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When you’re looking to move dirt, gravel, rocks or break ground on a new construction site or landscaping project, nothing does it better than strong and dependable earthmoving equipment. With so many types of earthmoving equipment to choose from, it can be daunting to know where to start, that’s why the Machinery Direct team has put together five common types of earthmoving equipment that combined can tackle any job no matter how big or how small.
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5 Types of Earthmoving Equipment
Skid Steers
Skid steers also commonly known as compact loaders, are a versatile multiple-purpose machine designed for construction sites, farms, demolition, fencing, contractors and hire fleets. Typically manufactured as both wheeled or tracked vehicles, they offer excellent stability and pulling force due to an extended wheelbase. As a multi-purpose machine skid steers can be fitted with a range of attachments including trenchers, cement mixers, augers, fencers, and multi buckets to make any job big or small a breeze.
Benefits of Skid Steers:
- Multi-use with several available attachments
- Greater visibility and control for skid steer operators
- Higher hydraulic flow rate compared to loaders
- Agile, compact and effective in limited-access situations
Looking for a skid steer? At Machinery Direct, we have a skid steer for sale suitable for projects of all sizes. Browse our range of Digga attachments today for Australia wide delivery.
Backhoes
The backhoe is one of the main types of earthmoving equipment that is typically found in the construction and landscaping industries. Offering the versatility of having a digging bucket at the front and a two-part articulated arm to the rear, they can accomplish a multitude of tasks simultaneously and are fast, flexible and dependable. While operating a backhoe takes finesse and heavy equipment knowledge, they are an ideal piece of earthmoving machinery when a project requires a versatile and heavy-duty machine.
Benefits of Backhoes:
- Available in a range of sizes
- Capable of completing multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Suitable for a wide range of terrain types.
- Can be fitted with various attachments.
- Ideal for landscaping projects.
Graders
Also known as a road grader or motor grader, graders are typically seen and used in civil engineering for the construction and maintenance of dirt, gravel and paved roads. Typically used to ‘grade’ surfaces when precise levelling is required for road construction. More recently, improvements in grader technology have seen this heavy-duty machine tackle a wide range of jobs from breaking ground on construction sites, ploughing snow, spreading concrete to creating ditches.
Benefits of Graders:
- Fast and efficient road construction.
- Articulate and precise performance.
- Can drive over roads with minimal damage
- Perfect for large scale projects.
Wheel and Articulated Loaders
Wheel and articulated loaders are a closely related cousin to the skid steer loader, extremely easy to operate and manoeuvre, they are a compact workhorse that makes moving soil or lifting bulk materials a breeze taking away the backbreaking human effort and force out of moving materials. As one of the most affordable types of earthmoving equipment available, they are the perfect accompaniment for small businesses in a range of industries from site construction works, pool construction to landscaping.
Benefits of Wheel and Articulated Loaders:
- Easy to maintain.
- Easy to operate.
- Versatile with a range of attachments
- Productive load-carrying capacity.
- Range of safety enhancements.
At Machinery Direct, we stock two dependable mini articulated wheel loaders from Ozziquip – the AL20 and AL40. One of the most affordable loaders on the market, Ozziquip loaders are extremely easy to operate with fully hydrostatic transmissions, a steering wheel and forward and reverse pedals making them ideal for novice and experienced operators alike. Browse our range of wheel loaders for sale and order today for Australia wide delivery.
Mini Excavators
Unlike their big brothers, mini excavators or ‘compact excavators’ have been specifically designed for tight manoeuvrability and excel at working in and around tight job sites typically inaccessible by other types of earthmoving equipment. Manufactured in both tracked or wheeled variants and weighing in at anything from 0.7 to 8.5 tonnes, these compact excavators are a reliable workhorse for any farm or job site and are guaranteed to deliver the high performance expected all in a small package.
Benefits of mini excavators:
- Manoeuvrability in limited access worksites.
- Ease of transportability via a trailer.
- Versatile with multiple attachments.
- Affordable and dependable.
Looking to pick up a dependable mini excavator for your pool renovation, landscaping or building company? At Machinery Direct we stock Carter, Ozziquip and Yanmar compact mini and micro compact excavators that are dependable, easy to operate and versatile. Browse our range of excavator sales and order online today to have one shipped to your location Australia wide.
Interested to find out more?
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of the types of earthmoving equipment. If you’d like to find out more about any of machines covered by this article or need more information on any of our earthmoving equipment, get in touch with our machinery sales team today on 1300 794 684 or visit us at our showroom in Molendinar today.
