Heavy Machinery Used in the House-Building Process

The average house size in the United States has increased over time, and so has the size of the machinery used to build them. Houses can take weeks or even months to construct, so it's no wonder that builders rely on some hefty machinery to get the job done quickly and efficiently.

For most of us, the sight of a large piece of construction equipment is enough to stop us in our tracks. But for the workers operating them, this machinery is a simple tool that helps them get their job done. Let's look at some of the most common pieces of heavy machinery used in the house building process.

Excavator

An excavator is a machine used to dig holes or trenches or move large objects. The operator sits in a cab attached to the device and uses joysticks to control the movement of the bucket or arm. Excavators are often used to excavate the foundation of a house. 

Bulldozer

A bulldozer is a large tracked vehicle used to push earth and sand. The operator sits in a cab at the front and uses a steering wheel to control its movement. Bulldozers work best to clear the land before the construction of a house.

Crane

A crane is a machine used for lifting and moving heavy objects. Cranes are commonly used in construction and manufacturing industries to move materials around a worksite or factory floor.

When building houses, cranes are used to lift and move heavy materials such as lumber, steel beams, and concrete blocks into place. This device helps expedite the construction process by allowing workers to quickly and easily place these materials where they need to go.

Augers

Augers are high-quality foundation drilling tools that consist of a helical screw blade to bore holes. The handle of an auger, also referred to as a bitstock, is usually made from wood; metal bits work best in heavy-duty applications.

Paver

When building houses, a paver is a machine that compacts layers of soil, gravel, and asphalt to create a solid foundation. This foundation will support the weight of the house and keep it level. Some homes even have a basement, which requires an even more solid foundation.

These are just a few heavy machines used during the house building process. Each one has a specific purpose and helps the process go more smoothly.

Without them, the job would be much harder to do. The last thing you want is your house to collapse because the builders didn't dig the foundation correctly.