Construction Equipment and Supplies

About Construction Equipment & Supplies

When starting a development business or expanding the existing fleet, construction equipment and supplies are the categories that require a lot of attention. Financing new equipment is a substantial factor in the budget, and it’s vital to avoid wrong choices.  

A worker is only as good as the tool he uses, so the right equipment selection will keep the projects running on time and stay within budget. Some of the essential factors that will navigate the decisions well are the cost and size of the units and overall worksite conditions.

Types of Construction Equipment & Supplies

Construction Tools & Attachments

Construction tools & attachments comprise a broad category of items, from manual to power tools. They are engaged daily in a range of applications, including home maintenance, construction works, home maintenance, arts and crafts, hobbies, and many more.

Types of construction tools & attachments include: 

• Corded Power Drill 
• Cordless Drill
• Hammer Drill
• Air Compressor
• Demolition Hammer (Jackhammer)
• Nailer Gun
• Jigsaw
• Circular Saw
• Reciprocating Saw
• Sander
• Cement Mixer
• Miter (Mitre) Saw
• Angle Grinder
• Impact Wrench
• Oscillating Multi-Tool
• Metal Cutoff Saw

Dumpers and Loaders

Dumpers and loaders are necessary for handling and manipulating earth, debris, clutter, and others. There are many different types available, each customised according to the task it needs to perform efficiently. Some are even suited for multiple uses.

Types of loaders include:

• Backhoe loader: Common model, versatile and functional, with a bucket on the front and backhoe boom.
• Multi-terrain loader: Designed with a rubber track system for low ground pressure, this type effortlessly moves over different terrains and conditions.
• Skid steer: This machine comes as a crawler or as a four-wheeler, featuring a unique lifting arm suited for a variety of uses. 
• Track-type: Also called crawler loader, this type features exceptional power, stability, and durability. It can take the most difficult tasks in challenging terrain conditions.
• Wheeled loaders: Made for rough terrains and paved roads, this model is available in three sizes: small, medium and large.

While the list of dumper models comes as a bit more extensive:

• Standard dumper truck: Placed on a low wheelbase for improved manoeuvrability, this model is characterised by front and rear steering axles, with the possibility of adding more.
• Mini dumper: Small yet powerful, this type is easy to operate and exceptionally flexible. 
• Transfer truck: A transfer dumper shares the same base with the standard model, but features a separate mobile cargo container.
• End dump truck: A combination of trailer and tractor with enhanced stability for handling ample loads.
• Side dump truck: A tractor with a semi-trailer, designed to allow high-speed side unloading.
• Tri-axle dump truck: A “city” dumper for transporting small loads over short ranges. 
• Super dumper: Designed for paving, this model carries heavy loads.
• Bottom (Belly) Dumper: A releasing method that starts at the trailer’s bottom earned this model its name. 
• Off-highway dump trucks: Heavy construction of this truck is designed for off-road tasks.
• Rotary tipping dumpers: Flexible vehicle, characterised by a dump body that can move in all directions.
• Front dumper: This model unloads frontally.

Fasteners & Fixings

Bolts, nails, screws, and other fasteners and fixings are available in numerous sizes, shapes and styles.

Most of them are renewable, although some designs - such as rivets - provide a permanent solution. Types of fixings and fasteners are:

• Screws
• Nails
• Bolts, nuts, and washers
• Anchors
• Rivets

Forklifts

Forklifts serve to load, unload, and move items of different sizes. Their capacity to handle remarkable amounts of weight without compromising stability is the result of clever construction. Many forklift designs are available on the market today, each suited to different kinds of tasks.

• Warehouse forklift
• Industrial forklift
• Industrial side loader forklifts
• Telescopic handler forklifts
• Counterbalance forklift
• Rough terrain forklift
• Order picker
• Pallet Jack
• Walkie stacker
• Reach fork truck

Generators

Generators are substantial batteries for storing electricity, providing ready solutions for unanticipated situations such as blackouts. Home standby generators are larger, typically installed as permanent fixtures triggered automatically in case of an outage. More compact devices are portable and inverter generators designed to be easily transferred around.

• Home Standby Generators
• Portable Generators
• Inverter Generators
• Portable Power Stations
• Solar Powered Generators

Scaffolding

Scaffoldings are transitory structures designed to provide workers with easy reach to any part of the building. It’s available in a variety of designs and materials to choose from. Scaffolding can be made from steel, aluminium, bamboo, or timber, in standard and modular forms.

Different scaffolding types:

• Aluminium units
• Steel models
• Single design
• Double design
• Kwikstage scaffolding
• Scaffold towers
• Cantilever scaffolding
• Trestle scaffolding

Site Safety & Access

Site safety and personal protective equipment are an absolute must in construction sites. Different jobs require suitable equipment, from working on heights to driving a forklift or working in masonry. Some types of site safety and access equipment include:

• Eyes and face protective gear
• Hearing protection
• Head protection and hard hats
• Foot protection
• Hand protection gear
• Protective clothing
• Harnesses
• Supporting structures
• Safety barriers

Things to Consider Before Buying Construction Equipment & Supplies

Before any purchase, it’s important to know the project’s size and scope.

Bigger and more powerful equipment isn’t necessarily better. If the terrain is rough and the vehicles are not suited to move over it, their power will be rendered relatively useless. Similarly, machines too large will not be able to perform well around small construction sites.

Size, however, is just one of the things necessary to consider when choosing construction equipment. Each type of machinery has its pros and cons regarding the specific task they need to perform.  

The type of terrain, as well as the materials, also play a role in choosing the right equipment.