8 Heavy Machinery Every Demolition Project Needs

Demolition isn't just about creating huge chaos to demolish buildings. It's about using a controlled destructive process that makes the job easy and effective. Only the right heavy machinery can make this happen smoothly. While there are several types of heavy machinery for demolishing buildings, the following ones are the most commonly used by demolition contractors.

1. Bulldozers 

We've all heard of these powerful earthmoving machines, right? These have large blades at the front that help them push a large amount of debris all at once. Plus, they have large reapers that can claw into stubborn concrete slabs. 

Bulldozers can flatten walls and grade terrain in a single pass! But not all bulldozers are big in size; some come in small sizes and are fit for smaller worksites like residential areas.

2. Excavators

Trust us, these heavy-duty workhorses are the backbone of any demolition project. With their hydraulic arms and attachment-swapping capability, excavators can break up concrete with hydraulic hammers, bend rebar with steel shears, or pick up debris with grapple thumbs. 

Their 360-degree rotation and tracked mobility enable them to work in small spaces while handling everything from foundation demolition to selective deconstruction. 

3. Skid Steer Loaders

If you are a contractor, you can rely on this heavy machinery for demolishing concrete. The small ones in size can be used for interior demolition, but you might also have seen the large ones for big demolition projects on a construction site. 

This demolition equipment has four wheels or two tracks and can make tight turns and operate smoothly where big machines can't even fit. When the driver speeds up one side, the wheels on that side skid or drag as the machine turns around. That's how it got its name - skid steer!

4. Cranes 

When demolition goes vertical, cranes come into action! They hoist wrecking balls (yes, they're still used) that swing and break down large structural buildings, skyscrapers, and so on. They also have attachments like hydraulic claws and buckets, and this machine can be used for lifting or lowering objects and materials as well. 

But don’t worry, as all of this is done with proper maneuvering techniques by an operator with years of experience in handling cranes for demolition projects. Also, using this means you're preventing negative environmental effects like debris, noise, or dust.

5. Hydraulic Hammers

Have you seen long cylindrical equipment breaking up concrete, rock, walls, and other components at construction sites? These are called hydraulic hammers! They have a main body and a piston that is driven by hydraulic pressure, as well as a chisel or breaker for demolishing materials. They are sometimes called hydraulic breakers as well, and you'll find different types of this machinery. 

Standard hydraulic hammers, silenced hydraulic hammers, and heavy-duty and mini hydraulic hammers all offer unique characteristics suitable for demolishing medium to heavy structures in demolition sites. 

All this heavy machinery can sound dangerous and intimidating. But trust us, when you hire a demolition company, they'll demolish structures using heavy machines by following all safety protocols. They know the drill!

Other Heavy Machinery Used for Demolition

Other heavy machines are also used for demolition purposes. After all, taking down buildings and tall structures is not that easy and requires several tools!

• • Articulated Dump Trucks: These dump trucks are used for the swift transport of heavy materials like steel, rock, brick, wood, etc. These trucks are so cleverly designed that they can move around the demolition sites with ease and can hold post-demolition debris like tree branches, plumbing pipes, rocks, and so on.
  • Backhoe Loaders: When you see this machine, you'll notice an articulating arm and bucket. These parts make the machine extremely versatile for processes like digging, pushing, lifting, or carrying several materials on a demolition site. These are perfect for site preparation and removing debris.

Track Loaders: Don't confuse them with skid steer loaders, as these two might often appear quite similar. Unlike skid steer loaders, track loaders operate on tracks and not wheels. This is why they're better suited to maneuver on uneven terrain and can be used for digging grounds. They can also handle heavier loads because of their traction.

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