When you have a site that needs grading, you have two main options: bulldozing it or using a ground excavator. While bulldozing may seem like the easiest way to get the job done, there are numerous reasons why this isn’t the best choice for every project. For example, if the site is in a sensitive area or has been designated as an environmentally sensitive area (ESA), you cannot bulldoze it. Likewise, if the soil is extremely saturated, it cannot be bulldozed without damaging the site. Alternatively, using a ground excavator to grade a site means less soil movement, less soil and ground water contamination and less risk of damaging the site’s vegetation.Grading a site using a ground excavator can also be much cheaper than bulldozing depending on the size and scope of the project. Before you make a final decision on what type of equipment to use, keep these tips in mind so that you can make the most informed choice possible.
Define the scope of work.
Before you make any decisions on what type of equipment to use, you first need to define the scope of work. This is extremely important because it will determine the amount and type of equipment needed to complete the project. If you only need to grade the surface of the site, you can use a small motorized scalping blade. If the site has a significant amount of vegetation, it may be best to use a large excavator with a scalping blade attached to it.If the site has a large number of trees, cedar trees and stumps, you may need to use an excavator equipped with a cedar stump grinder to properly remove the cedar trees. Likewise, if the site has a significant amount of roots or other ground growth, you may need to use a root cutter.
Excavator type
Excavator type - This is the primary factor that will determine the type of equipment you use. There are three main types of excavators: wheeled, tracked and motorized (all-terrain). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. When considering the type of excavator you will use, consider the type of soil you will be working in, the size of the site, the vegetation on the site and the amount of time you have to complete the project. The table below provides an overview of each type of excavator.
Grading blade type
Grading blade type - The next most important factor when grading a site using a ground excavator is choosing the correct grading blade. Each type of blade has its own advantages and disadvantages. The grading blade you select will depend on the soil type, the vegetation on the site and the amount of time you have to complete the project. The table below provides an overview of each blade type.
Final considerations
The last thing you should do when planning a ground disturbance project is take into account the other considerations listed above. When you are grading a site using a ground excavator, you have a few other factors to consider as well. This includes the time of year you are working (e.g. you may have to wait until the snow melts in the spring to bulldoze your site), the amount of precipitation expected (e.g. you may have to wait until there has been a significant amount of rain) and the amount of vegetation on the site (e.g. you may have to wait until the vegetation has dried out after a rainy spell).
Conclusion
When you are grading a site using a ground excavator, you have a few other factors to consider as well. This includes the time of year you are working, the amount of precipitation expected and the amount of vegetation on the site. The table below provides an overview of each type of blade.
Final words
When you are grading a site using a ground excavator, you have a few other factors to consider as well. This includes the time of year you are working, the amount of precipitation expected and the amount of vegetation on the site. The table below provides an overview of each blade type.