Monday, December 30, 2013

Everything You Need To Know About Soil Compaction And Roller Compactors - Part 3

Continuing from part 1 and part 2...

The road roller is a machine that is generally used in the construction of roads and highways. Usually the road roller comes with a roller body and a metal drum. Depending on the model there can be more than one metal drum. Some models come equipped with several wheel instead of drums. These models offer higher maneuverability and can be easily transported from one location to another. One person drives and operates the roller, and in some models the person pushes the roller in order to create flat and smooth surface. Generally speaking the road roller operates when the weight of the metal drum causes the soil to compact and to compress. The actual weight of the drum varies depending on the model. For example, the drum of the manually operated road roller usually has weight of 45kg, and this roller is not used in the construction of big roads or highways but for other small projects like for paving walkways. On the other hand the industrial rollers which are used in the construction of highways and regional roads can have total weight of 25 tons or even more. The actual weight of the road roller comes from the metal drum that is attached to the roller. In some models the total weight of the drum can be increased by adding liquid materials like water.



In some construction projects several different road roller models can be used. For example, at the beginning of the construction process a roller that has wheels instead of drums can be used, and once the ground area becomes smooth and level much bigger and powerful road roller with one or more metal drums can be used to make the ground as compact as possible.


Many different types and models of road rollers are available on the market today with capability to complete different kinds of compaction jobs and each model offers something different. Some road rollers use a water based lubricants for preventing different kinds of materials like asphalt or dirt to stick to the metal drums. Other rollers have vibration mechanisms for higher compaction. The road rollers generally are classified into two categories : static and vibratory rollers. The static road rollers operate by using only the force of the gravity for compaction. They usually have larger weight when compared with the vibratory rollers. The vibratory rollers on the other hand operate by using the force of the gravity and also the force of the vibrations provided by one or more vibrating mechanisms. The most commonly used road rollers at the construction sites are : the manual walk behind roller, powered walk behind roller, trench roller, padfoot roller, the single drum roller, double drum or twin drum roller, single wheeled roller, multi wheel roller or multi tyred roller and many other. 

Everything You Need To Know About Soil Compaction And Roller Compactors - Part 2


The process of soil compaction is essential for every construction project and task. A soil compactor is one particular piece of machinery that is used for achieving appropriate soil compaction. It is generally a machine or device that is used for reducing the size of the waste material or soil through the process of compaction. The soil compactors are powered by hydraulics and they can be found in many different sizes and shapes. The landfill or the waste compactors have a blade attached on the front, ant they are used to drive over waste material which is deposited by the waste collection vehicles. In the construction industry three main types of compactors are used : plate compactors or jumping jack compactor, road rollers and vibrating road rollers.



The plate compactor is a construction machinery which is mainly used to level and to smooth the earth. It comes with a heavy steel plate attached to the base of the machine, and has some resemblance for a push style or for lawn mover. The plate compactor usually performs a vibrating action in order to level the land beneath the machine. These machines can be used either for home or for business applications. Construction workers and landscapers can use different types and models of plate compactors depending on the job or task. The jumping jack tamper model is especially designed for pounding the earth with high force. The larger models provide more force and power but they are much expensive when compared with the regular models that can be found on the market. In other words the bigger the plate compactor, the bigger pressure it can provide.

The plate compactors are very useful machines for many construction projects. They can be used for earth compaction before paving or as a part for different landscaping projects. This machine is also required when compacting stone, gravel and sand during the process of driveway or road paving. The plate compactors are also used as a machines to smooth and to level small portion of asphalt and to tighten dirt. A plate compactor is one economical and easy to use construction machine that can be used for variety of projects.

The road roller, or also known as roller compactor or simply a roller, is a compactor like machine which is used for the compaction of soil, concrete, gravel and asphalt when constructing roads or foundations. Road rollers are also heavily used in agriculture and at landfills. In some parts of the world the rollers are still known as steam rollers. Although it is considered as a modern piece of construction equipment, the rollers have been used for many years. Animals were used to pull the rollers many years ago. With the industrial revolution the steam engines replaced the animals, and in the 20th century other sources were used to power the rollers, like the diesel.


Everything You Need To Know About Soil Compaction And Roller Compactors - Part 1

The soil compaction is a process in which a particular stress force is applied to the soil, and the process results in densification because the air is displaced from the pores of the soil. When this happens, water or other types of liquids are being displaced from the soil grains. Generally the soil compaction is a process in which the total mass of the ground or soil, mainly consisted out of air and water particles, is being reduced to some extent by applying weight on the soil. Different types of heavy machines are used for the soil compaction process, like compaction roller. But the soil compaction process can occur as a result of the passage of the animal feet. Usually two types of soils are being identified : cohesive and non cohesive. Each type of soil requires appropriate compaction.



The process of soil compaction is very important especially in the construction. A soil that is compacted properly by using the appropriate machines is a priority for every construction project. The compaction process will provide the desired soil characteristics like soil resistance and soil stability. Depending on the type of the soil the process of compaction is different. But no matter what type of soil is being compacted, if the air is not removed from between the soil particles, unwanted or unexpected soil movement can occur later during the construction of buildings, bridges, foundations. Any failure to remove the air will result in higher damages later during the construction process.

There are several methods and techniques for achieving soil compaction. The most commonly used compaction methods are the following ones :
  • Static Compaction- when weight is slowly applied on the soil and then it is slowly released.
  • Impact Compaction- when the weight is applied directly by dropping mass on the surface of the soil.
  • Vibrating Compaction- weight is applied continually and rapidly by using a particular mechanically driven plate compactor or hammer. These machines are often combined with a roller compactor.
  • Gyrating- the weight is applied and maintained, while at the same time the soil is a subject to a gyratory motion. This process however is limited only for laboratory applications.
  • Rolling Compaction- the compaction of the soil occurs by using one big cylinder which is rolled over the soil. The roller compactors are often equipped with vibratory mechanisms for increased ability.
  • Kneading Compaction.




Friday, December 27, 2013

History Of Surveying Equipment – Part 2 - Editors Top


History Of Surveying Equipment – Part 2 - Editors Top

Environmental Impact Of Skyscrapers - Part 2


In addition the cooling and the heating systems, and the lights that are used in the skyscrapers consume large amount of energy, and additional energy is required to transfer all these services and materials to the higher floors of the skyscraper. Most of the skyscrapers that are built in the 20th century are not constructed and designed with appropriate thermal protection and isolation, and also no natural ventilation systems can be found. This means that the skyscrapers are continuously heated during the winter season and continuously cooled during the summer season, and electric ventilation systems are installed to provide breathable air for all who work there.



Today the construction engineers and architects are beginning to design the blueprints of the skyscrapers with sustainable solutions. Cranes that consume lees fuel and other eco friendly construction machines, wind turbines, solar panels, central cooling and heating systems, rain water reuse, recycled construction materials are just few of the modern solutions and ideas that the architects are implementing during the construction of the skyscrapers. Today the architects are experiencing the benefits of the modern GPS surveying equipment in order to gather accurate data in no time. For a positive impact to the environment, the architects realize that all of the materials that are used in the construction of the skyscraper need to be closely analysed, studied and modified in order the skyscrapers to be considered as eco-friendly and ecologically approved.

But however, the modern technology isn't the only answer to all questions related to the construction of the skyscrapers. The architects and the construction engineers should not be fooled with this, they should not be tricked that only the technology can solve all of their problems and issues towards designing ecological skyscrapers. The ecological design of the skyscraper needs to provide a balance between the technology used in the construction process and the environment or the nature. The ecological design means that all environmental aspects and issues should be closely considered at all stages of the construction process. The consumption of raw and non renewable materials that are used in the building process, carbon emissions and increased pollution from the construction machines, and the waste materials are the main environmental aspects that need to be considered during the construction of the skyscrapers.


Saving and preserving clean environment is the most important issue today. Because the architects and the construction engineers design the world in which we live in, they can shape the way we live by constructing and designing greener and cleaner buildings. If architects can design and construct with sustainable and ecological solutions in mind, the end result will surely have a positive impact on the environment.      

Environmental Impact Of Skyscrapers - Part 1

Everyday we hear and read how the Earth's climate and environment is changing and how we people are the ones to blame. Everyday we consume more and more energy, electricity and other natural resources. The big cities are becoming “urban jungles” where millions of people live, work and eat. Every our action has either positive or negative impact on the environment. The greater urbanization of the populated areas surely has negative impact on the environment. This includes the construction of manufacturing plants, roads and highways, construction of non-ecological building structures... the list goes on.



The sustainability is one very important issue. The total amount of attainable fossil fuels and other non renewable natural resources is becoming extremely lower. Because of this the world needs to find alternative solutions, and these alternative solutions can surely start with the construction. The sustainability is described as the ability to meet the needs of today without affecting or compromising the needs of the future generations, and their ability of meeting their needs. The following document describes how the design and the construction process of the skyscrapers and other tall buildings affects the environment where these massive buildings are situated in.

It has been reported that the level of carbon emissions is increased by 80% in the last 20 years. This is a result of the increased urbanization and the construction of more buildings, roads and other structures. From the start it should be pointed that the skyscrapers and the other tall buildings are described as the most non-ecological building structures, simply because enormous amounts of energy and other non renewable natural resources are consumed and used in the construction process. Even more energy is consumed in the everyday ordinary running of the skyscrapers.

A skyscraper is difficult to describe, usually it is described as a tall building with many storeys up to the sky. The most advanced technological breakthrough is implemented in the construction of these tall buildings. Large and bulky construction equipment, like cranes, loaders excavators, diggers, dumper trucks, are commonly used in the construction process. Furthermore, the world's most advanced technology such as the GPS and other surveying tools and equipment is implemented and used during the construction process. Different construction vehicles and machines consume large amount of fuel. For example, the crane is a big and heavy machine that is required for the construction of the skyscraper, and this machine consumes enormous amounts of fuel during its operation. This and other heavy machines emit and release large amounts of carbon emissions into the Earth's atmosphere. The materials that are used in the construction are also transported to the construction site. In some cases these materials come from different parts of the world, meaning that even before the skyscraper is completed, the construction process can have large carbon footprint.

Continue to part 2 

The Many Uses of Compactor

Soil compaction is a process of pressing the soil in order to drive out air and water and increase the bulk density. For compaction, various types of compactors can be used and each has specific characteristics. The compactors are very useful machines in the construction industry, but they also find their use in various of other compaction processes.



Compactors are the key part in the construction, but also in the agriculture, where their effect on the crop yield can be a significant factor in today's farm economy. For example, in the construction, the roller compactors are used to proofrolled the area to check if the natural soil can support the first fill layer. The roller compactors roll across all the area and assure if there is any deflection to reveal.

Trash compactors are most commonly used for reducing the volume of trash in homes. They are easy to operate with and they are really useful for those who do not prefer trash cans. Generally powered by hydraulics, these compactors vary in terms of size and shape, which depends on the application. For example, for landfill compaction, there is a large bulldozer with spiked wheels that is called a landfill compactor and it is used to drive over waste.

For compacting sub-base and asphalt on driveways, small jobs or parking lots, plate compactors are the right solution. They are small, compact and practical machines which provide compaction where large roller compactors are not able to reach. Plate compactors find their use in many outdoor projects, as they are suggested for compacting loose stone, sand, gravel, etc.


If you need a compactor with extreme force, the tamper compactor is the perfect option. It promises an extreme force by applying vibrating units in order to force those air pockets out of the soil. For small areas, walk-behind compactors are our recommendation, as you do not need to invest in a large compactor when not great force is needed.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

How To Use A Plate Compactor - Part 2


To move the plate compactor, push the handle gently with both hands. In order to avoid any type of unwanted injury or accident, keep your hands, fingers and legs on sufficient distance from the base plate. Push the handle of the compactor with your hands. You can control the speed of the vibrations by adjusting the handle from minimum to maximum. Slowly push and guide the plate compactor towards the desired location. If you are holding the handle in the right way and if you keep your legs away from the plate, your hands, fingers and legs will be safe while using the plate compactor. It also important to keep sufficient distance from the edges of the ditches, and to avoid making any sudden movements that can cause the compactor to lose control. Always move through slopes carefully to avoid any accidents.

To stop the the plate compactor perform the following actions :
  • move and adjust the handle of the compactor to the minimum position
  • turn off the engine of the plate compactor by pressing the OFF button
  • turn off the fuel valve
After completing the compaction work wait for the engine to cool for a few minutes before touching the machine, and always place the plate compactor on a flat, level and safe surface. Proper and regular maintenance of the plate compactor will preserve the machine in the best condition for years.



Safety Precautions When Using The Plate Compactor.

The plate compactor should not be used near explosive objects or items such as flammable liquids, gases or dust. When the compactor works it can create sparks which can ignite the flammable materials. Keep children and other members of the family away on safe distance when operating with the compactor. Shields or barriers should be provided if they are needed for higher security. The plate compactor should always be used outdoor because it emits carbon monoxide. This gas is very dangerous and can cause serious health problems. It can also emit other chemicals that can cause cancer. Therefore :
  • The plate compactor should NOT be used inside in homes, crawlspaces, small garages or other enclosed areas. Deadly level of carbon monoxide can be emitted in such areas while operating with the plate compactor.
  • The plate compactor should be used ONLY outside on open air spaces, and away from homes, windows and doors.
  • Use protective gear and safety equipment while operating the plate compactor like : safety glasses, gloves, vests and respiratory masks.


How To Use A Plate Compactor - Part 1

The plate compactor is one very useful piece of compaction equipment. It is used for different kinds of compaction tasks and jobs. It is specially designed to be used for compacting granular or loose soils, gravel and paving stones. Generally there are three types of plate compactors : single direction plate compactor, reversible plate compactor and heavy duty/high performance plate compactor. Each one is intended to be used for a particular compaction task. For example the single direction plate compactor is always an ideal machine for compacting small areas covered with asphalt. The plate compactors are extremely useful machines because they are specially designed to be used in confined and narrow areas. But in order to get the desired compaction results, it is essential for every operator to know how to use this compaction machine properly and in the right way. The following text will help you to understand and to learn how to use the plate compactor in the most appropriate way.



The plate compactor should not be used for compacting soil that consist heavy clay content. This machine shows best result when it is used for compacting cohesive and granular soils, and also when the machine is used on paving stones. Run the engine of the plate compactor at maximum thorttle and enable the compactor to pull itself on the ground. When operating the compactor on tough terrains it may be necessary to push the plate compactor to move forward slightly. When using the plate compactor on downhills, you need to hold the compactor if it begins to pick up speed. Depending on the compaction task and the type of soil being compacted, usually three to four passes are enough to achieve effective compaction results. Although certain level of moisture in the soil is required, too much moisture can cause the particles in the soil to stick one to another and to prevent effective compaction. In cases when the soil is very wet, wait for the soil to get dry before using the plate compactor. On the other hand if the soil is extremely dry, dust cloud will emerge as the plate compactor moves on the ground. Therefore appropriate level of moisture should be added to the ground for best compaction results.


When compacting areas covered with layers of hot asphalt, the plate compactor needs to be equipped with a water tank. The water creates some sort of fence between the asphalt and the plate base, and prevents the hot asphalt from sticking to the plate. Here two to three passes are usually enough to ensure effective compaction. A special polyurethane pad needs to be attached to the plate when the plate compactor is used on paving stones. This pad prevents the plate from grinding the surface of the stone. It is very important to avoid using the plate compactor on very dry or hard surfaces. On such surfaces the compactor will rather jump instead of vibrating, and this jumping can damage not only the plate but also the engine of the compactor. 

Continue to part 2...

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Different Types Of Plate Compactors

The plate compactor is that piece of construction equipment that is the most useful machine in the construction industry. Plate compactors are used to compact sub base and asphalt on driveways, small repair jobs and parking lots. Their importance is expressed when large roller compactors are not able to reach. But, specific applications require specific plate compactors.

Plate compactors are divided in three main categories, a single-plate compactor, a high performance / heavy-duty plate compactor and a reversible plate compactor. Which one the operator should choose, depends on the type and size of the job.



Single-Plate Compactors – Single-plate compactor, or also known as forward plate compactor, is one of the most popular choice for small asphalt jobs and repairs. It is called forward plate compactor because it goes only in a forward direction. These compactors generally generate up to 4,000 lbs. of centrifugal force, which is enough to efficiently and effectively compact granular soils, hot mix asphalts and crushed aggregates. Some of the features that the forward plate compactors have are: adjustable operator handles, easy operating, shock mounts to isolate the engine and prevent handle vibration and removable water tank with large capacity for long operating periods.

Reversible Plate Compactors – Unlike the forward plate compactor, the reversible plate compactor can go in both directions, forward and backwards, and some can even operate in a hover mode. Reversible plate compactors are most often used for sub base or deeper depth compaction. The vibrating plate compactor, as many call it, boast with versatility by way of directional control. The reversible plate compactor is ideal for cohesive and granular material, it is easy to operate and handle, has a long life and low cost maintenance.


High-performance / heavy-duty plate compactors – The heaviest category of plate compactors includes plate compactors with high force. These plate compactors have a unique balance of impact force and centrifugal force, offering an exceptional forward and reverse travel. Most plat compactors of this category are hydraulic plate compactors in order to have significantly improved maneuverability and high plate precision. These plate compactors are usually used on large areas for big loads on construction processes.

Top 3 construction machines in the world |   Protista * Great lists about everything!


Top 3 construction machines in the world |   Protista * Great lists about everything!

What Is Reversible Plate Compactor

A machine that has a vibrating flat base, or plate which is used to compact the soil beneath is called a plate compactor. It is also known as a vibratory plate compactor. Usually the regular plate compactors that can be found on the markets have one speed and move only in one direction, they are driven only forward. But however there are some plate compactors on the market that can be driven and moved in reverse. These compactors are known as reversible plate compactors. The ability of the reversible plate compactors to move in reverse is very useful for many reasons.



The reversible plate compactors are much heavier when compared to the regular one direction plate compactors. They are heavier simply because they are designed to apply more vibration energy on the ground, or written in other words the reversible plate compactors are more powerful machines. They have ability to provide greater productivity and higher performance, and this results in more efficient ground compaction. But the extra weight and the higher performance means less maneuverability on the ground. The light weight plate compactors that move only in one direction can be dragged around the ground much easier when compared with the reversible model. This means that these plate compactors can be dragged against the force that is moving the machine forward.

Dragging a plate compactor around the ground requires some extra muscle power. Also the radius of the turn needs to be corrected every time in order the plate compactor to get back on the right track. This results in productivity loss. A sharp turn in either direction can cause the ground beneath the machine to be ripped off as the compactor moves around. An efficient reversible plate compactor can be set to be in a neutral position. In this position the vibrating mode is still running but the motive force is off. In such neutral position it is very easy to spin the reversible plate compactor around the ground. For a trench compaction, the single direction plate compactors are very difficult for moving and changing direction. For greater and wider trenches, the reversible plate compactor is the ideal choice because it can change directions easily and this results in higher performance and productivity levels.

Generally the reversible plate compactor use two different actions in order to provide great compaction results : vibratory action for compaction, and compressive action for compacting the ground.

The force of the vibrations is the main action that enables the reversible plate compactor to successfully perform compaction on the ground. The vibration that is created in the plate is being transferred to the ground for higher compaction. The particles in granular materials take up the vibration force and in this way the friction force between them is being reduced. The vibration force enables the smaller particles from the ground to fall under the force of the gravity between the much larger ones. The reversible plate compactor also uses a hammering action. The reversible plate compactor smashes the ground beneath with enormous force, usually ninety times per second. The plate compactor accelerates on the ground by using vibrating force of approx 20kN-for smaller compactors, and 30kN- for larger compactors. This force is equivalent to2000- 3000kg of static force.

The main reason why the reversible plate compactor is so widely used is because it provides the highest productivity and performance level when compared with the regular single direction compactors. It is also very efficient machine to be used for edges and corners.


The main advantages provided by the reversible plate compactor are the following ones:

  • Powerful machine providing higher performance
  • Only several passes are needed for full compaction
  • It enables deeper ground penetration so that thick layer can be compacted efficiently
  • Big and wide trenches can be compacted easily with no need to turn the reversible plate compactor
  • The neutral position gives the reversible plate compactor greater maneuverability on the ground. 

Monday, December 23, 2013

Soil Compaction In Construction

What is soil compaction?
Soil compaction is a process of applying force on the soil to drive out air and increase the bulk density. For any soil the obtained density depends on the moisture content and the compaction is a method that can increase its density. Since the amount of air is reduced without changing the amount of water in the soil, the degree of saturation increases.



Various soil compaction, various types of soil
The soil compaction is different, depending on the type of soil. Most commonly it is distinguished between cohesive and non-cohesive soils. In non-cohesive soils (sand, gravel, etc.), the particles lie side by side without bonding, while in cohesive soils (silt, clay, etc.), the particles in the soil bond to each other. The soil types are distinguished as follows in terms of compactability: fine grained cohesive soils, coarse grained non-cohesive soils, water-retaining soils, fine grained mixed soils, rocks, etc.

Soil compaction in construction
In the construction industry, soil compaction is an important part of the building process. It reduces the pores of the soil that are filled with air and water and increase its stability in the process. If you're wondering why is compaction necessary, improperly performed compaction could occur settlement of the soil and result in unnecessary maintenance costs or failure of the structure. Un-compacted and wet soil is almost impossible to build on, so all types of building sites and construction projects have mechanical compaction techniques and equipment, such as soil compactors. Soil compactor is a machine used in construction industry that reduces the size of waste material or soil through compaction. Soil compactors can be found in various sizes and shapes, but they are all with same use.

Dynamic compaction

In construction, dynamic compaction is mostly used and recommended as it has proven to be very effective. The dynamic compaction of soils is the most effective compaction in earth-moving operations. Typically, this type of compaction is a combined action of vibrating or oscillating roller drum and the weight of the machine itself. With applying extra load not just the weight force, the soil compaction will be significantly more effective.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Various Types Of Cranes

Although the cranes are used mostly in construction industries, they also find their use in other industries, and for that purpose there are various types of cranes. Most cranes for sale in Australia are equipped with cables and pulleys to create a mechanical advantage to lift and move big loads. Nowadays, the modern cranes have a hydraulic system and an electric motor in order to provide greater power capability, so the number of modern cranes for sale in Australia on the market is increasing.



Cranes are usually a temporary structure in the construction, whether fixed to the ground or mounted on a vehicle. They can be controlled from an operator in a cab that goes along with the crane, or by radio controls. The responsibility for the safety of the crew and the crane is all on the crane operator. A crane operator must be a competent and accurate person, as his job is very precise and demanding.

The main division is fixed and portable cranes, but there come many types of cranes along with them. If you are curious about the various types of cranes, make sure to read all the types of cranes below.

Telescopic Crane – This crane is usually mounted on a truck and has a boom consisted of a number of tubes fitted one inside the other. The boom is telescopic with 3 or 4 sections and they are usually used for short term construction projects. The telescopic boom cranes are very adequate for various mobile applications.

Railroad Crane – For maintenance work, freight loading and recovery operations, there are different types of cranes that can be used. The railroad cranes are the simplest cranes mounted on railroad cars. They have flanged wheels for railroads use and are very practical devices.

Lattice Jib Crawler Mounted Crane – The lattice jib crane is mounted on crawler tracks and is usually fixed. It provides mobility, but and stability also. The main advantage is that it can move and perform each lift with little set-up, as the crane is very stable on the crawler tracks.

Floating Crane – The floating crane is mainly used in building of bridges and port construction, but they can also be very useful for occasional loading and unloading of heavy loads on and off ships. The floating cranes are usually mounted on a pontoon and can transport entire bridge sections.

Pick-and-Carry Crane – The Pick-and-carry crane is generally mounted on tyres, but it has fixed and dynamic hooks. The crane can perform only pick and carry duties, as all lifting on tyres. In addition, its boom is telescopic with 1-2 sections.


Electric Level Luffing Wharf Crane – The electric wharf crane is a jib type fixed crane, usually mounted on rail tracks. It is used mostly in the ports for handling ship cargo and has a hook attached for lifting applications.

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Monday, December 16, 2013

Which Is The Most Used Earth Moving Machine


The construction machines are classified into various categories, depending on the application. One of those categories is the Earth moving machines, which are widely used in the construction industry to lift and move large amounts of Earth and dig foundations and landscape areas. A backhoe is an excavating piece of equipment or digger and is consisted of a digging bucket on the end of the arm. This piece of equipment is usually mounted on the back of a front loader. So, a front loader and a backhoe equals to a backhoe loader.

The most used Earth moving machine is the backhoe loader which was invented in 1953 by Joseph Cyril Bamford. Although he equipped a common farm tractor with a rear mounted backhoe and a front-mounted loading bucket, his invention is never called tractor, but a loader backhoe. The section of the two-part articulated arm closest to the vehicle is known as boom, and the section which carries a bucket known as dipper. The boom allows the arm to slew right and left about 200 degrees and the modern backhoes are powered by hydraulics.

Backhoe loaders are very flexible and resourceful machines that can run a variety of attachments, such as hammers, quick couplers, sweeper, loading bucket, specialty buckets, specialty backhoe attachments and others. By implementing advanced engineering principles, the capabilities of the backhoe loaders are expanded. Some of the backhoe loaders characteristics are:

  • Due to their size and versatility, backhoe loaders can work even in tight and confined job sites;
  • They have superior maneuverability and can turn 180º around;
  • The modern backhoe loaders usually include hydrostatic transmission with optional creep speed;
  • Durable main frame design for longer life and increased power;

Backhoe loaders can be used for many tasks, whether for construction, transportation, digging or demolitions. The versatility of backhoe loaders allow changing attachments by need. Most backhoe loaders feature quick coupler mounting system, which allows simple and quick attachment. Usually, the used loaders or the loaders for sale suffer many modifications in order to find some new use.


There are many backhoe loaders for sale in Australia with a totally competitive price, so if you're looking to buy one, check out for used loaders for sale in Australia first.

Machine4u


Machine4u @ Hpages - Backhoe swiss knife

Friday, December 13, 2013

Guide On Buying Masonry Saw Blades

Masonry saw blades are the most powerful blades as they are designed to cut brick, ceramic, tile, stone and other types of masonry materials. Although some circular saw blades are believed to cut through masonry, masonry saw blades can do it easier and quicker, because they are especially designed for masonry.

Like with any other tool, to achieve the best effect, it is important to choose the right and most suitable saw blade to the job. There are a few types of masonry saw blades which can be used in various applications, such as tile work, accurate cutting and detail work. They come in different sizes and can be designed of various materials to meet the requirements of different uses.



With a wide selection of masonry saw blades out there, choosing the right saw blade is no simple task. Assuming that you need a guide before buying a masonry saw blade, let's check out the types of masonry saw blades.

Abrasive blade – The abrasive blades are coated in a rough material allowing to cut through tile and masonry with ease. They are made of bonded abrasive materials (carbide, minerals, etc.) to have more strength and be more durable. Also, most abrasive blades can also cut steel and metal.

Segmented blade – The segmented blade is very specific in first sight. It has gullets between each segment in the rim and is ideal for making rough cuts that don't require a nice look.

Continuous rim blade – The continuous rim blade has a continuous rim for smooth and chip-free cuts. It has no break in the rim of the blade and is ideal for wet-cutting of various tile types, including marble, brick, tile, ceramic, etc.

Diamond blade – Diamond blades are the most used saw blades for masonry, as they have diamonds on the edge promising to cut abrasive and hard materials. Each diamond blade is designed for specific application and probably won't work for another application. There are a few types of diamond blades depending on the use: slicing, dicing, wafering, sawing, grooving, slotting, rough cutting and many others.
  • Wet-cutting blades: Ideal for heavy duty outdoor applications, detail work and precision cuts. These diamond blades require water to cool and that explains a lot about their name. 
  • Dry-cutting blades: Ideal for indoor applications. Dry-cutting blades have heat-resistant segment welds, so they don't require water to cool. 

For more information about masonry saws on sale click here.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

The Most Common Crane Models

A crane is a heavy construction machine that is mainly used for lifting and loading different kinds of materials, items and objects. This machine works by using pulleys and cables. In the construction industry the cranes are valuable assets because they have the capability to lift heavy and bulky materials and to move them from one location to another very easily. Without the cranes all the construction job that includes loading, lifting and unloading need to be done by human hands. This process consumes more time and human effort, and it is not efficient at all. 



Today the construction cranes are big, huge and have the strength to lift tons of heavy materials many meters in height. For high construction projects, a tower crane is used because it has a reach as high as 700 meters. The crane uses the pulleys and the cables in order to create a mechanical advantage so that big and heavy items or materials can be lifted from the ground. The lifting capacity and the stability are very important factors for every crane design. Ropes, winders, cables, chains are integral part of every crane type. Many different crane types are available for completing different construction projects. Some of the most commonly used are :
  • Tower Crane. Different types and models of cranes exist depending on the type of the construction project that needs to be completed. One particular type of crane that can be seen almost on every construction site is the tower crane. These construction machines were developed in Europe and today are very popular and used all around the world. This type of crane is mainly used when a tall building needs to be constructed, for example a skyscraper. It was mentioned previously that it can reach as high as 700 meters and can lift loads up to 20 tons. The tower crane is placed in fixed position during the entire construction period. In order to lift heavy items and in the same time to remain in stable position, the tower crane is mounted over concrete blocks.
  • Vehicle Mounted Crane. Because the cranes which are used at the construction sites are temporary machines, they are sometime attached on wheels so they can be moved around the site easily. The vehicle mounted cranes are able to move on roads and on highways. This means that no additional equipment is required to transport the crane to the construction sites. Once the crane is at the construction site, outriggers are extended horizontally and vertically to stabilize the machine.
  • Rough Terrain Crane. This is a special type of vehicle mounted crane because it is mounted on a undercarriage that has rubber wheels specially designed for off road application. Outriggers are also extended for more stability.
  • Crawler Crane. A crawler crane usually is mounted on a chassis that has set of tracks instead of wheels, and therefore no outriggers are required for higher stability. Typically this type is a mobile crane that has capability to lift loads from 30 to 3000 tons. Although they are mobile and can move around the site, they need to be disassembled and loaded on transport vehicles in order to be transported to different construction sites.
  • Aerial Cranes. These cranes are also known as sky cranes because they are actually helicopters that can lift heavy materials and loads. The sky cranes are very useful machines in situations when the other crane types cannot be used.
  • Other types of cranes : floating cranes which are used in construction projects on water such as bridges, ports, dams.

The cranes are also used in many manufacturing plants. At the manufacturing plant particular crane types are used to assemble the heavy equipment. Additionally the side lifter crane is a specially designed machine for lifting and loading various containers on trucks or railway vehicles. Check online for available cranes for sale in Australia.







The Most Common Crane Facts

A crane is a construction machine that has the capability to raise and to lower very heavy items or objects and to move them horizontally. Cranes differ from the hoists, mainly because the hoists can lift heavy objects but cannot move them horizontally or sideways. The word crane comes from the fact that these machines have shape which is similar to the shape of a tall long necked bird that has the same name- Crane.



People have used many different types of devices in order to lift heavy materials since ancient times. The “shaduf” was one of the earliest form of the crane. It was used in ancient Egypt to move water about four thousand years ago. Even today the shaduf is still used in some rural areas in Egypt and India.


The first ever cranes which were used for lifting heavy materials were invented in ancient Greece. By examining the Greek architecture that dates back to 515 BC, the archaeologists have discovered evidence that points to the necessary presence and usage of a lifting device like the crane.


In the first century the cranes that were used to lift heavy materials and objects were mainly powered by humans or animals. These cranes were consisted of a long wooden beam, which was known as a boom, and this beam was connected to a rotating base. The Treadwheel cranes come into action in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance. The stationary harbor cranes were also invented in the middle ages. Many of these cranes are present even today in harbors like Trier- Germany, Copenhagen- Denmark, and Gdansk- Poland. An important moment in the development of the cranes occurred in the Middle Age, when a horizontal arm, which was known as a “jib”, was attached to the boom. In the sixteen century, two treadmills were used for building a crane, one on each side.


Cranes were powered by people or animals until the nineteenth century, when steam engines were invented. At the beginning of the 20th century, internal combustion engines and electrical motors replaced the steam engines to power the cranes. From the 20th century, the steel became the material to be used when building the cranes. In the first half of the 20th century the cranes in Europe and United States were built in different ways. In Europe the cranes were built in the form of tall and slender tower. In the United States the cranes were built with a boom connected to a trolley which could be moved from one location to another easily.


Many world famous politicians started as a crane operators. Two politicians in the United States in the legislative branch of the state government, several British and Australian MP's, and several English authors have worked as a crane operators in their early days. The most internationally known crane operator was Anna Walentynowicz. Her fight for better working conditions and better human rights led to the foundation of the Solidarity Free Trade Union.




Benefits Of Using Concrete Pumps At Construction Sites - Buying New or Used Industrial Machinery


Benefits Of Using Concrete Pumps At Construction Sites - Buying New or Used Industrial Machinery

Monday, December 2, 2013

Types of water pumps

Whether for home use or business, water pumps are very useful devices that serve to provide a water flow always when you need. Depending on the use of the pump, there are a few types of water pumps on the market, each with similar purpose. Some water pumps serve to bring water into a home or building, while others to bring water out. But before you search for a pump, you should know what type of pump with additional features you need.



There are only two general types of water pumps, positive displacement pump and centrifugal pump, both moving water from one point to another. Centrifugal water pumps use rotating impellers to move water, while positive displacement water pumps deliver a fixed amount of flow which makes them very effective. Below you can read a few must-know facts about both types.

Centrifugal Pumps
All pumps that use a rotating impeller to move water into the pump and pressurize the discharge flow fall in this category. Centrifugal pumps are designed to hold the water with a small valve when the water comes in for the first time, in order not to be primed again every time you turn it on. First, the water enters the pump and is being accelerated by the impeller, flowing radially towards the diffuser or volute chamber, from where it exits through it. However, some problems might appear, such as corrosion, overheating, prime, cavitation, leakage or others. These pumps find their use in construction industry, in a home-wells and in fire-protection systems for providing a continuous water flow.

Positive Displacement Pumps
Positive displacement pumps are pumps that deliver a limited amount of flow through mechanical contraction. They are perfect for many industries that deal with high viscosity liquids or where sensitive solids are present. The positive displacement pumps are versatile, have a compact design, secure a continuous flow regardless of the differential pressure and offer a high-viscosity performance. As they don't have air in the lines, the positive displacement pumps are very efficient.


Main differences between centrifugal and positive displacement pumps
If you haven't concluded the advantages and disadvantages by yourself, you can read a few differences between a centrifugal and positive displacement pumps below.

  • The centrifugal pumps have varying water flow depending on pressure, while the positive displacement pumps have more or less constant water flow regardless of the pressure;
  • Changes in pressure have a little effect on the positive displacement pumps, while changes in pressure have a huge effect on the centrifugal;
  • The centrifugal pumps lose water flow as the viscosity goes up, while the positive displacement pumps increase the water pump;
  • NPSHr in centrifugal pumps varies with flow which is determined by the pressure, while the NPSHr in positive displacement pumps varies with flow which is determined by speed;
  • Centrifugal pumps perform best in the center on the curve, while positive displacement pumps on any point of the curve.