What is Excavation?
The definition of excavation. Excavation is commonly and best known for a technique within the science of archaeology. The individual types of excavation are known simply as digs to those who participate, with this being an over literal description of the process. An excavation concerns itself with a specific archaeological site or connected series of sites, and may be carried on over a number of years, since the work is normally seasonal.
Within the industry of excavation, many more techniques may be utilized, with each dig having its own particular features that may necessitate differences of approach. Resources and other practical issues don’t allow archaeologists to carry out excavations whenever and wherever they choose, as many known sites have been deliberately left alone and non excavated.
Initially, excavation involves the removal of any topsoil that is uncovered by machine. What is dug up may be examined by a metal detector for stray finds but unless the excavation site has remained untouched for a long period of time, there is a small layer of modern material on the surface that is of limited archaeological interest.
In rural areas, any type of archaeological features should be visible beneath the surface. With urban areas, they may be thick layers of human deposits and only the uppermost will be visible to the naked eye. With either case, the first task is drawing a scaled site plan that will show the edges of the excavation.
This plan can be composed using tape measures, or as it is more common these days, an electronic total station. A grid is normally set up, to divide the site.
Excavation is also useful for digging out houses and trenches. When clearing dirt out for roads or sub divisions, excavation is what takes care of things. Even though there are a few means, the term excavation is used anytime that the earth or dirt is disturbed.
Heavy machinery is also very common with excavation, such as excavators or backhoes. Excavating crews run the equipment and dig up soil and rocks for whatever the purpose may be. Excavators are the most used machinery, as they can move a lot of dirt in a little bit of time.
Anytime you are taking part in excavation, you should always use common sense and be safe. If you plan to get down into a hole or trench, you should always use a trench box. Even though the hole may not be that deep, excavation sites can always cave in and at that point - things are very dangerous and possibly even deadly.
For digging up rare artifacts or putting in houses or roads, excavation is something that has been around for years and years. There is a lot to learn with excavation, as you’ll need to know how to run machinery, shoot grade, and how to properly dig holes and trenches so they won’t cave in.
Should You Rent or Buy Construction Equipment
About construction and excavation equipment. The first thing to consider when buying construction equipment is how long it will last. Secondly, how much work can you achieve versus the price paid. We have compiled information about the best brands and types of equipment.
Always read independent reviews so that you are informed when making a desicion to buy any equipment.
Should You Rent or Buy Construction Equipment?
Excavation and construction companies often run into the problem of not having enough equipment on a job site. Planners underestimate the job or try to hard to keep the original budget and bids low which has the result of being short on equipment when needed.
They have two options to remedy the situation. You may rent machines and equipment or outright purchase the needed equipment. Of course, it is not simple to make this type of decision, and therefore, there are several factors that should be considered before the decision is finalized.
How Pricey are Rentals?
Most rental companies do not hide the fact that they do make a lot of money from companies that need to rent equipment. Face it, they know you are probably in a bind and are willing to pay the cost they offer. The rental companies generally rent the equipment on a daily basis or weekly basis, which does not usually work out to benefit the customer. Depending on the area you will be working, the price can range from pretty steep to nice and affordable.
Then the price will also vary due to the type of equipment you need to rent. Generally, machinery like excavators and off-road dump trucks are probably the highest priced for renting, and can have a rental price tag of as much as $12,000 per month. This may seem pretty steep, but if your company is a profitable one that has lots of big and good paying projects lined up, the price does not become an issue.
What Can You Expect When Buying?
If you are faced with needing more equipment, but you are not interested in renting, you can always make an investment and purchase the equipment. You will want to opt for buying the equipment if you have plans to use the machinery more often, not just for one project. Also, if you work on huge projects frequently, you will definitely want to consider making that needed piece of equipment part of your work force by making the purchase and not renting.
Often, buying the equipment will bring you financial savings in the long run, as you will have the equipment you need and allow you to take on more projects. Again, if you only require the machinery for one or two jobs, you should think about renting it; otherwise, you should consider purchasing it. So, just make sure that you will be getting good use out of your purchase.
Servicing the Equipment
A benefit of renting the equipment you might need is that the rental company is responsible and in charge of fixing and maintaining the machinery. Since you do not own the machinery, your company will not be responsible for the repairs. If and when something goes wrong, you will simply have to call the rental company and have them come out to the site and fix the issue because part of the rental price includes maintenance and servicing agreement, which is further noted in the rental contract.
Once you have decided to purchase the equipment, you and your company are responsible for any maintenance and repair the machinery will need. You are probably already aware of the fact that owned equipment will need to have routine maintenance and check ups in order to keep them working efficiently.
In the end, choosing to rent the equipment or buy the equipment will come down to your needs. You, of course, will have to consider your finances, and the affordability of renting versus buying. If you do not have enough capital to make a purchase, considering rentals is probably a more sound decision for you. Either way, you and your company will be able to get the equipment you need in order to finish or take on a job, and allow you to stay on task.
How Excavation Equipment Has Changed
There are many different opinions as to what machines should actually be classified as earth moving equipment. There are many different types of equipment that fall in this category, such as excavators, backhoe loaders, dump trucks, and even loaders.
The photo on the right is of just part of the largest excavator, earth mover, in the world.
See more here Large Excavator.
Other machinery that falls in between are articulated trucks, wheel and track tractors, and even scrapers. The thin line is normally drawn at motor grades, which are more than capable or light duty excavation, although they are mainly used to level lots and grade roads.
If you take a glance at any equipment literature from leading companies such as CAT, Komatsu, or Case, you’ll see right away that they believe the biggest and most important change over the last several years is increased productivity. This is normally followed by greater comfort and safety.
The increase in productivity is the result of many different advancements. CAT (Caterpillar) cites that more powerful engines with a faster rise in torque which allows machines to respond faster to increased power demands. Even though this new generation is far more powerful, it has a reduced impact on the environment as well.
Electronics
Most of the newer machines have electronic control systems that will optimize both engine and transmission performance, as well as fuel consumption and hydraulic system performance.
Take for example the CAT mid sized G series wheel loaders that feature electronically controlled powershift transmissions. Each and every transmission offers autoshift capabilities that ease the pressure on the operator, and an electronic clutch pressure control that smooth shifts the gears for longer life.
Comfort
In the industry, good operators are getting harder and harder to find. Manufacturers find themselves stressing that operator comfort and convenience need to be taken into account not only to make the job easier, but also more efficient and productive as well.
The new cab designs offer better visibility, reduced noise and vibration, and improved comfort as well. The new control systems will require low operator effort while also improving the control of the machine for both the experienced as well as the in-experienced operator.
Easier maintenance
Almost all new machinery offers electronic monitoring systems that will provide constant
information on the health of the machine for the operator. These types of systems provide information to technicians, including service modes that will help them to diagnose conditions quickly.
Now days, machines are designed to make routine maintenance easier. With CAT’s wheel loaders, regular service points are easy to access from ground level, with site gauges making it easier to check the fluid of the radiator, hydraulic oil, and transmission - without having to use dipsticks.
Changes for the better
If you compare the excavation equipment of today with the machines of the past, you’ll notice that the changes are better. The machines of the past relied more on operator skill and technique, as very few of them had electronic features.
Today, almost all types of heavy machinery offer electronic features. Electronics are a great thing, as they can make the life of an operator easier than ever. You don’t need to get out and check the fluids anymore, as all you need to do is take a look at your instrument panel, which can help to save you a lot of time.
Operators who have a lot of experience know first hand that machines of the past can’t begin to compete with machines of today. With technology always getting better, it just makes you wonder what is in the future for heavy machinery. Years from now, one can only begin to wonder just great heavy machinery will get - and what other features will make the life of an operator even easier than it is now.
