used specifically for transferring materials like coal, dirt, demolition waste and gravel. One of the key components that make dump trucks so fundamental in the world of construction is their large hauling capacity.
Construction sites often require large amounts of materials that cannot be transported with regular trucks. Dump trucks are also used to deploy waste and other leftover materials from construction sites, much like self-dumping hoppers. The main distinction between the two is that dump trucks can carry far more materials, making them better suited for large-scale projects.
About BS Power
BS Power is the one-stop shop for all your construction, forestry and agricultural needs. Based in the Western Cape, our company is committed to providing customers with professional equipment from trusted brands, such as Stihl, Honda, Stratton and several more.
Quality construction projects require quality equipment, which is why supplying the perfect machine for our customers is at the heart of our business. Whether you’re in need of a high-quality concrete mixer or durable power trowels, BS Power has everything you need to get your construction project started.
For more information on our extensive range of machinery and equipment, visit our online store to view our catalogue.