The Rise of Compact Equipment in Road Construction

Jonathan Gardner, Construction Equipment Product Manager,
Kubota Canada
Special Collaboration

Traditionally, road construction has been reliant on heavy machinery such as excavators, dozers and graders, but as Canadian cities grow and urban areas become denser, there’s a rising demand for smaller, more maneuverable machines that offer the versatility to take on various tasks such digging, grading, trenching, loading, and more.

Compact equipment offers lower operating costs than heavy machinery while being easier and cheaper to transport to different job sites. Both durable and reliable, it ensures more uptime and fewer unexpected repairs, making it a smart investment for those tasked with building and maintaining Canadian roads and highways.

Here are a few ways compact equipment is being used to maximize productivity, reduce total cost of ownership, and efficiently tackle the unique challenges of road construction in Canada:

Small Machines, Big Highway Projects
Compact track loaders (CTLs), skid steers and wheel loaders are all commonly used in large highway projects to haul materials around the job site on pallet forks.

CTLs are particularly useful for preparing the worksite before paving, as their tracks leave minimal marks and don’t disrupt compaction. This is crucial in areas with wet or soft ground, where wheeled machines could sink and cause delays. However, once the pavement is laid and the project is nearing completion, skid steers are the superior choice to haul materials from point A to point B as paved surfaces can quickly cause wear and tear on the tracks of a CTL.

Mini excavators are also used on big highway projects for digging small trenches and performing precise excavation work in areas heavy machinery can’t access. But they’re perfect for urban road projects, especially when utilities like electrical or sewage systems need to be rerouted. Their small size allows them to maneuver through tight spaces, such as between buildings or around utility poles.

Urban Road Building and Housing Developments
Compact equipment really shines when paired with the right attachments. For example, CTLs and skid steers can be used for everything from milling asphalt or concrete, to cutting trenches, to removing old driveways and sidewalks, to preparing the surface for fresh paving.

One especially valuable attachment is the box blade with 2D Grade control. Grade control systems on compact equipment provide the same precision as larger machines, but with less operational cost and easier handling. Once the system is set up, it adjusts the blade automatically, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustments by the operator.

In addition to grading, construction companies will use attachments like plate compactors for smaller areas or when redoing sections of road, as well as breakers to break up asphalt or concrete during repaving projects. Cold planers are also essential for street repairs, particularly when leveling out pavement or working on sidewalks.

At the tail end of a project, hopper broom attachments are often used to sweep away dirt and debris, keeping the site clean and dust-free, with dust suppression kits to minimize airborne particles.

The Future of Road Construction in Canada
In Canada, road construction remains one of the most reliable industries due to the demanding climate. Harsh winters, combined with freeze-thaw cycles, cause constant wear and tear, leading to potholes and road damage that require ongoing repairs. This makes roadwork an essential part of maintaining the nation’s infrastructure.

If you’re purchasing new compact equipment for your road construction business, make sure the machinery meets the needs of the job. You’ll want to look for:

• Reliability, durability, and performance to ensure long-lasting use on the job site
• Powerful engines that provide fuel efficiency, greater power output, and quieter operation
• Strong lifting capacity and breakout force for handling heavy materials and tough jobs
• Comfortable, spacious cabs for operators, with intuitive controls to make the job easier and safer
• Easy maintenance with accessible points for checking fluids, filters, and other components
• Telematics systems for tracking machine data such as hours worked, fuel levels, location, and maintenance needs.

Partagez sur Facebook / Share on Facebook

Partagez sur LinkedIn / Share on LinkedIn

© InfraStructures - Tous droits réservés - All rights reserved