When faced with a pile of rocks, you may also face the dilemma of how you could possibly move them. Well, you could do it the way the Ancient Egyptians built their pyramids, and risk facing several charges of slavery afterwards. Or, you could rent or purchase a set of power shovels to do your digging. This method seems easier, as well as much more appropriate.
Power shovels are so much more complicated than they sound. A power shovel isn’t any particular tool or equipment, but rather it’s an entire family of mechanical shovels that range from large construction machines to lawn mower-size electric snow shovels. Classic examples of construction power shovels are cranes, bulldozers, haulers, steam shovels, loaders, and excavators, etc.
Power Shovel Types
Here’s a closer look at some of today’s most common types of power shovels:
Bulldozer – A bulldozer is an intimidating piece of construction machinery, and the name says it all. It is basically a crawler (usually fitted with caterpillar tracks) with a substantial metal plate sticking out the front, used to move large quantities of loose materials (rubble, sand, and soil) during construction work.
Loader – The loader, also called shovel, scoop loader, bucket loader, front end loader, or front loader, is an advanced form of tractor. Some are fitted with wheels, some with caterpillar tracks. What distinguishes the loader from other power shovels is its tilting wide bucket that is used to move and lift heavy materials.
Steam shovel – A product of the steam engine age, steam engines are obsolete archetypes of modern day construction machines. The most prominent of these is the loader. Most steam engines today can be seen on display in museums and other similar venues.
Also bulldozers and loaders are sometimes used to move snow from the streets during harsh winter seasons.