Construction Equipment
In terms of construction and transportation, following the initial clearing of an area, and following construction of a building when moving products, there are a different range of machines that come into play. These are manufactured by similar companies to those which manufacture earth moving equipment, although in some cases the use of technological hydraulics and winch systems leads to a wider variety of manufacturers.
Compactors
In relation to earth moving, a compactor generally operates when excess earth and debris has been cleared from an area. It is a machine involved in compressing or compacting rock and earth to level an area before laying concrete, tarmac or foundations. Compactors come in three general types for different uses: the large rollers are smooth, or have short but large ridges on the roller, which compact large areas such as road bases or large foundations, sometimes with vibrating rollers. Base plate compactors consist of a flat plate underneath the machine which vibrates and helps to create a perfectly level-graded surface. Smaller hand-operated plate compactors known as Jumping Jacks are tools similar to a pneumatic drill except with a plate instead of a chisel and are used in the construction of pipe line ditches and foundations.
Forklifts
Forklifts are simply machines used for lifting and moving, comprising an electrically operated hydraulic carriage on the front of the relatively small cabin, usually with rear steering. They can lift objects to be stacked in shelves or onto trucks for transport. Manufactured largely by Toyota, other companies such as Kion, NACCO and Mitsubishi also produce forklift trucks. Although commonly associated with warehouses, they are also used in construction to lift and move crates, containers or sacks of rubble, ore or minerals. Differing in size and shape, forklifts are renowned for being extremely manoeuvrable and helpful in lifting large containers and crates of material and transporting it short distances. Easier to operate in smaller closer to the ground functions than a crane, they are a common piece of machinery in construction.
Cranes
When the need for heavier lifting and moving is needed as well as increased height, a crane is a better option than a fork lift although a combination of the two is ideal. Cranes are based on a principal of ratio lifting whereby the weight that can be lifted is proportionate to the length, angle and strength of the boom or arm in relation to the weight of the object and the distance it needs to be carried. Due to the increased height of the boom arm, the crane is useful in the construction of taller structures as well as unloading and loading of container ships.
Power Generators
Throughout the earthmoving, construction and mining industries, electrical supplies are necessary to run lighting, housing needs, and other machines that require electricity. This electrical power is provided by power generators, where an engine is connected to an electrical generator in one unit which can produce and output of up to and over 100 KwA. These are manufactured by a wide variety of companies largely from east and south east Asia. Such gas, oil, diesel and petrol generators are also useful at home, and anywhere where a backup power supply is needed.