15 Common Machines Used In Construction

Construction sites around the world are filled with heavy machinery used for jobs of all sizes. While on the job site, you’ll see a handful of common machines used to complete a variety of projects.

Here’s a look at 15 of the most commonly used machines in construction:

Commonly Used Construction Machinery

From bulldozers to drum rollers, these 15 machines are commonly found across construction worksites:

#1: Bulldozer

Bulldozers are one of the most common machines used in construction. These machines have a large blade mounted on the front of the machine and are set on tracks or large tires.

Bulldozers are extremely durable and have excellent mobility. They are used to move large amounts of material, such as soil and rock.

#2: Excavator

Excavators are popular hydraulic machines comprised of four main components:

• Boom
• Dipper
• Bucket
• Cab

The cab of the excavator sits atop a rotating platform that is positioned over tracks or tires and can be rotated a full 360 degrees. Excavators are used in a variety of digging and demolition projects.

#3: Backhoe

Backhoes, also known as rear actors, are commonly used for landscaping projects that require the removal of trees, boulders, topsoil, and other organic materials.

Backhoes are designed with a long claw at the rear of the machine and a bucket at the front. Backhoes draw material backward and can be used to excavate areas, as well as unload material. 

#4: Skid-Steer Loader

Small, boxy, and agile, skid-steer loaders are popular construction machinery used for digging holes beneath structures and transporting materials around a worksite.

Skid-steer loaders can have tracks or wheels. The machine is equipped with arms and can be used with various attachments to perform a variety of tasks.

#5: Telehandler

Incredibly versatile, the telehandler is a machine capable of performing a variety of tasks. Telehandlers are designed for heavy-duty jobs and can be utilized in off-road settings.

A telehandler features large extendable arms that can move material around worksites. Additionally, telehandlers are capable of placing materials in high places and are useful for moving pallets and cleaning up job sites.

#6: Compactor

Compactors, also known as rollers, are used to compact material. Compactors come in three main varieties for construction use and include:

• Plate Compactor:Used to create a level grade.
• Rammer Compactor:Used to compact backfill material.
• Road Roller: Used to compact rocks for base layers.

Compactors are commonly used for road construction projects and can be used with a variety of materials, including soil and asphalt.

#7: Grader

Used for dirt, gravel, and paved road projects, graders are essential for large road projects. Graders have three axles and a large blade between the front and rear tires.

Graders are used for a variety of reasons, including flattening surface soil before laying asphalt, as well as removing excess soil and leveling surface soil.

#8: Wheel Loader

Wheel loaders, also called bucket loaders, are large and versatile machines that can be used to:

• Move and load heavy material such as rock, soil, and debris onto other vehicles
• Dig shallow holes
• Clear rubble
• Build roads
• Prep worksites