18 Types of Construction Vehicles Along With Their Uses

Several types of construction vehicles, such as trencher and scissor lift, are now available in different construction vehicles brands. You may choose any vehicle, considering your requirements and their benefits.

In this article, you will find 18 types of construction vehicles and their uses, benefits, distinguished characteristics, and dangers.

The Ultimate List of Different Types of Construction Vehicles

1. Bulldozer

Benefits	Clears a large piece of land for construction Moves large quantities of materials Pulls down old buildings and infrastructure Clears rubble
Uses	Construction of roads and buildings Loading and transporting mined materials Clearing land for planting and forestry
Distinguish characteristics	Wide blades and powerful engines
Dangers	May turn over Can throw the rubble on the operators

A bulldozer is a type of construction vehicle known as a dozer. It is used for heavy construction, such as building roads and infrastructure. With the help of wide blades, it can push heavy materials and scrape the land.

It is available in different sizes, weights, and types of construction equipment like rippers, bladders, and mulchers. Wheel and crawler dozers are popular types of these vehicles.

2. Excavators

Benefits	Digs and drills land Levels land Destroys buildings and structures
Uses	Construction of roads and buildings Clearing, leveling, and loading for mining, forestry, and agriculture
Distinguish characteristics	Long arms, buckets, and a powerful engine
Dangers	May turn over if not operated properly Can throw the rubble on the operators

An excavator is another vehicle for digging, leveling, and loading materials. There are several types of excavators, such as crawler excavators. These are tracked vehicles for constructing roads and buildings, mining, and demolition. They have good stability and are available in different sizes.

Wheeled excavators have tires rather than tracks and are used for constructing buildings and landscaping. Long-reach excavators are either tracked or wheeled vehicles and are available in different sizes. They are used for demolishing and dredging.

Another type, called heavy-duty excavators, are tracked vehicles with exceptional stability. They are usually available in large sizes only with high power and are used for constructing roads and mining.

Moreover, reduced tail swing excavators are tracked vehicles available in different sizes. They are used in urban construction and landscaping. And lastly, mini excavators, also known as compact excavators, are lighter and smaller and can quickly work in congested areas.

3. Skid-Steer Loader

Benefits	Has compact size High maneuverability Performs various tasks
Uses	Construction of roads and buildings Can level and grade land for landscaping and agriculture Loads products in the warehouse Clears snow from the roads
Distinguish characteristics	Wheels are controlled independently
Dangers	Risk of falling after being insatiable May roll over if not operated properly May cause road accidents

This loader is another effective construction vehicle. They are comparatively smaller than dozers and excavators yet perform more construction activities.

As the wheels can be independently controlled, it gets easier for these loaders to work in close spaces. It is essential not to overload the loader and ensure controlled speed to avoid dangers.

Several types of steer loaders are available, such as small, medium, and large frame steers. Small frame steers with a horsepower of around 50 can be used in closed spaces, including snow clearing and light construction.

Medium frame steers have a horsepower between 50 and 70. They are used in agriculture and construction sites. In contrast, large-frame steers have a horsepower of more than 70 and are used in more significant tasks, including mining and demolition.

4. Boom Lift

Benefits	Can go up to a height of 200 feet Can work in congested places
Uses	Construction of buildings and roads Maintenance of buildings and utilities (painting, cleaning, roofing)
Distinguish characteristics	Have a hydraulic arm and can maneuver
Dangers	Lift may fall after being unstable Workers may slip if not correctly fastened Workers may get electrocuted due to the electric lines

These lifts, also known as scissor lifts, have a bucket attached to the hydraulic arm. The bucket carries the worker, and the arm reaches the required height. This helps workers to perform tasks that are impossible to do through ladders, such as painting walls, cleaning, and roofing.

These lifts are compact and can efficiently work in congested places. However, it is essential to take precautionary measures, such as avoiding overload and high speeds.

Straight lifts have single booms with vertical reach. They can easily paint buildings and trim trees.

However, articulated hauler lifts have vertical and horizontal reach. They are more maneuverable than straight lifts and can be used for inspection.

5. Compact Track Loaders (CTL)

Benefits	Less ground pressure Have good stability due to tracks High maneuverability
Uses	Construction of road and building Effective in agriculture, landscaping, and mining Clears snow on the road
Distinguish characteristics	Influential tracks instead of wheels or tires
Dangers	may fall after being unstable Workers may slip if not correctly fastened

A CTL is another example of a construction vehicle.

The only difference between a CTL and an SSL is that a CTL has tracks rather than wheels or tires, which makes it more stable and flexible than a skid steer loader. Due to less ground pressure, they are less likely to damage the surfaces.

6. Backhoe Loaders

Benefits	Can perform various tasks Conserves time and money Have powerful engine
Uses	Construction of roads and buildings Effective in agriculture, landscaping, and mining
Distinguish characteristics	Have both backhoe and front-end loader
Dangers	Can damage Underground infrastructure Landscapes Roads

These loaders have two pieces of equipment attached to a single machine. At the back side, the backhoe has a bucket attached to an arm, used for drilling and digging land. The front-end loader only has a bucket for loading and transporting materials.

In some cases, a wheel tractor is attached to pull the backhoes. It helps speed up the process.

7. Dump Trucks

Benefits	Can carry large amounts of material High durability Conserves time and money
Uses	Can be used to transport material for Construction sites Agriculture Mining Landscaping
Distinguish characteristics	Have a large bed to load and unload material
Dangers	Risk of falling after becoming insatiable due to high-speed May roll over if not operated properly May cause road accidents

Standard dump trucks are construction trucks for loading, transporting, and unloading materials like sand and gravel.

The large bed on the vehicle can be raised to unload the transported material. The standard transfer dump trucks have powerful engines that run on diesel.

8. Concrete Mixer Trucks

Benefits	Save time and money Fresh concrete is delivered Can transport large amounts of concrete
Uses	Construction of Foundations Walls Slabs Sideways
Distinguish characteristics	Rotating drum rollers having a capacity of 6 to 12 cubic yards of concrete
Dangers	Risk of falling after becoming insatiable due to high-speed Concrete spills may damage roads, sideways, and infrastructure

Concrete trucks are construction vehicles used to transport and make concrete material.

It has a rotating drum run by a hydraulic engine, which does not let the concrete set. It is also known as a concrete mixer and transit mixer.

9. Flatbed Trucks

Benefits	Can transport various materials and equipment Can carry heavy equipment Easy to unload High maneuverability
Uses	Can transport: Equipment (vehicles) Supplies (concrete, steel, etc.)
Distinguish characteristics	Have flatbed to carry a heavy load
Dangers	Risk of falling after becoming insatiable due to high-speed May roll over if not operated properly May cause road accidents

Flatbed trucks are vehicles with a flatbed made of wood or metal. They can carry heavy loads such as construction equipment, supplies, and debris.

However, it is essential not to overload and ensure the height of your load is lower than that of the bridges and overpasses that may come in the way.

10. Water Truck

Benefits	Control dust particles Increase moisture in the soil Clean equipment
Uses	Can be used in projects like Road and building construction Mining Agriculture Excavation
Distinguish characteristics	Have a large water tank with a capacity of 10,000 gallons of water
Dangers	May turn over if not operated properly Can throw the dust on the operators

Water trucks, known as water tankers and carriers, transport or deliver water. The water is used at construction sites to mix concrete and control dust.

Likewise, these trucks help to provide water for agriculture. The tanks made up of steel or aluminum are attached to a pump that supplies water.

11. Cranes

Benefits	Lift heavy objects Reach high places Conserves time and money
Uses	Used to lift: Materials for construction Materials for manufacturing
Distinguish characteristics	A hook attached to a long arm
Dangers	Objects may fall if not correctly fastened May turn over if not operated properly May overturn due to overloading

Cranes are used to lift heavy materials with the help of a hook attached to an arm.

They are used to lift heavy objects in manufacturing infrastructure and constructing buildings. Gantry and tower cranes are popular types of cranes.

12. Forklifts

Benefits	Lift heavy objects Reach high places Conserves time and money Have high maneuverability
Uses	Can be used in Manufacturing products Constructing infrastructure Warehousing
Distinguish characteristics	A fork attached to a long arm
Dangers	Objects may fall if not correctly fastened May turn over if not operated properly May overturn due to overloading

Forklifts are also used to lift heavy objects in construction, manufacture, and warehousing. A fork attached to a long arm lifts the objects.

The difference between cranes and forklifts is that forklifts can work in closed spaces. However, forklifts have lower capacity than that of cranes.

13. Road Rollers

Benefits	Creates a durable surface Reduces holes in the surface Increase the capacity of the surface
Uses	Road and building construction Maintenance Agriculture
Distinguish characteristics	Large rollers that move forward and backward
Dangers	Objects may fall if not properly fastened May turn over if not operated properly May overturn due to overloading

These rollers, known as compactors and vibratory rollers, are used to compact soils and reduce the holes in the surface.

The compact soil creates a durable surface and improves drainage. Therefore, it can be used effectively for construction, agriculture, and landscaping.

14. Trenchers

Benefits	Conserves time and money Dig trenches as per the required depth.
Uses	Construction of underground utilities Dig trenches for mining and agriculture
Distinguish characteristics	Have cutting teeth with a conveyor system
Dangers	Objects may fall if not properly fastened May turn over if not operated properly May overturn due to overloading

Trenchers are used to dig trenches for multiple purposes, such as installing water pipes and electric cables. There are three main types of trenchers: micro, chain trenchers, and wheel trenchers.

Chain trenches have wide chains with cutting teeth and can be used in different soils. Micro trenchers are small in size with high maneuverability. They require less maintenance and cannot be used in various soil conditions.

15. Cold Planers

Benefits	Have high speed Conserves time and money
Uses	Construction and maintenance of Roads Airports Pavements Bridges
Distinguish characteristics	Cutters attached to rotating drums
Dangers	Objects may fall if not properly fastened May turn over if not operated properly May overturn due to overloading

These vehicles are also known as pavement planers and asphalt milling machines.

These planers aim to remove asphalt or concrete from pavements, runways, taxiways, and bridges. Before driving, make sure the materials are adequately fastened.

16. Motor Graders

Benefits	Create flat surfaces Conserves time and money Highly durable
Uses	Road construction Landscaping Agriculture
Distinguish characteristics	Long blades to create flat surfaces
Dangers	Objects may fall if not properly fastened May turn over if not operated properly May overturn due to overloading

This vehicle is for grading, leveling, and maintaining infrastructure. They are used to create effective irrigation systems and can be easily used in congested areas as well.

17. Asphalt Paver

Benefits	Work efficiently Safe to use Creates a durable asphalt surface
Uses	Road construction maintenance
Distinguish characteristics	A hopper A conveyor belt A paving auger A screed
Dangers	May turn over if not operated properly May overturn due to overloading May spill hot asphalt on workers or people passing by

This vehicle is used to lay asphalt to make the surfaces smooth and durable. The hopper attached to the paver has the mixture transported by a conveyor belt.

The paving auger distributes the mixture, and the screed lays the asphalt smoothly on the surface.

18. Feller Bunchers

Benefits	More efficient Safe to use
Uses	Cutting and thinning of trees Clearing of land
Distinguish characteristics	A felling head and a boom with a hydraulic attachment
Dangers	May turn over if not operated properly May overturn due to overloading

Feller bunches are heavy machines used to cut trees and clear land. They can easily be used in areas that are difficult to reach, so you can also call them off-highway trucks. The bunchers are used in land clearing and site preparation.

If you want a machine to clear a wild area, search “Construction vehicles for sale” and book a feller buncher. Once you search for these vehicles, you will also find tiny construction vehicles for kids at multiple online stores.

Conclusion

Having mentioned the 18 best types of construction vehicles, here is a summary of essential points listed in the article:

You can use skid steering loaders, compact truck loaders, and boom lifts for construction projects in congested areas.
You can use a crawler dozer or forklift if you are looking for efficient vehicles.
You can use motor or dump trucks for grading, leveling, and compacting the surface.

Since now you know the benefits, uses, and dangers of several types of construction, deciding the best suitable option would be easier. Do not forget to consider the risks of the vehicles before buying them.

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