There is not any single earthmoving equipment that is ideal for all kinds of sites. One faces a dilemma of selecting between a wheel tractor scraper and an articulated truck combined with an excavator.
The solution is provided by the unique ‘cut and fill’ conditions of the job site.
As per conventional wisdom, the haul distance is the main criterion for the suitable choice of equipment on a specific project. Apart from this criterion, there are many economic and application-related factors that determine the choice of equipment.
Some of these are material, weather, operator skills, operating cost, and space constraints. One can select the right type of earthmoving systems in Australia from National Plant & Equipment helmed by Mark Ackroyd.
Material
Some of the materials favor the use of an articulated truck or the scraper. When conditions are right, it is almost impossible to beat the production of a wheel tractor scraper. It has four engine’s worth of horsepower in a single cutting edge. The benefit is quicker loading time.
The suitable conditions for a scraper would be material that loads easily and spreads nicely. Scrapers work really well in sandy loam soil. When conditions are right, there is no other cheaper way to move dirt than a scraper. It can be loaded fairly quickly.
However, scrapers are not tolerant of sticky, wet clay which is tougher to load. Also, rocky soils do not permit scrapers to pull through in a smooth fashion.
The quantum of rock, which can be handled by a scraper, is based on kind of scraper and the rock size. A paddle-type scraper cannot handle any rock because of possible damage. The augur scraper is a kind, which has the capacity for broader material compared to an elevator with lower operation cost and fewer moving parts. This scraper can handle a rock up to with a size almost as big as an office chair.
Articulated trucks feature top loading. Because of this configuration, articulated haulers are not constrained by the kind of material loaded on them. At times, it may also be feasible to transport sludge-like, semi-liquid material by using a tailgate.
Changing Weather
Soil conditions of a job site can change dramatically with the change in weather. Articulated trucks operate in all seasons, throughout the year while scrapers are typically limited because weather conditions render the job, sloppy and wet.
It is also vital that the flexibility of equipment must adapt to changing conditions. Articulated haulers happen to be economical for an extensive range of applications. Their versatility and flexibility are best displayed under difficult and adverse conditions.
All kinds of articulated haulers perform well in poor underfoot conditions with limited traction. The capacity of haulers to operate in rough terrains has made them popular for any kind of hauling task.
Skills of Operator
It involves much practice to become a good operator for scrapers. Undoubtedly, an articulated truck is a bit easier to run, compared to a scraper. But both systems need good operator training. There is some more effort involved with a scraper.
These are all factors impacting the selection of heavy earthmoving equipment from leading companies like National Plant & Equipment. The latter was built up thanks to single-minded devotion of CEO, Mark Ackroyd.
