How to Choose the Right Construction Equipment for the Job

When you think about the first step of a construction project, what comes to mind? Is it clearing a site of rocks and other debris, laying out markings according to the plan, or leveling the site and digging holes and trenches in preparation for the foundation?

The first and most critical step is selecting the right equipment for the job. This decision will have a major impact on both the efficiency of the work performed throughout the job and the overall outcome. 

Since there are so many different types of construction equipment available, and with numerous versions, modifications, and sizes to choose from, it is important to understand the specific needs of your task and job site as you make this vital decision.

By selecting the best possible equipment for the job (including the most suitable attachments), you will not only achieve better results but also contribute to fostering a safer work environment. You will also remain within your established budget.

Essential Factors to Consider When Deciding on the Right Construction Equipment

When it comes time to decide on which construction equipment you will need for an upcoming job, there are a number of different factors that are worth thinking about. 

If you carefully consider these factors and make appropriate decisions regarding the best equipment to employ for your task, it will set you on the right path for achieving positive outcomes.

The category of equipment

Before you examine the equipment on an individual basis, it helps to know the particular category of equipment that you will need. This will narrow down your options.

For instance, if you know that your job will require a machine from the “earth moving equipment” category, you may need an excavator, a bulldozer, a crawler loader, a backhoe, or a grader. If your job requires “material handling equipment,” you may need a crane, a conveyor, a hoist, or a forklift.

Other common categories of equipment include construction vehicles, construction equipment, and tunneling equipment.

The best attachments

Your decision-making process is not over once you decide on the right equipment for the job. The next step is often to choose the proper attachments to pair with this equipment, which is equally as important.

Different attachments serve unique functions. Choosing the right ones can make a machine more versatile on your job site and even allow one machine to tackle multiple tasks, thus saving you time and money. 

For instance, by switching out various attachments, one machine, such as a backhoe, can be used to manage many types of work, including drilling holes into the ground and other surfaces (with an auger), moving materials in bulk (with a bucket), demolishing the concrete and other materials (with a hammer), and leveling surfaces precisely (with a grading blade), among others.

The cost and scope of the project

Since each piece of equipment you add to a project will inflate its bottom-line cost, it is important to keep this in mind as you decide which machines are absolutely needed on your job site and which ones are not.

Factors such as fuel consumption, maintenance expenses, and transportation costs can have a big impact on the overall budget of your project. Additionally, these costs can vary depending on the equipment you decide to go with.

Depending on the type, size, and amount of materials that require moving, you may also be able to narrow down the options available to you.

The job site conditions

Another crucial factor to consider before deciding on the right equipment is the job site itself and its conditions. Whether the site is large or small, indoor or outdoor, includes obstacles, and requires maneuvering in tight spaces, these are all aspects that will have an impact on the correct equipment needed.

It is also important to consider the terrain of the job site, and the weather that you expect to encounter throughout the project.

The experience of your operators

Another matter worth considering is the level of experience your operators have with certain types of equipment.

Make sure your crew is well-trained on how to properly utilize the equipment they must use for the task at hand, both for the sake of maintaining a safe job environment and for work efficiency.

Certain machines also require specific certification to operate legally. So, if you decide on equipment that your crew is not certified to use, you must factor in the time and money into getting them certified and trained beforehand.

The big picture

Once you have considered everything above you can look at different sized machines and attachments, as well as fleet combinations. If you are moving dirt or rocks, is your excavator or loader matched for maximum efficiency with your rock truck? Is your bucket the right size to fill a hauler in the fewest possible loads? Considering those needs will take your company’s productivity to the next level.

How Great West Equipment Can Help You Acquire the Right Construction Equipment

After you have considered all of the above-mentioned factors, it is time to find the equipment you need for the job. If you require a heavy equipment rental, Great West Equipment can help.

No matter the job type, or your specific equipment requirements, we are confident that we can meet your needs thanks to the wide variety of heavy equipment we carry from industry-leading brands. 

Our rental equipment has low hours and has been thoroughly maintained by our construction equipment experts. Thus, you can rely on our machines to get you through your job without issue.

If you are still unsure which equipment is best suited for your next job, we would be happy to answer your questions or offer guidance.

Plus, you can rest assured that by renting from us, you will be getting access to the best rates available. We even offer operator training if you are renting a piece of equipment that you or your crew have never used before.

For more information about our heavy equipment rental options, or to learn more about the different rental agreement options that we offer, call Great West Equipment at 1-833-730-0613 or contact us here.