Is It a Bulldozer, Backhoe or Excavator?: Diesel Technology Forum

WASHINGTON--For reporters covering Haiti earthquake:

WHAT: Reporters, producers and journalists covering the Haiti earthquake rescue and recovery operations in Haiti are frequently making reference to various types of construction machines and equipment being used in the rescue and recovery efforts.

Many times the types of equipment being referenced in reports are incorrect relative to pictures being represented. The following is a guide to typical construction machines and equipment being used in Haiti’s rescue and relief efforts. Links are provided to a manufacturer website for more graphic detail and representative images.

EXCAVATOR: Typically larger machines on steel tracks with long extended arm and bucket used for lifting and excavating rubble and moving material. Have 200-500 hp diesel engines. Typical machines can weigh as much as 90,000 lbs. Buckets hold 2-3 cubic yards of material. http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=308568&x=7

BACKHOE: Typically rubber wheeled tires front and rear. Has a front-mounted bucket for lifting and scooping materials and a rear-mounted excavating arm in the back of the unit. Size smaller than a wheel loader. Powered by a 100 hp diesel engine. Can lift anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 lbs of material in the main bucket. http://www.cat.com/equipment/backhoe-loaders

WHEEL LOADER: Rubber-tired; used for scooping up and moving materials, lifting debris. Front end bucket is main work feature. Powered by 200 hp and larger diesel engines. http://www.cat.com/equipment/wheel-loaders

BULLDOZER: Also known as a track-type tractor with steel tracks, bucket or blade on front. Powered by 100-200 hp diesel engines. Used for pushing and lifting material and debris. Can weigh over 60,000 lbs. http://www.cat.com/equipment/track-type-tractors/medium-track-type-tractors

COMPACT TRACK LOADER: Small highly maneuverable units with wheels or tracks; powered by 80-100 hp diesel engines. Many tools can be fitted to the front including bucket for lifting debris, blades for pushing materials, jackhammers, excavator/digging arms. http://www.cat.com/cda/layout?m=308416&x=7

The Diesel Technology Forum is a not-for profit educational association representing diesel engine and equipment manufacturers, fuel suppliers and emissions control technology manufacturers. For more information visit www.dieselforum.org.