In the world of
construction, it’s not the contractors who reign. Instead, it’s the heavy
equipment used to complete construction jobs, both big and small.
5
Most Popular Construction Equipment and Their History
Below, you’ll find the most popular construction
equipment, when they were invented, and why it makes sense to use them.
1.
Excavators
Invented by Englishman William Otis in 1835, the
first excavator was in the form of mechanized steam shovel. Back then, it was
one of the most crucial developments in earth moving.
More developments have occurred since then and
today, you’ll see different kinds of excavators. Generally, you’ll see them
over tracks or wheels. They’re used mainly for moving earth, but they’re also
needed to complete demolition, heavy lifting, and mining. Some excavators have
treads and some are equipped with a crusher, shear, or hammer, depending on
what kind of job is at hand.
2.
Crawler Dozers
Frenchman M. D’Hermand invented the first ever
crawler tread trailer way back 1713. They’re pulled by goats at that time until
1770 when English inventor Richard Edgeworth built the first steam-driven tread
system. The crawler dozer has undergone several more developments before it
arrived to its built today. They’re used to complete construction jobs which
require high tractive effort.
3.
Wheel Loaders
As their name suggests, wheel loaders are used
for loading, carrying, excavating, and stockpiling earth. These
construction equipment are famous for their versatility, payload capacity, and
cost-effectivity. The first prototype was invented during the 1920s, in the
form of agricultural tractors with a loader bucket.
4.
Articulated Haulers
Articulated haulers are not only used to
transport material over rough terrain; they’re also used as a crane, hook
loader, container truck, concrete mixer, water tanker, and timber transporter.
One of the earliest articulated hauler was dubbed “Gravel Charlie” and
manufactured by Volvo in 1966.
5.
Compact Track Loader
Compact Track Loaders or CTL are known for their
ability to perform a variety of tasks be it in sandy and muddy ground
conditions or slopes. The first revolutionary CTL was manufactured by All
Seasons Vehicles or ASV Holdings, Inc. in 1990.
Should
You Buy or Rent Construction Equipment?
These five construction equipment are must-haves
in making your construction projects successful. So if you’ve got more big
contracts coming down the pipe and your company is growing, it’s only wise to
start investing on them.
On
the other hand, you may want to consider renting them for now if your company
is just starting to grow. This way, you won’t put your finances at risk.