Heavy Construction Equipment: Repair, Troubleshooting and Maintenance

The Basics Of Choosing Earthmoving Equipment For The Domestic User

28 September 2015 by Clifton Barnes

Landscaping, building and renovating projects will usually require a significant amount of earth to be removed and moved. It is important that you choose the right earthmoving equipment or contractor for the job at hand. After all, the foundations of your garden or home need to be handled with care and are one of the most important aspects of any construction project. 

The Basics

Earthmoving machinery is available for hire to domestic and commercial customers. The equipment you choose will vary depending on the nature and size of your project. Whether you are looking to build a house, erect a shed or dig out trenches or drainage, excavation and earthmoving machinery is essential for efficiency and convenience. 

You can choose to hire earthmoving equipment yourself, or you may wish to hire a contractor to carry out the work for you. Smaller machines such as Bobcats are relatively easy for a domestic customer to use, following some basic training. Larger and more complex earthmoving equipment such as rigid tippers and graders will need to be operated with a skilled and licensed operator. In addition to the traditional buckets used for moving and removing soil and other materials, earthmoving equipment can also be fitted with smudger, auger and grapple attachments. As you can see, earthmoving equipment is incredibly versatile and one of the most important machines you can have on site. 

Choosing the Right Equipment

There are essentially 4 key factors to choosing the right earthmoving equipment. These are:

1. The size of your job

If you are simply looking to clear a small site of soil or other material, a compact Bobcat should be sufficient. If you are looking to clear a larger area such as a house demolition or shed removal, you may need a large excavator. An experienced contractor or hire shop owner will be able to give you advice on the right machinery to choose for the best results. 

2. Contractor or hire?

Don't worry if you have never used earthmoving equipment before. The smaller machines have very simple controls, offer excellent handling and have a wealth of safety features to keep you upright and on the right track. However, if your project demands more power and a larger machine, you may need to consider hiring a contractor for the job. Ask friends and family for recommendations or search online to find a contractor with glowing testimonials, well maintained machines and years of experience. 

3. Location, Location, Location!

Whether you are choosing to hire equipment yourself or use a contractor, location is everything. Earthmoving equipment can be expensive to transport. Choose a company that will not need to travel long distances to get to you. This will help to keep costs and time delays to a minimum. 

Finding the right earthmoving equipment doesn't have to cost the earth or be a chore. There are many companies, such as Hydrapower Attachments Pty Ltd, offering these services whether you choose to hire a contractor or tackle the project yourself. 

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