Factors Affecting Selection of Construction Equipment

Construction Equipment CE can improve the quality of production and increase project efficiency, cost savings, profitability and safety at any jobsite. Hence, selection of right CE is a very important step. Since, there are different options to choose from, the selection of appropriate CE becomes all the more difficult.

Here is a list of factors that affect the selection of CE and should always be kept in mind...

1. Economic factors: Economic considerations such as the cost of owning the equipment and operation and fuel costs are some of the most important factors that play a deciding role in selecting the equipment. Besides, consideration over resale value is also very important.

2. Factors specific to companies: The selection of Construction Equipment also depend on the need of the company. If the company has a lot of projects in hand for the coming few months or even years, then it definitely makes sense for it to invest in the heavy CE. However, if there is a one-off job or a short term job that needs to be completed, then the company might opt for renting the equipment. Further, if the company is doing really well and is ready to expand, then this also has a considerable impact on CE selection decision. Also, the amount of outsourcing the company does to execute its projects has an impact on CE selection decision. If the projects are given on a contract-basis to the third party, then the investment on equipment is kept low. Further, storage issues also come into play. If the company has its own industrial garage where it can store the equipment, then it may prefer to buy the CE.

3. Factors specific to the jobsite: Both ground as well as climatic conditions at the site also affect the selection decision. For example, the soil and overall terrain at the jobsite and nearby surroundings define which CE should be used. At the same time, climatic conditions such as the presence of strong winds, visibility level etc., also affect the decision process.

4. Factors specific to the equipment: CE are always very costly. So, standard equipment which are manufactured in large numbers by various manufacturers and whose spare parts are easily available are preferred by the companies. The size of the equipment is also an important factor. The bigger the equipment, the more the investment and other considerations. In addition, versatility of the equipment whether it can perform more than one function, the adaptability for future use and the interaction with other equipment also affect the selection of CE. Further, if the company is in a position to bear the repair and maintenance cost, then it can select any equipment type but if the case is otherwise, then a lot of thought needs to be put in before finalising on any equipment.

5. Project timeline considerations: Project deadlines also affect the selection of the equipment. If there is limited time available to complete a project, then companies may prefer highly advanced CE that can reduce a project’s completion time significantly.

6. Labour considerations: This also highly affects the selection decision. If there is a shortage of manpower at the jobsite, then the companies may opt for highly automated machines. Further, the selection of CE may also be highly governed by the availability or non-availability of trained manpower as then the company may or may not opt for highly sophisticated equipment.

7. Safety considerations: Any construction site is the locus of multiple high-risk activities. There are obvious safety concerns associated with workers operating on the ground, particularly within confined spaces when heavy materials are being moved around. Hence, in such cases, companies may have to select equipment which ensures safety of the workers. Thus, safety considerations also affect the selection of the equipment.

In a nutshell, a host of factors come into play when you set out to select the right CE. So, be informed and take a wise decision and don’t regret later.