Whatever industry you work in, choosing the right tools for
the job is vital to get things done efficiently and to a high standard. If you
work in building or construction, this can be even more important as the right
machinery and tools are such an integral part of the work. If you do work in
this industry then it’s likely that you will have used or come across plant
machinery at some point, but there might still be jobs where you’re confused
about which equipment would be best.
Whether you’re starting out in construction or want to know
more about plant machinery, see our brief guide to what it is and which type of
machine is best for which job.
What is plant machinery?
The term ‘plant’ is used to describe any type of machinery,
equipment or apparatus used for an industrial activity. In construction, plant
machinery is simply any type of heavy duty machinery or equipment, including
trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, breakers and excavators.
Different types of plant machinery
As mentioned above, there are several different types of
heavy-duty plant machinery, but with many designed to carry out specific jobs,
it can be difficult to tell which one is right for your purpose and
environment. If you need some more information, see the brief guide below to
some of the most common types of plant machinery used in construction.
Backhoe loader
This machine runs using powerful hydraulics which enable it
to provide digging, trenching and backfilling services. Backhoe loaders are
very versatile, and can be used to dig foundations, break up road surfaces or
help with excavation projects. They’re also smaller in size than some other
machines and smooth to operate, allowing them to be used in areas of restricted
size.
Excavator
Sometimes called a mechanical shovel or digger, excavators
are very big and heavy, but can also be used for a variety of jobs including
trenching, landscaping, mining or digging foundations.
Loading shovel
These machines run on wheels which makes them very useful to
have around on a large building site. They’re most commonly used for
transporting and loading materials in jobs such as quarrying, ground clearance,
waste handling and the agriculture industry.
Lorry loader
This is actually a type of crane, comprised of a hydraulic
arm which can be attached to a truck or lorry and used to load and unload heavy
materials. It eliminates the need for a separate vehicle and crane, and the
‘arm’ can be folded away for easy storage, or have a telescopic section added
to reach greater heights.
Forward tipping dumper
A relatively small but highly useful machine, this is a four
wheeled vehicle with a load skip attached to the front so the driver can keep
an eye on the materials. Most commonly used to transport and dump waste or
materials on site.
If you’re looking for heavy plant machinery to
hire for your next job, get in touch with Graham Churchill Plant Ltd. We have a
wide range of high quality machinery, including excavators, breakers, loading
shovels and more. To discuss your requirements, give us a call or
visit our website.
