A Breakdown of Construction Equipment | Engineer Supply - EngineerSupply

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What is construction equipment? (Engineering vs Survey)

what is construction equipment

Running a successful business in the construction industry is all about knowledge and experience. While it is true that the year will bring a lot of wisdom your way, it can also be beneficial to be proactive when it comes to certain elements of your company. Knowing the ins and outs of construction equipment, for example, is key to investing in the best tools and gear for your line of work. While there are countless categories to consider, two main areas of interest are equipment associated with the engineering and surveying tasks.

Take a moment to review this guide to surveying and engineering equipment. The more you know, the better you will be at picking the right tech for your business.

what is construction equipment

Engineering Equipment

When the average person thinks about construction tools, he or she is likely to picture engineering equipment. This category includes all of the heavy equipment like cranes, excavators, backhoes, loaders, lifts, and more. Usually, the equipment of your industry will depend on the nature of your work. If your business specializes in laying the foundation of new builds, then your heavy equipment will likely include cement mixers and other machines used to process and pour materials like cement. From bulldozers to dragline excavators, there are all kinds of large tools associated with construction.

The construction of buildings is only one of many areas where large machinery is put to use. Roadworkers will use pavers and other pieces of equipment to lay new roads or fix issues on existing paths. Dump trucks, similarly, serve the important purpose of transporting materials across long distances. No matter what service your business specializes in, you can be sure that there is a specific machine that is involved in completing daily operations in the most efficient way possible.

Surveying Equipment

Another big area to consider when it comes to the equipment involved in construction is survey equipment. Unlike the tools associated with engineering, these items are usually smaller in scope. Surveyors study the land in order to assess a number of details. Both natural features of the land and structures built by people are taken into consideration when a survey is being conducted. Due to this, the equipment associated with taking a survey can include a wide variety of tools and machines in order to improve accuracy and deliver results to clients.

Though there are many instruments involved in surveying land, the most common tools include tape measures, tripods, levels, theodolites, rods, and global positioning devices. It is also traditional for surveyors to use prisms and prism poles while conducting a survey. A prism is attached to a pole in order to provide a specific point that the surveyor can use when trying to assess factors like distance. Usually, the prism is used with the laser level in order to provide the most accurate reading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Invest in the Latest Construction Equipment?

what is construction equipment

When you’re looking for essential pieces of construction equipment and gear, be sure to check out what’s available to you at Engineer Supply. Take a look at the selection of vital tools and find exactly what you need to complete any job.

What Safety Gear Is Involved in Construction?

Staying protected while on an active work site is an absolute must. From helmets to goggles, there are a number of key components involved in shielding your body from harm while on the job. Be sure to learn more about OSHA guidelines in order to learn the exact requirements of your industry.

What Is the Main Piece of Equipment Used by Surveyors?

Traditionally, the most important piece of equipment used by a surveyor is the theodolite. This is an instrument used for precision when measuring angles between various points on both vertical and horizontal planes.

What Is a Total Station?

One crucial piece of equipment associated with surveying is a total station. Essentially, this tool is used instead of a traditional theodolite. The total station serves the same purpose as the theodolite, in addition to providing a number of other important features.

When Should a Land Survey Be Conducted?

Typically, a land survey is conducted for a variety of reasons. One of the more common circumstances is when the owner of a particular piece of real estate wants to gain more perspective on where the exact boundaries of the property are located.

Construction equipment can come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for the right tools to complete a job related to surveying or engineering, be sure to visit Engineer Supply and find the exact instruments you require.


Best Construction Level

#1: David White LT8-300P 26x Transit Level with Optical Plummet

Best construction level david white LT8-300P-46-D8871

This 26x transit level has an accuracy of 3/16 of an inch at distances of up to 150 feet, but it has a total range of 400 feet. The optics have a horizontal circle with a lock and tangent as well as a vertical arc with a lock and tangent. It also has a 5/8" x 11" thread size and a 1:100 stadia with a glass reticle. When you purchase this construction level, you will also get the following:

  • Optical plummet
  • Rain hood
  • Objective lens cap
  • Hard carrying case
If you’re ready to purchase this level, be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply.

#2: Topcon 32x Automatic Level AT-B2

Best construction level topcon-32x-2110220B0

This automatic level will allow surveyors and construction professionals to get accurate level, angle, height and distance measurements. The optics have a 32x magnification, a 1/32-inch accuracy, and a built-in compensator that will stabilize the line of sight (even in the presence of fine vibrations that can be caused by heavy equipment on the job site). The telescope has a focus range of 7.9 inches and can be used in confined spaces. It also has an internal magnetic dampened compensator, which will allow you to level the line of sight within a range of 15 arc minutes at an accuracy of 0.3 arc seconds. You can even get it with the following accessories:

  • Diagonal eyepiece.
  • Optical micrometer.
  • Light pack (which can be helpful low-light conditions).
  • 40x eyepiece (which will improve accuracy and magnification).
Be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!

#3: Sokkia B20 32X Automatic Level

Best construction level sokkia-B20-32X-2110120B0

This construction level has been proven to provide both precision and durability. It also features enhanced reliability in all types of environmental conditions. Its tough and compact body has an IPx6 Rating. So, it will be resistant to damage caused by water, humidity, and dust. It also has a number of useful features, which can include but may not be limited to:

  • Precise and reliable automatic compensator — It has four high-tensile suspension wires and a magnetic dampening system, which will ensure accuracy and stability (even when it’s exposed to temperature changes, vibrations, or shock).
  • Superior telescope — It can provide an exceptionally bright and sharp view that will minimize eye strain. It also has an ultra-short focus of 7.9 inches (20 cm) from the end of the telescope, which makes it easier to use in confined spaces.
  • Quick collimation — The two knobs of endless horizontal motion drives can be operated with either hand, which allows for faster and easier aiming.
  • Horizontal angle measurement — Horizontal angles can be read in one-degree or one-gradian units, and the freely rotatable circle will allow you to perform any angle reading from zero.
The stadia lines on the reticle will allow you to perform any distance measurement, and it’s easy to adjust with one screw. The circular level vials are adjusted with two screws, but both of them are quick and easy with the provided tools.

#4: Topcon RL-200 2S Dual Slope Rotary Laser Level Pro Package

Best construction level topcon-RL-200-314920782

This self-leveling, dual-slope rotary construction laser level is great for exterior applications and it includes the following:

  • Rechargeable battery kit.
  • LS-100D laser detector with the Holder 6 rod clamp.
  • RC-400 remote control.
  • Hard carrying case.
The red laser beam has an operating range of 3,600 feet in diameter with a laser detector, and it has an accuracy of 3/64 of an inch at distances of up to 100 feet.

#5: Topcon RL-H5A DB Alkaline Horizontal Laser Level with LS-80L Receiver

Best construction level topcon-RL-H5A-DB-1021200-07

This construction laser level has an operation range of up to 800 meters, and it comes with a smart long-range receiver. The laser has a rotation speed of 600 rpm with a self-leveling range of five degrees. The battery can last up to 100 hours, and the body has an IP66 Rating (which allows it to withstand dust, a sudden shower, or even heavy rainfall). When you purchase this laser level for construction, it will come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty as well as the following accessories:

  • Topcon LS-80L Laser Detector.
  • Sensor holder.
  • Carry case.
Be sure to pick yours up at Engineer Supply today!
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