Demolition is more than tearing down buildings and creating a lot of noise. Industrial demolition companies use specialized equipment to complete a safe and effective job. Each demolition project has unique facets depending on its location and requirements.
Though some equipment is common to almost every project, the tools and machinery used in industrial demolition may vary depending on the demolition project and site. In general, demolition projects fall into two main categories — low-level and high-level.
Low-level demolition includes single-story buildings or factories. On the other hand, high-level demolition refers to tearing down larger industrial structures.
Know Which Equipment You’ll Need for Industrial Demolition
Even with the correct equipment, industrial demolition companies must prioritize safety. Some factors to consider when selecting proper demolition equipment include the following.
- Ground conditions: To determine which equipment is safe to use on site, you must consult an engineer so they can provide you with information on the security and weight capacity of the ground.
- Attachment choice: Conduct thorough research beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary attachments available.
- Safe working distance: Consider whether operators can safely use attachments.
- Working height: Determine whether high-reaching equipment is necessary by measuring the maximum height of the site.
The Equipment Used in Industrial Demolition
Demolition sites require several machines, each with a specific role to play in the demolition process. Let’s review some of the more vital types of industrial demolition equipment.
Excavators
You can find these robust and efficient machines at most demolition sites. They can rotate a full 360 degrees and consist of a boom, cab, dipper and bucket. Demolition experts use excavators for various applications, from removing obstacles and debris to demolishing.
You can use several attachments for an excavator to further enhance the machine’s on-site capabilities. Operators may need long-reach excavators for larger sites, as these machines allow workers to remain safely removed from the demolition site.
Cranes
High-level demolition projects rely on cranes. For safety purposes, the crane operator sits in a cab where they can work from the ground.
Cranes provide three-dimensional movement when they have attachments such as wrecking balls. Demolition experts use them to lift and lower materials and move them horizontally.
Backhoe Loaders
These machines allow operators to dig, excavate and remove heavy loads from the demolition site. They resemble tractors but include an articulating arm at the rear and a front-facing loader bucket. Backhoe loaders move on tires, which means they can easily navigate rough terrain.
The backhoe loader has a hydraulic breaker, rendering it ideal for cracking robust materials such as concrete or rock. This machine can also do backfill work, push gravel and install tubing.
Bulldozers
Dozers are some of the most heavy-duty pieces of demolition equipment. These machines push large piles of materials, and can also handle grading, scraper work and clearing land. Hydraulic pistons at the rear of the dozer power the blades at the front, and the tracks allow for stability on different terrain. Depending on the job requirements, they come in different sizes and horsepower ranges.
Skid Steer Loaders
These versatile and compact machines are perfect for various uses, especially on smaller demolition sites. They are easy to maneuver in small spaces and allow many attachments, making them even more versatile.
Don’t let a skid steer’s size fool you — they are immensely powerful and can lift heavy materials and transport them around the site. You can also use these loaders to excavate and they’re a staple for all structural demolition uses.
Crawler Loaders
This equipment can push down heavy structures and move bulky materials, making it an essential asset to industrial demolition companies. Crawler loaders have enough traction to navigate piles of debris and can fit easily into narrow areas, so they’re versatile.
Wheel Loaders
Also known as front loaders or bucket loaders, these machines move piles of material to dump trucks or into open pits. Their design allows them to scoop up materials without spreading them around the site. Wheel loaders come in various sizes.
Pulverizers
These machines separate rebar from concrete with their sizeable jaws, which are powerful enough to crush concrete and metal. Pulverizers are perfect for the primary and secondary demolition of concrete structures, whether reinforced or non-reinforced.
Dust Boss Machines
This apparatus has one use — to minimize dust during the demolition process. The machine counteracts the harmful effects of excessive dust pollution by spraying a fine mist onto the demolition site.
Material Handlers
Material handlers have one long arm and hydraulic grips to grab hold of fallen debris and remove it from the demolition site.
Attachments for Industrial Demolition
Attachments enable demolition equipment to have a wider range of uses. Different attachments can completely change a piece of equipment, making demolition more efficient and cost-effective for businesses. Some standard attachments include the following.
- Wrecking balls: Workers can stay safe on the ground when using a wrecking ball in demolition. Wrecking balls attach to cranes — ideal for knocking down and loosening materials from high areas.
- Hydraulic hammers: Demolition experts can use these powerful machines instead of explosives to break down buildings. Once fitted to excavators, they can demolish many hard materials, including concrete, using a can of pressurized hydraulic oil to exert maximum pressure levels.
- Shears: These are giant scissors, so powerful they can cut through almost anything. When placed on either an excavator or a material handler, they can cut through metal beams and other durable materials.
- Grapple buckets: These tools have curved plates to lift and move demolition debris. Grapple buckets attach to a skid steer and can sort through trash, dig and clean up. They work quickly, allowing industrial demolition companies maximum productivity.
Let GSD Trading USA, Inc., Help You with Your Industrial Demolition
With over one-third of a century in the business, GSD Companies provides various industrial services, including demolition, dismantling and environmental remediation. At GSD Companies, safety is a top priority on all our project sites!
Our highly trained associates will handle every aspect of your project to ensure a safe and efficient demolition with minimal business disruptions. Please feel free to contact GSD Companies if you’d like any more information on our industrial demolition services. Our safety is your strength as we make way for a better tomorrow.