Introduction
Heavy machinery and constructions are a huge part of the construction industry. From large cranes that lift construction materials to the small power tools used in the construction process, the construction industry uses a wide range of machinery and equipment. In order to understand the importance of these pieces of machinery and equipment, it is necessary to understand the statistics regarding their usage. This report provides an overview of the construction industry and its use of machinery and equipment.
Construction Industry Statistics
The construction industry is responsible for a large portion of global economic output, accounting for an estimated 10% of GDP in the US. The construction industry’s growth has been fairly steady, with an average annual growth rate of 3.2% since 1992. In 2018, construction spending reached an estimated $1.3 trillion, up 6.9% from 2017.
Tied to the growth of the construction industry is the rise in construction machinery and equipment. In 2016, the construction equipment manufacturing industry shipped an estimated $29.2 billion worth of equipment. Of this, earth-moving and mining machinery accounted for the largest portion, with an estimated $9.1 billion. Cranes, sifting and conveying equipment, and paving machinery accounted for an additional $5.5 billion, $2.2 billion, and $2 billion, respectively.
Construction Machinery and Equipment Usage Statistics
Construction machinery and equipment are essential tools for any construction project. The type of machinery and equipment used depends on the size and scope of the project and what materials are needed. The following are some of the most commonly used construction machinery and equipment:
Cranes: Cranes are used for lifting heavy materials such as steel, concrete, and other construction materials. Cranes come in a variety of sizes, from mini-cranes to large tower cranes. As of 2018, there were an estimated 43,953 tower cranes in operation across the US.
Excavators: Excavators are used to excavate earth and other materials, typically utilizing a long arm with a bucket at one end. Excavators come in a variety of sizes, from mini-excavators to large machines used for deep excavation. Excavators are one of the most commonly used construction machines, with an estimated 123,000 units in operation in the US as of 2017.
Backhoe Loaders: Backhoe loaders are mobile machines with a tractor and shovel at the front and back of the machine. They are primarily used for excavating and digging, but can also be used for other tasks such as material handling and lifting. As of 2018, there were an estimated 70,577 backhoe loaders in operation in the US.
Bulldozers: Bulldozers are large, heavy machines used to move soil and other materials. They typically have a large blade at the front and a ripper at the back. Bulldozers are mainly used for earthmoving but can also be used for other operations such as pushing and leveling. As of 2016, there were an estimated 30,000 bulldozers in operation in the US.
Conclusion
The construction industry continues to be a major economic driver, with an estimated 10% of US GDP coming from the sector. As the industry grows, so does the use of construction machinery and equipment, with an estimated $29.2 billion worth of equipment shipped in 2016. Cranes, excavators, backhoe loaders, and bulldozers are among the most commonly used pieces of machinery, with tens of thousands of units in operation across the country.
