There are many construction tools that builders use on a day-to-day basis. While some of these tools are essential, others can be considered optional. This article will discuss the six must-have construction tools and their uses for builders.
1. Boom Lifts
A boom lift is an aerial platform for various tasks, including construction, maintenance, and repair. One of the best to buy is a Genie boom lift. These boom lifts come in multiple sizes and configurations and can be either gas-powered or electric. They typically have a basket or platform at the end of the boom, which can be raised or lowered to access different areas.
Builders commonly use Boom lifts to reach high areas, such as the roof of a building. You can also use them to paint or repair the exterior of a structure. In addition, you can use them to clean windows or wash the outside of a building.
2. Bucket Trucks
A bucket truck — a cherry picker or an aerial lift — is commonly used equipment in the construction industry. It consists of a platform mounted on a telescopic arm, which can be raised or lowered to allow workers to access different heights.
You can use bucket trucks for cleaning windows, painting buildings, or trimming trees. They can also be used to install Christmas lights or create banners and flags. In addition, bucket trucks can be equipped with various attachments — such as augers, cranes, or material handlers — to expand their range of applications.
3. Compactors
Compactors are trucks specially designed to compress materials such as concrete, soil, and asphalt. This process is vital for construction projects because it helps to create a level foundation for buildings. In addition, compacting materials helps to prevent sinkholes and other problems that can occur when the ground is not properly compacted.
Compactors can be used for both small and large construction projects. For example, they can be used to compact the soil before a building is erected or to level out an area after a foundation has been laid.
4. Concrete Mixers
A concrete mixer is a construction device that helps combine various things like cement, sand, gravel, and water. With this, the mixers help create concrete that can enable the sticking of heavy things together after solidifying. The first concrete mixer was patented in 1845 by Columbus commercialist Gebhardt Jaeger. Jaeger borrowed an idea from an ancient Egyptian method of mixing mortar with paddle wheel boats.
Early literary references to cement date back thousands of years; however, its production on an industrial level did not occur until the 19th century, when Portland cement was first manufactured in England. As demand increased for larger building projects such as bridges and dams, so did the need for expanded production of Portland cement. It led to the development of large-scale mixing machines capable of producing significant amounts of concrete quickly and efficiently. Today, concrete mixers come in various sizes, from small portable units to massive 10-cubic-yard trucks.
5. Dump Trucks
A dump truck is a large, heavy-duty vehicle transporting loose materials such as sand, gravel, or dirt. These trucks are typically used on construction sites, as they can transport large amounts of material quickly and efficiently. Dump trucks have a large open bed at the back, which can be raised or lowered using hydraulics. It allows the truck to deposit its load in a designated area.
Dump trucks are an essential piece of equipment for any builder, as they can move large quantities of material around a construction site quickly and easily. Without dump trucks, builders would be forced to use smaller vehicles such as wheelbarrows, drastically slowing the construction process.
6. Excavators
Excavators are a type of construction equipment that is typically used for digging, moving earth, and demolishing structures. They usually have a long boom arm with a bucket or claw attached to the end, which is operated by hydraulics. Excavators can be very useful for builders, as they can also use them for various tasks such as excavating trenches, digging foundations, and clearing debris.
In addition, excavators can often be fitted with attachments such as hydraulic breakers and shears, making them even more versatile. If you’re considering using an excavator on your next building project, be sure to speak to an expert to find out if it’s the right equipment for the job.
A construction project is not complete without using essential tools and equipment. From concrete mixers to excavators, these machines play a vital role in ensuring the build’s success. Without them, builders would be forced to rely on manual labor, significantly slowing the construction process. With the right tools and equipment, builders can complete projects quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the result is of the highest quality.
