The Role of Track Loaders in Modern Construction
In 2022 alone, the Australian construction industry posted a growth value add of AUD$156 billion. This sector is the 5th largest in the economy and accounts for about 10% of the GDP.
But you may wonder: What is it about the Australian construction scene that makes it such a huge needle mover? The adoption of modern tools is definitely a good answer. One tool that does a pretty decent job in the industry is the ever-versatile track loader.
What’s a Track Loader?
Track loaders are also known as skid steers here in Australia. They’re incredibly tough, maneuverable machines that can be equipped with various attachments to tackle just about any job.
What Can Track Loaders Do?
Here’s a closer look at what track loaders can do in modern construction:
Excavation and Demolition
Here are a few ways this tool can help:
- Do you need to lay drainage pipes, electrical conduit, or irrigation lines? A track loader with a trenching bucket can efficiently dig long, straight trenches of various depths.
- Track loaders are perfect for digging out footings and foundations for houses, sheds, garages, and other structures.
- These tools’ compact size allows them to work effectively in tight spaces.
- Track loaders can knock down small walls, clear out old landscaping features, or even break up asphalt.
Tip: When choosing a bucket for your track loader, consider the type of material you’ll be working with. For digging in tough clay or packed soil, a bucket with teeth will help rip through the material.
Material Handling and Transportation
Track loaders are the true workhorses for moving dirt, gravel, mulch, sand, and other loose materials around your construction site.
- They can quickly load dump trucks, fill in low spots, or create raised berms.
- Need to create a stockpile of soil, mulch, or gravel for later use? A track loader can efficiently move and pile up materials.
Tip: Consider using a track loader with a dump truck and excavator for more extensive jobs involving a lot of material movement. This will create a highly efficient production line for moving dirt and debris.
Land Clearing and Leveling
Say you need to prepare a site for construction.
A track loader with a brush rake or mulching head attachment can quickly and efficiently clear away unwanted vegetation like bushes, small trees, and saplings.
But not only that. Track loaders excel at transforming uneven ground into a smooth, level surface. Using a dozer blade attachment, they can push around dirt piles, scrape away high spots, and fill in low areas.
Tip: When tackling large land-clearing jobs, combining a track loader and a larger bulldozer might be more efficient. The former can handle smaller trees and brush, while the latter handles larger trees and tougher terrain.
Landscaping and Site Preparation
Here’s how they make your landscaping and site preparation easier:
- Track loaders can help create planting beds, flower beds, and garden features. With various bucket sizes, they can dig precise trenches of various depths and widths.
- These machines are adept at shaping the landscape. You can use them to create berms (raised mounds of earth) to divert water flow or swales (shallow ditches) for drainage purposes.
- A track loader with a ripper attachment can easily break up tough ground.
- Need to mix large quantities of soil, compost, or gravel for landscaping projects? A track loader with a dedicated mixing bucket can quickly and efficiently blend these materials.
Tip: The key to using a track loader effectively for landscaping is choosing the right attachment for the job.
Talk to your equipment rental supplier about the attachments available and which would best suit your specific landscaping needs.
Auger Drilling
A track loader with a hydraulic auger attachment can quickly and efficiently drill precise holes of various depths and diameters. This saves time and effort compared to manual digging.
For smaller structures or pergolas, a track loader can create holes for foundation pilings. The auger attachment ensures straight, even holes for secure footing.
Moreover, landscapers can utilise track loaders with auger attachments to effortlessly dig deep, wide holes for planting large trees. This is a back-saver compared to manual methods and minimises root damage during the transplanting process.
Tip: There are different auger sizes available. Choose a size that matches the diameter of the hole you need.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the uses of a track loader in modern construction. Getting the right tool might translate to efficiency and a better overall experience.We at Australian Hammer Supplies Hire pride ourselves in this equipment and much more to suit your requirements. So, waste no time, visit us today, and get the best tools for your construction needs and budget.
