The best equipment to have as a small construction business depends on your company's specific applications and needs. When you invest in the right machines, you can complete projects faster and support greater safety on the job.
Various important factors, such as project types, job terrain and budget, can help you determine the ideal types of equipment you need to get started. You can also choose between purchasing and renting equipment to enhance efficiency and accommodate your budget.
What Do You Need to Start a Construction Company?
The following elements are essential for starting a construction company:
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Heavy equipment:
Heavy machinery is vital for most types of large-scale construction work. Unless you primarily perform small interior renovations, you will most likely need a small fleet to tackle most jobs.
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Hand and power tools:
Your team also needs several basic hand and power tools to perform smaller tasks and installations.
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Experienced operators:
Each operator you hire should have the skills, training and experience to operate equipment safely.
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Safety gear:
Safety gear
and personal protective equipment
(PPE) are also important when operating heavy machinery or performing any construction tasks.
Best Types of Equipment for a Small Construction Company
Choosing the right machines is essential for safety and efficiency. The ideal construction company equipment list for you depends on your specific needs, but it's important to understand the basics and essentials. Here are some of the most common types of equipment you might add to your fleet.
Excavators
You will need an excavator for your construction operations if your projects involve significant digging, lifting or material transport.
Excavators are essential for land preparation, and you can choose between crawlers, mini excavators and wheel excavators based on your typical jobsites. Crawlers are ideal for rough terrain, while wheeled excavators are perfect for working on flat surfaces. Mini excavators are necessary for maneuvering in especially tight or hard-to-reach spaces.
Dozers
Dozers are another type of heavy-duty earthmoving machine important for many construction applications. A dozer's robust force and wide, flat metal blade enable it to push, level and dig materials such as rock, soil, rubble and sand. They typically feature tracks instead of wheels, which enhance their traction and stability on rough terrain.
Dozers are important for many small construction companies because of their versatility in various site preparation and earthmoving tasks.
Wheel Loaders
Wheel loaders operate with articulated steering and feature a large bucket attachment for scooping, lifting and transporting materials. They can move substantial loads, helping your team boost efficiency and streamline loading, unloading and site preparation tasks. They are also highly versatile, with a wide range of attachments to choose from.
Skid Steer Loaders
Skid steer loaders are compact machines with four wheels. Similar to wheel loaders, skid steer loaders feature articulated steering and can hold a wide range of attachments. Skid steer loaders are essential if you need to perform excavation or earthmoving tasks in tight spaces or on smaller construction sites.
Track Loaders
A track loader is another highly versatile earthmoving machine that operates similarly to wheel loaders and skid steer loaders. However, unlike wheel loaders and skid steer loaders, a track loader moves via tracks rather than wheels. The tracks' enhanced stability and traction make them perfect for performing land preparation, grading, leveling, excavation or material handling tasks on rough terrain.
Graders
Motor graders deliver precise leveling and grading capabilities, helping you prepare sites and maintain jobsite access roads. Graders can help you cover large areas quickly and complete work with excellent precision. Graders are often essential for various tasks, such as land preparation, foundation work, road construction or trenching.
Compacting Equipment
Compacting equipment is important if you typically need to increase material density on your jobsites. Compacting equipment, such as compactors and pavers, enables you to compact materials such as asphalt, concrete, gravel and soil.
Add dependable compacting equipment to your fleet if you perform any type of foundation work, road construction, landscaping, paving or earthwork projects.
Telehandlers
A telehandler features a telescopic boom for lifting, moving and placing large or heavy objects. The telescopic boom can extend vertically and horizontally, helping you reach areas you couldn't reach with smaller material handling equipment, such as forklifts.
A telehandler is an excellent addition to your fleet if you work with elevated work areas, and you can use a wide variety of attachments to meet specific project needs.
Dumpers
Dumpers or dump trucks are vital for transporting and unloading different materials, such as gravel, sand or demolition waste. A heavy-duty dump truck is an important part of a small construction fleet if you transport large volumes of materials across your jobsites or between jobsites.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Construction Company Equipment
Consider the following factors before choosing construction equipment.
Applications and Projects
Create a list of your typical applications. Determine which type of equipment you need for each service you offer, and
consider which machines you can use for different tasks.
For example, you can use a skid steer loader for digging, grading and material handling. Opting for versatile
equipment and investing in multiple attachments can help you get the most value and use out of each machine.
Jobsite Layout and Terrain
Jobsite size, layout and terrain are vital factors when choosing equipment. Consider the typical jobsite you work on
and what you need to ensure safety and efficiency.
You may need robust, tracked machines if you primarily
work on rough or sloped
terrain. However, small construction equipment is best if you primarily work on smaller or residential properties.
Compact equipment is easier to maneuver in small areas, and it can help you complete tasks faster in tight spaces.
Renting vs. Buying Heavy Equipment
Renting and buying equipment both have advantages, but the option that's best for you depends on your needs. Consider
these factors to determine the equipment you should rent or purchase.
Frequency of Use
Frequency of use is among the most important considerations when investing in machines for your small business.
Before buying or renting, consider how often you need a particular piece of equipment. Purchasing is often best for
machines you use regularly, while renting can be more advantageous for fulfilling short-term or one-off project needs.
Budget
When you first start a construction company and begin building your fleet, you may have a tight budget. If a large
equipment investment doesn't fit your current financial situation, renting is an excellent way to get started. You can
rent equipment for your first few projects and expand your fleet with purchased machinery as you increase your
revenue.
Get Dependable Equipment for Your Small Construction Business
Equipping your small construction business with the right equipment is vital. You can find a
wide range of machines from Stephenson
Equipment to build a reliable fleet.
From excavators and wheel loaders to pavers, we have an extensive collection to meet your needs. We
also offer used options and
equipment rentals to fit your budget. We are your
one-stop shop for quality construction machines.
Contact us today to get started!
