Are you looking to clear the property for a residential, commercial, or industrial construction project? If so, earthmoving plays a big part. Earth-moving or earthworks are removing, moving, or adding soil to a property before construction can start. However, it doesn’t stop there; earthwork projects include moving soil for roads, railway beds, dams, causeways, canals, trenches, driveways, and utility lines. For example, suppose you plan to build a custom home on your land. In that case, the contractor will hire an excavation company to clear the ground for drainage, utilities, and the home’s foundation. Some construction companies have their skilled team to move the earth themselves.
It is no secret that moving soil on a large scale is challenging. It requires specialized equipment and tools. There are many different types of equipment, but the most common ones are excavators, trenchers, and backhoes. Each of these machines has its advantages and disadvantages. The excavator is the most versatile machine, but it is also the most expensive. It handles various tasks found on most land clearing projects.
Earthmoving Equipment
- Excavator- Excavators are heavy machines with a cabin for the operator and a long arm with a bucket attachment. They use hydraulics to lift and move severe amounts of soil, rocks, or whatever on the job site. The excavator is versatile because the cab, arm, and bucket rotate 360 degrees to quickly move a large amount of material anywhere.
- Trenchers – Trenchers are used to digging trenches for piping, cabling, and drainage. The conveyor system of the trencher will deposit the materials dug up beside the ditch. The type of trencher used for the construction project can vary depending on its applicability.
- Backhoes – Backhoe loaders are tire-mounted machines with a shovel at the front end and a bucket at the rear end. The backhoe looks similar to a farm tractor. The mobility of the backhoe loader makes it ideal for use in urban areas. These medium-sized machines are great for digging, excavation, and lifting materials.
Types Of EarthWork
A standard method of classifying earthwork is by the type of material excavated. Here are four common types of earthwork:
- Topsoil Excavation – Topsoil excavation removes the exposed layer of the earth’s surface. The topsoil supports the growth of vegetation on land. Hence, this layer has more moisture than the other layers of soil.
- Earth Excavation – Earth excavation is the removal of the soil immediately underneath the topsoil. Working the earth under the topsoil is essential for the construction of foundations for buildings.
- Muck Excavation – Muck excavation removes material containing excess water and undesirable soil. Eliminating moisture is done by spreading the mud over a large area and letting it dry.
- Unclassified Excavation – This is removing any combination of topsoil, earth, and muck.
If you are looking for a professional earthmoving company, you don’t have to look further than Swick and Son. Because we have the necessary skill and equipment for any job.
