In recent times, there have been growing calls urging all industries to adopt sustainable practices in a bid to curb the harm being inflicted on the environment. The calls have also focused on the heavy equipment and construction industries. The role of construction equipment is integral to how urban landscapes are shaped and with urban expansion taking place globally, the importance of the construction sector has only increased manifold
The reason why going green is important as far as construction and heavy equipment industries are concerned is that these industries tend to have a significant environmental footprint. Hence, it becomes necessary to explore the importance of the environmental impact caused by construction equipment and how steps can be taken to mitigate these negative impacts or at least reduce them to a minimum.
To explore this topic further, this guest post will delve into the functioning of a wheel excavator and its impact on the environment when it is used in construction projects. This will offer an example of how sustainability practices if implemented in the heavy equipment industry can reduce and minimize the damage being inflicted on the environment.
Sustainability in the construction and heavy equipment industries
The construction industry has also tended to increase its focus on adopting sustainable practices that apart from inflicting minimum damage on the environment are also productive and cost-efficient.
Sustainability is the process of managing resources to fulfill current human needs without compromising on the future needs of humans. When the heavy equipment industry is discussed along with sustainability, it refers to efforts and adopting practices that reduce the impact on the environment. These include reducing carbon emissions and boosting fuel efficiency. It also includes using eco-friendly materials. Another important aspect of such practices is utilizing innovative technology as it minimizes the negative impact on the environment.
Wheel Excavators Offer Much More When Used in Construction Projects
Now the role of wheel excavators will be discussed in enhancing the sustainability process. Wheel excavators are fast becoming popular with their presence being increasingly felt across different regions of the world including North America. They are known for performing different functions on construction sites, ranging from landscaping to material handling and others. This machine is being increasingly utilized owing to its different features that add to its importance.
From outstanding mobility to high speeds and a range of safety features, the wheel excavators have all that it takes to move and work between different construction sites even if they are at a considerable distance apart.
Wheel excavators: A versatile option
Wheel excavators also work with different attachments that help them make a versatile option that can perform different tasks. This machine can be used for excavation and demolition at the same time or be used to handle heavy materials.
As such, such machines may also be equipped with dozer blades and outriggers that help boost their stability. Stability is essential especially when the machines have to work on uneven or rough surfaces. This allows it to handle challenging terrains with ease.
The features of a wheel excavator make it suitable for urban environments
Offering a combination of a traditional excavator and a wheeled vehicle at the same time, a wheel excavator has great potential when it comes to mobility and agility. Contrary to tracked excavators that come with continuous tracks, a wheel excavator tends to operate on wheels. This allows it to move quickly during the moving process and maneuver itself effectively on different terrains.
This versatility offers them a unique advantage when operating in urban environments where limited space increases the need for precise maneuvering.
Wheel excavators and environmental sustainability
However, these are not the only uses that wheel excavators offer. There are many others. This article will now discuss the environmental benefits offered by wheel excavators when utilized in the construction field.
When it comes to the field of construction, wheel excavators are known for their versatility and the efficiency they offer to a construction project. When compared to a traditional excavator, a new or used wheeled excavator for sale offers many benefits, especially when it comes to environmental sustainability. They help ensure effective sustainable construction practices.
Lower consumption of fuel
One of the key environmental advantages that a wheel excavator offers is that of improved fuel efficiency when compared to tracked excavators. This efficiency is due to its lighter weight. They also come with continuous track systems. These systems are responsible for consuming more fuel.
Equipped with smaller engines, the wheel excavators are the perfect machine for optimizing fuel consumption without compromising on quality. The net result is that the fuel costs are cut down and it also reduces carbon emissions. Due to lower carbon emissions and cuts in costs, this machine is perfectly suited for construction projects.
Lower emissions
If you compare even a used wheel excavator with a traditional excavator or a tracked one, there is a significant difference in the engine design. A wheel excavator comes with a more efficient engine design that requires reduced operational hours to get a job completed. This means they emit fewer pollutants into the environment.
Also, the combustion engines installed in wheel excavators comply with stringent emission requirements. These are standards that have been set by different regulatory bodies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that there are reduced emissions when you utilize a wheel excavator in construction projects. This helps improve the air quality at the sites and the environment.
Reduced noise pollution
There has been a growing concern about noise pollution at construction sites, especially in urban settings. More focus is being put on minimizing disruptions caused to homes and businesses owing to noise pollution.
If you compare a wheel excavator with its counterpart, it is generally quieter during its construction operations. This is mostly on account of its smoother movement on wheels.
If you compare the noise emitted by a wheel excavator, it turns out to be lower when compared in decibel levels and also when the frequency of emitted noise is taken into account. This is the reason why a wheel excavator contributes to overall less noise pollution and a more pleasant work environment.
Lesser damage to soil
The use of a used wheel excavator has an important advantage when it comes to ensuring sustainability. The wheel excavators as discussed above are more mobile than the tracked excavators. This makes it more suitable for working on soil. It helps minimize soil compaction, thereby resulting in less damage to the soil when construction activities are being undertaken.
On the contrary, tracker excavators tend to put more pressure on the ground due to their tracks. The wheel excavators in general tend to distribute their weight over more surface area when moving around. This helps reduce the possibility of soil compaction, thereby preserving soil structure. It also ensures that the vegetation and natural habitats around the place are not damaged. This is the reason why a wheeled excavator turns out to be a better choice when it comes to sustainability.
The 3 sustainable technologies in the heavy machinery industry
So far, reading this guest has demonstrated a few sustainable practices that can be employed by the heavy equipment industry. Three common sustainable technologies employed in the heavy machinery industry and subsequently by the construction industry are being discussed as examples.
Electric-powered equipment
Many brands are moving towards this technology. Some of the top brands have begun to accommodate this practice into their operations and manufacturing. As a result, most of the heavy machinery manufacturers are now investing in electric-powered machinery with electricity being used as a primary energy source.
The advantage of using such equipment is that they tend to significantly reduce carbon emissions. This makes them an environmentally friendly choice if you compare it with the option of traditional equipment.
Efficient fuel monitoring
There has been the advent of technologies like fuel efficiency monitoring that have served to make fuel consumption more efficient. It allows the operators to manage fuel consumption more efficiently. This leads to a decreased use of fuel and hence results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Many leading brands have incorporated this technology into their products that are now resulting in lower emissions. Not only is this option cost-effective and helps save money but it also ensures the industry is going greener.
Use of recycled materials
The process of sustainability also includes using recycled materials during the manufacturing phase. If the manufacturing process uses materials that have been recycled, it will reduce the need to allocate new resources for manufacturing and hence minimize industrial waste.
Concluding note
Sustainability is no longer the issue of environmental activists. It has become much more than a trend. Nowadays, sustainability has become an urgent necessity for the construction and heavy equipment industry. With governments all over the world introducing stricter environmental regulations, and public awareness only growing on the topic of environmental issues, companies, whether large or small that fail to follow sustainable practices will fall behind.
Companies need to invest in environmentally friendly technologies and other practices that offer the best solutions for overcoming sustainability challenges. In a bid to bolster their public image and standing, companies will have to commit to sustainable practices that reduce the environmental impact.