All sites are definitely not equal when it comes to access. Here’s how to properly assess your site and choose the right equipment to make the job easier.
Will You Be Working In A Confined Space?
When access is difficult and the area in question is small, it’s important to choose smaller earthmoving machinery such as mini loaders, which work well for light to medium garden and landscaping work.
Skid steers have tight turning circles which make them ideal for confined spaces such as the sides of houses or small yards. Mini-dumpers are great for moving heavy loads through tight spaces. Excavators come in a wide range of sizes so it’s relatively easy to find one that is suited to your specific needs.
Does The Job Need To Be Done At Height?
Working safely at height requires the use of the right equipment. It may be as simple as hiring a platform ladder when painting during a DIY home renovation or as complicated as constructing scaffolding for roof repairs. Between these extremes, scissor lifts, cherry pickers and boom lifts provide stable footing so your hands are free to hold and control power tools.
Working at height on scaffolding has been proven to be much safer than using a ladder. You can hire scaffolding that ranges from 1.5 metres to 4 metres tall, however you will need a professional scaffolder to construct any scaffolding when the potential fall is greater than 4 metres.
Arborists, painters, landscapers, orchard and vineyard owners favour scissor lifts and cherry pickers. Typically, scissor lifts reach heights of up to 7.8 metres and carry loads of up to 250 kg. For remote areas, choose a lift with dual power sources so you don’t have to rely on electricity as a power source.
Straight boom lifts are available in a variety of sizes that reach up to 20 metres for commercial projects. They can be fitted with rough terrain tyres for accessing a wide variety of surfaces, and a rotating basket that makes it easy to reach items in all directions.
For smaller indoor jobs that require a hands-free approach, you may consider hiring a compact boom such as a 30ft knuckle boom. It’s compact design and non-marking tyres make it a great pick for indoor jobs with narrow access.
Will You Be Working On Difficult Terrain?
Marshy, muddy and rocky terrains with steep gradients can wreak havoc on vehicle handling. It is important to take these factors into consideration when selecting your earthmoving and other machinery.
You may need to use earthmoving vehicles such as skid steers and mini- and full-sized excavators, tippers and dump trucks fitted with high flotation tyres that offer a wider surface area in comparison to regular tyres, diminishing the impact of the terrain and making it easier and safer to navigate.
Is The Site Exposed To The Elements? If So, What Sort Of Weather Is Expected?
For outdoor projects, weather conditions can play a big role in the selection of earthmoving equipment. If the terrain is very wet and muddy, it may become unsuitable for wheeled vehicles, even with flotation tyres, and may require the use of non-wheeled vehicles, such as posi tracks, that are fitted with tracks rather than wheels.
Do You Require Ground Protection?
If you’ll be working on lawn or landscaped areas where it is important not to disturb the soil or grass too much, it’s a good idea to go with flotation tyres on any machinery. Protective ground mats also go a long way to eliminating damage caused by heavy vehicles on grass, sand or mud. Be careful when using skid steers on delicate areas as they tend to dig up lawn due to their turning mechanisms.
Do You Need To Drain And Dry Out The Site?
If the site is flooded, you may need to pump off some of the water before you begin with the job. Pumps work to remove water trapped inside kitchens, bathrooms, or in ditches, creek beds and holes, whereas blowers and dehumidifiers are used to dry out floors, walls and interiors of buildings.
Hire The Best Equipment For Your Next Job
No matter what your site access is like, we’ve got the high quality equipment and machinery to get the job done safely and efficiently. Talk to our friendly experienced team today about hiring the best equipment to suit your needs.