Construction is a big, wide world, full of unique tools and attachments and ever-changing trends as new inventions are created and methods are tested. Keeping up with the latest hot topics and tools within the industry is complicated, especially if you’re trying to balance a busy work schedule with your research of cutting edge equipment and emerging trends in the construction market.
As we get closer to 2020, it’s a great time to review what 2019 brought the construction industry, which trends are still leading the market, and what we will expect to deal with as we enter the new year and a new season full of exciting projects.
5 Equipment Trends That Are Here To Stay
- Maximum Versatility
As time goes on, us humans get better at learning how to work smarter, not harder. In 2019, many construction contractors and companies began to look for ways to get the most use out of a single piece of equipment, which is how attachments began to make a bigger name for themselves in the industry.
Rock grinders, screening buckets, saw attachments, rotary crushers, and dozens more attachment options have created a massive increase in versatility in the kind of jobs that a single construction crew can do. The more uses that a piece of equipment can accomplish, the better it is valued.
- Drones
2019 was an exciting year for new, cutting edge technology and drones are one of the biggest things to come from the industry this year. Data collection, mapping, inspections, and more tasks are now done easily with a drone. There are many different types, and they each have a unique use, but it’s not uncommon anymore to find a construction with a drone or two in their arsenal of helpful tools and equipment items.
- Energy Efficient Design
Everyone is doing their part in “going green” and helping the planet by cutting out unnecessary use of resources and aiming for a more efficient way of using energy and power. Not only will this habit help the Earth and reduce the impact we leave on the planet negativity, it saves a lot of money in the long-run by lowering the amount of energy used and reducing the cost we have to pay. This is just as true for construction equipment as it is for your own home appliances.
There are many new “smart” designs for common equipment, from the machines used to the safety gear required, and it’s all designed with the same purpose in mind - use less energy, save more resources, and cut down costs. It’s a trend that is here for good, and we’re all a little better off because of it!
- Improved Tires For Driving
The way machines are transported has become a bit different recently. Instead of using trailers and lugging the giant equipment, like excavators, back and forth from each jobsite or back to the warehouse, it’s more common now to drive them to the next destination. Because of this, the demand for better tires has grown, and it’s become a big part of the industry. People pay attention to the tires now, so efficient, high-quality tires have become a very important trend to stay updated on.
- Renting VS Owning
More and more rental properties are being built, and less people are buying or building residential homes. The process of designing rental units is a lot different than designing neighborhoods or secluded homes, so construction companies have had to adjust their equipment to handle the demand for apartments and townhomes over large houses.