Some things are outside of your control on a job site, and the size of the site is one of those. A small job site can be found anywhere, both residential and commercial, and a tightly-packed space can be all you have to work with. When you’ve got large equipment to move through a tight space on a small job site, it’s important that you get it right, or you could very well be adding the repair of a piece of heavy equipment and a neighbor’s property to the cost of the job. Tucker Paving has been in the construction industry for 30 years, utilizing heavy equipment, and we’ve dealt with our fair share of tight job sites. See the tips and tricks we use when we need to move large equipment around small job sites.

Planning for Tight Job Sites

The first step is to plan, even before any large equipment even arrives. This can include making a map or a digital 3D model of the job site to scale to have a clear picture of the space. You’ll want to identify potential obstacles, like spots with low overhead clearance, narrow passages, utilities, or nearby structures that will affect maneuverability. Mark them on the map to see the tolerances you will have around your equipment and the spots that will give you the most trouble.

You’ll next want to create travel lanes and safety zones on the site. These will be dedicated places that are only for traveling equipment or workers and tools. You’ll also want to check out ground conditions on the site, such as places that might get muddy, so you’ll have an idea of what to expect.

Planning for Equipment and Safety Measures

You’ll also want to plan before the start of construction for the equipment and safety measures you’ll be using. If needed, you can rent compact, specialized equipment. Compact cranes, mini-excavators, and skid steer loaders are all designed to work in small spaces. The same is true for the different attachments and accessories you can choose from; remote or automated equipment is also an option.

You’ll also need to plan for safety measures, such as ensuring all of your equipment operators are fully trained, especially in small spaces with limited maneuverability. You will likely want trained spotters as well. Lastly, you’ll need to ensure that everyone involved understands the plans, the hazards, everyone’s roles, and how you’ll all stay in communication.

Tricks to Maneuvering in Small Spaces

These are common tricks we use to maneuver in small spaces on tight job sites:

  • Low and Slow. Use the lowest speed while operating equipment so that you have time to adjust to changes in direction, obstacles, etc.
  • Take Baby Steps. Use short movements rather than long, sweeping motions, allowing you to maintain control and make adjustments as needed.
  • Use counter-steering techniques. Some equipment will allow you to use counter-steering to move around tight spaces and corners.
  • Utilize 3-point (or more) turns. Move forward and backwards as many times as necessary to maneuver in a small space.
  • Use Skidding. This is a feature some equipment, such as a skid steer, has; the equipment will rotate in place rather than need to be driven to turn around.
  • Use the Crab Walk technique. Some equipment can be maneuvered so that it can move diagonally.

Tucker Paving offers site construction services; our Earthwork services include site clearing, site grading, stabilized subgrade, base work, and underground utilities! It’s in addition to our nearly three decades in the asphalt and concrete paving industry. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online, to let us help you with your next Earthworks project!