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dump truck with big number five on jobsite

[INFOGRAPHIC] Construction Machines: The Big 5 Earth Movers

These “big boys” get the digging, loading, moving and filling done.

March 27, 2018
  • How to Choose

You can’t build much of anything without moving earth and/or materials. That’s where earthmoving equipment comes in. These are the “big boys” of the equipment world, ubiquitous on construction jobsites. They get the heavy work done.

This equipment digs (foundations, ditches, trenches), loads (rubble, asphalt, sand, etc.), moves aside (asphalt, dirt, snow, etc.), fills, grades and levels. Wheeled or tracked, with buckets or blades, these are versatile machines that perform multiple tasks.

Many of the machines perform some of the same functions, but they vary in size, and each machine excels in certain situations. See the infographic below to find out what each of the five most common earthmoving machines — excavator, backhoe loader, wheel loader, dozer and skid steer loader — is best for. Choosing the right machine for the job is key to productivity and profitability.

Check out the earthmoving equipment available for rent at United Rentals.

 

earthmoving equipment infographic

                                                                                                                   

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User account menu

  • 844.873.4948
  • Europe

    • Français
    • Deutsch
    • English
    • Nederlands

    North America

    • English
    • Español
    • Français
  • Sign In / Register
  • Rent
    • All Equipment
    • Popular Rentals
    • Scissor Lifts
    • Boom Lifts
    • Telehandlers
    • Mini Excavators
    • Skid Steers & Track Loaders
    • Rental Resources
    • Rental Protection Plan (RPP)
    • Why Rent with United Rentals
  • Buy
    • All Used Equipment
    • Popular Used Equipment
    • Buy Forklifts
    • Buy Scissor Lifts
    • Buy Boom Lifts
    • Buy Mini Excavators
    • Buy Compressors
    • Buying Resources
    • Financing
    • United Guard™
  • Total Control
    • Account Dashboard
    • Invoices & Payments
    • Items On Rent
    • UR Mobile App
    • About Total Control®
  • Invoices & Payments
    • Invoices
    • Lien releases
    • Apply for credit
  • Locations
    • Find a Location
  • Training
    • Course Catalog
    • Training Credentials
    • United Academy
    • About United Academy
    • Care & Support
    • United Academy - Course Catalog
  • Solutions
    • Worksite Performance Solutions™
    • Specialty Solutions
      • Commercial Trucks
      • Flooring & Facility Solutions
      • Power & HVAC
      • Climate Solutions
      • Fluid Solutions
      • Trench Safety
      • Reliable Onsite Services
      • Tool Solutions
      • Storage Containers & Mobile Offices
      • Communications
      • Industrial Blinds
    • Power & HVAC
    • Climate Solutions
    • Fluid Solutions
    • Trench Safety
    • Trench Engineered Systems
    • Reliable Onsite Services
    • Tool Solutions
    • Storage Containers & Mobile Offices
    • Commercial Trucks
    • Flooring & Facility Solutions
    • Ground Protection Matting Solutions
    • Industry Solutions
      • Energy & Utility
      • Chemical
      • Oil & Gas Refining
      • Oilfield Services
      • Civil and Infrastructure
      • Restoration and Remediation
      • Government Solutions
      • Agriculture
    • Temporary Industrial Tents
    • Energy & Utility
    • Data Centers
    • Renewable Energy
    • Chemical
    • Oil & Gas Refining
    • Oilfield Services
    • Restoration & Remediation
    • Civil & Infrastructure
    • Government Solutions
    • Events & Entertainment
    • Emergency Solutions
    • Emergency Response
  • Services
    • Digital Solutions
    • Total Control®
    • Mobile App
    • Notifications
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    • Downloadable Catalogs
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  • Company
    • About Us
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