What are the Different Types of Earth Moving Equipment

W H A T A R E T H E D I F F E R E N T T Y P E S O F
EARTH MOVING
EQUIPMENT?
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Earth moving equipment is machines and tools
that are often used in construction, turf, and
excavation work. Different types of jobs require
different earth moving equipment. Unless a
specific job type is being considered, it is
difficult to consider anything to be standard.
There are, however, some vehicles that can be
considered common earth moving equipment.

A backhoe loader is an example of
a piece of equipment that is used
around the world for a wide range
of jobs which include digging holes
or breaking asphalt. A backhoe
loader is tractor with an arm
connecting a bucket to the front
and another arm connecting a
backhoe in the rear. This rear
attachment may either be
permanent or removable. In
comparison with some other earth
moving equipment, a backhoe
loader is often appreciated for
being relatively small but versatile.
An excavator is a machine that
may also be used for digging or
demolition. Excavators can come
in a number of sizes, but tend to
be designed the same. Usually
there is a pivoting cab that rests
on an undercarriage. Extending
from the middle is an arm that is
usually connected to a bucket. On
each side of the undercarriage are
tracks that are used for mobility.
Apart from the arm in the rear,
another major difference between
a backhoe loader and an
excavator are the tracks. Tracks
are common for certain earth
moving equipment. There are
advantages and disadvantages,
however.

One reason people use track-type vehicles is because they are
more efficient than wheeled vehicles on certain types of terrain.
Track-type vehicles are often used on unleveled ground, such as
on an embankment, or on unstable ground, such as one
covered with snow. A disadvantage is that tracks are more
complex than wheels and often malfunction or get damaged.
A bulldozer is another item that can come in a range of sizes.
This vehicle has a tractor style body and also has the track-type
undercarriage. There is normally some type of metal blade
connected to the front of a bulldozer. This is used to push heavy
loads that can include sand or refuse from a demolished
structure. The blades are often switched to accommodate the
job.

Dump trucks are earth moving
equipment that allow for the
transport and deposit of
necessary materials at a job site.
One of the most important
features of the dump truck is
that it is an efficient means of
transportation. A dump truck can
be driven for long distances at
speeds that do not conflict with
normal traffic or consume
unnecessary amounts of time.
The other important feature is
that the loads that they carry can
be deposited with minimal effort
since the driver performs this
task without having to leave the
cab.
A dumper is a vehicle that is also
designed to carry loads. Usually
the quantities carried are
smaller. Dumpers are also not
usually used for on-road
transport. These 4-wheeled
vehicles have a bin in the front.
The driver is usually seated
behind his load and when he is
ready to deposit it, he tilts the bin
to empty the contents.