The primary role of earthworks and excavations is to grade the construction site and dig out the building's foundation. Therefore, earthmoving equipment plays a critical role in the completion of these jobs. The machinery can shorten project times or cause project delays and costly downtime. Therefore, it is important to note these heavy equipment tips that can help to speed up earthworks on a construction site.

Match equipment to site needs

Excavators are the common pieces of machinery used for earthwork excavations. They come in different variations; thus, it's crucial to choose the one that matches the site's needs. In particular, the rented machinery should be suited to the prevailing ground conditions and properly sized to handle the project. Failure to do so can lead to accidents and project delays.

When undertaking earthworks on a site with uneven terrain, hills, muddy grounds and poorly compacted soils, choose a crawler excavator over a wheeled one. Crawler excavators run on crawlers or tracks that can manoeuvre through difficult terrain without stalling or overturning. Conversely, wheeled excavators work well on even terrain and dry grounds. By choosing the right equipment, you can overcome unsuitable site conditions and complete earthworks faster.

Rent serviced equipment

Equipment rentals allow contractors to access a wide range of heavy equipment for earthworks. However, rented equipment may be in poor working condition due to poor maintenance and age. Poorly serviced equipment can break down often and slow down excavation work. By the time you get a replacement, you will have wasted valuable project time.

Avoid unnecessary downtime by renting fully serviced earthmoving equipment. Inspect equipment to lower the risk of breakdown and failure. If possible, choose new equipment with parts that are still in good condition. Newer equipment also comes with advanced technologies that can boost performance and speed up excavation work. 

For example, some modern excavators use smart technologies that allow remote operation from a smart device. They have automated excavation modes that can survey the site and identify obstacles. Some also come with safety features, such as external sensors, to prevent injuries and accidents.

Go for multipurpose equipment

Earthworks involve digging, grading, pulling out vegetation and moving large amounts of soil. Typically, each task can be done using a specific type of equipment. However, renting multiple pieces of machinery is not only costly but also time-consuming. Fortunately, you can complete multiple jobs with multipurpose equipment. 

For example, there are various attachments for crawler and wheeled excavators. These include buckets, augers, auger drives, grabs, rock breakers and plate compactors. With a multipurpose excavator, you can save time and money by renting the attachments needed to complete different earthworks on the construction site. 

Consider these tips to speed up earthworks on your construction site. For professional help, consult a contractor.