A Guide to Heavy Equipment Repair & Maintenance in Construction

Heavy equipment refers to large machines designed to perform heavy-duty tasks like lifting, digging, grading and hauling that would be difficult or impossible to complete by hand. They are staples for construction sites, roadwork projects, farms and industrial operations, helping crews move earth, build infrastructure and handle massive materials efficiently and safely. As such, heavy equipment repair and maintenance is crucial to the businesses that rely on these machines.

Picture a barren desert area where a new suburb is being built. An excavator tears into the dirt, making quick work of what would take a crew with shovels days to complete. A bulldozer clears debris, while a grader smooths the surface for fresh pavement. In just hours, what was once untouched dirt becomes the foundation for a thoroughfare. But the more these pieces of heavy machinery are used, the more of a beating they take. Regular equipment maintenance helps them stay operational, whether it involves routine inspections, oil changes, replacing worn-out parts or emergency repair and maintenance services.

Here’s a guide to the 15 most common pieces of heavy equipment in construction as well as suggested preventive maintenance tasks to help avoid breakdowns and reduce downtime. After all, following a routine maintenance strategy will result in fewer heavy equipment repair services and more cost savings that directly affect your bottom line.

1. Bulldozer 

Bulldozers, or dozers, have a tractor-style body with a large metal blade up front for pushing or otherwise moving materials. Some models, like ones from the popular Caterpillar brand, come with a rear attachment, usually a ripper (a giant claw) that helps break up tough ground. Crawler dozers move on heavy-duty tracks instead of wheels, giving them better traction and stability, especially on rough or uneven terrain. They are perfect for tasks like land clearing or road building. 

Wheel dozers offer speed and maneuverability on firm surfaces and can feature articulated steering for tight turns. For smaller spaces and residential work, mini dozers are compact, easy to handle and simple to transport. 

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect the blade for wear and tear, and replace or repair if damaged. 
• Check hydraulic fluid levels, and replace seals if necessary. 
• Examine the tracks for damage, and align or replace them as needed. 

2. Excavator 

Excavators have a long boom and arm with a bucket on the end attached to a cab that can rotate 360 degrees. This setup sits on either tracks or wheels, depending on the type. As with crawler dozers, crawler excavators run on tracks and are used on rough terrain. Wheeled versions are faster and better for paved roads and city work. 

Long-reach excavators have extended arms to dig in hard-to-reach spots, while backhoe excavators combine a digging bucket and front loader for all-around versatility. Dragline excavators are used for big digs and underwater work. Hydraulic shovels handle serious mining jobs, and suction excavators use vacuum power for delicate or precise work, like utility repair or cleanup.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Regularly check hydraulic fluid, engine oil and coolant levels regularly. 
• Inspect and replace tracks when they show wear or damage. 
• Examine hydraulic hoses for leaks or cracks, and replace them as needed.

3. Wheel Loader 

Wheel loaders are the go-to machines when on-site materials need to be moved fast. A wheel loader can easily scoop sand, gravel, rocks or demolition debris and haul it across a job site with ease. Its big buckets and rugged tires make it mobile and versatile, whether digging, transporting or loading another vehicle. 

These heavy machines are found in construction, agriculture, industrial cleanups and snow removal. But they aren’t just one-size-fits-all — compact loaders are great for tight spaces and smaller jobs, while large wheel loaders tackle heavy-duty work. High-lift models are perfect when you need extra reach, and some are specially built for jobs like log handling and waste management.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Check tire pressure, and replace tires when worn out. 
• Inspect the bucket for cracks or excessive wear, and repair as needed. 
• Change engine oil, and replace filters regularly. 

4. Backhoe Loader 

A backhoe loader is like having two machines in one. On one end, there’s a loader bucket for scooping, lifting and carrying. On the other, there’s a backhoe for digging. A swiveling seat lets the heavy equipment operator switch between both areas easily, while stabilizer legs keep the loader steady during challenging digs.

These multitasking machines are perfect for tight job sites where space and equipment are limited. An operator can dig, lift, move rubble or level a surface with one machine and the right attachments. Backhoe loaders are versatile, fuel-efficient and work well on different types of terrain, making them a smart choice for any construction, agricultural or landscaping project.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Check hydraulic fluid levels, and replace if needed. 
• Inspect tires, and replace them if damaged. 
• Change engine oil, and replace air filters. 

5. Crane 

Cranes are seen in every city skyline around the world. They are designed to lift and move heavy materials, machines or goods. They’re used in various industries, from construction and manufacturing to shipping and logistics. Cranes are essential in handling oversized materials and reaching heights that other machines can’t manage.

While many types of cranes exist, most share a few core components for peak performance. The boom is the long arm of the crane that lifts the load — and it can be either fixed or telescopic. Some cranes also have a jib, which adds extra reach. The Rotex gear allows a crane to rotate, outriggers keep it stable during lifting, and counterweights help balance heavy loads. The steel cables and hook are the features that grab and hoist materials.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect wire ropes for wear and tear, and replace when necessary. 
• Check hydraulic hoses, valves and cylinders for leaks, and repair or replace as needed. 
• Test the braking system, and check hydraulic controls for smooth operation. 

6. Dump Truck 

A dump truck is built to haul and unload loose materials like dirt, gravel, sand or rocks. While several types of dump trucks are used across industries, a standard dump truck is most commonly seen on construction sites and in urban areas. Thanks to its hydraulic cylinder system (which uses incompressible fluid), the open-box bed, hinged at the rear, lifts smoothly, allowing the materials to slide out right where needed — no shoveling required. Once the material has left the bed it lowers back into position. 

Dump trucks offer several advantages, including impressive hauling capacity, even in smaller models. Their efficient unloading system reduces labor costs and minimizes injury risks.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect and repair the brake system regularly. 
• Check tires for damage, and ensure proper inflation. 
• Inspect the dump bed, and repair any hydraulic issues that prevent smooth dumping. 

7. Motor Grader 

Motor graders, or road graders, are used to level and grade surfaces. They’re used in a variety of industries, including construction for leveling surfaces before building, road work for smoothing streets and highways, and snow removal in areas with heavy snowfall. Motor graders are also helpful in farming for soil prep and in landscaping for forming drainage ditches.

These machines have three axles, an engine and blades but can also feature attachments for different tasks. For example, rippers break up solid areas for grading or clearing land, while snow wings, V-plow attachments and straight front blades help clear snow from roads. 

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect and sharpen the blades when needed. 
• Check tires for wear, and replace or adjust tire pressure or tracks as necessary. 
• Inspect the hydraulic system, and replace filters or repair leaks as required.

8. Forklift 

A forklift (also called a lift truck or fork truck) lifts, carries and moves heavy loads, usually placed on wooden pallets. It uses a two-pronged fork to raise and lower materials. Forklifts are designed more for compact, controlled environments and are especially common in warehouses, where they’re essential for loading, unloading and stacking goods. They make it easy to move large shipments around quickly and safely. 

While they’re not as common on active construction sites, they’re still vital to the construction process. Forklifts handle the material prep, moving pallets of supplies like lumber, tile or cement blocks before they’re delivered to the site.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect tires for wear, and ensure proper inflation. 
• Check hydraulic systems for leaks, and replace damaged hoses. 
• Maintain the engine by giving it an oil tune-up and cleaning battery terminals. 

9. Skid-Steer Loader 

A skid steer (sometimes called a skid loader or wheel loader) is a small machine commonly used on job sites for digging and other tasks. They’re a go-to for construction, landscaping, farming and snow removal. Thanks to their size and flexibility, they can do the work of multiple machines while navigating tight spaces.

The machine features a bucket for lifting and moving materials, but it can be outfitted with everything from trenchers and augers to snow blowers and stump grinders. It comes with either wheels or tracks, but instead of turning like a car, it steers by skidding. Each side moves independently, which lets the machine pivot in place. 

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Change engine oil, and replace filters regularly. 
• Inspect hydraulic hoses, and replace them if leaking. 
• Check tires or tracks for wear, and replace as needed. 

10. Paver 

A paver machine, or asphalt paver equipment, is used in road construction and other paving projects. Its main job is to lay down asphalt or concrete evenly and smoothly, creating a solid surface for roads, driveways, parking lots and similar areas.

The machine works by spreading the paving material fed into it, then compacting it slightly before a roller comes through to finish the job. This allows for a more uniform and efficient application compared to manual methods. Whether used on a highway or a small commercial lot, a paver machine helps ensure the surface is level, durable and ready for traffic.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Examine tracks or tires for wear, and adjust alignment or replace them as needed. 
• Check the heating system, and maintain it for consistent asphalt quality. 
• Inspect and repair the hydraulic system to prevent leaks. 

11. Compactor 

A compactor is a heavy-duty machine on rollers that helps press materials together tightly. Their main job is to reduce the size of whatever they’re compacting. Compactors do their job by using a mix of weight and force — usually through vibrations or impact — to press the material down. This process helps shift soil particles around and squeeze out air pockets, making the surface more solid and stable.

They are seen across industries, from construction and road work to waste management and agriculture. In construction, compactors are often used to pack down soil, rock or backfill so everything stays solid and level. They help smooth and prepare road surfaces before paving. Waste companies use them to crush and condense trash. In farming, they help bale hay tighter. 

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect and maintain the vibrating system to ensure optimal performance. 
• Check tires or tracks for wear, and replace or adjust pressure as needed. 
• Change engine oil and inspect the hydraulic system for leaks. 

12. Concrete Pump 

A concrete pump is a piece of construction equipment that helps move freshly mixed concrete from the mixer to the worksite. It does this using a combination of a valve system and hydraulic power, making it easier to get concrete exactly where it’s needed.

There are two main types of concrete pumps — line pumps and boom pumps. Line pumps work by pushing liquid concrete through hoses at ground level and are used in places where it might be difficult for a larger truck-mounted pump to reach. Boom pumps have a boom that extends, making them ideal for high or hard-to-access areas.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect hoses for blockages, leaks or cracks, and replace as needed. 
• Lubricate and inspect the pump system for any needed repairs. 
• Check the engine and hydraulic oil levels, and replace them when necessary. 

13. Boom Lift

A boom lift, also known as a cherry picker, is a type of aerial lift with a hydraulic arm attached to a platform or bucket, all mounted on a sturdy, wheeled base. What makes boom lifts stand out is their ability to move in just about every direction, offering more flexibility than other aerial lifts.

Boom lifts are used across industries like construction, maintenance and farming. They’re ideal for working safely at heights, sometimes up to 180 feet, and are commonly used for tasks like installing scaffolding, doing electrical work, trimming trees, washing exteriors, painting, roofing or even picking fruit.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect hydraulic fluid levels regularly, and top up or replace as needed to ensure smooth operation. 
• Check the boom for wear, cracks or damage, and repair or replace any components that show signs of failure. 
• Lubricate the lift’s moving parts — including joints, pivots and stabilizers — to reduce friction and wear. 

14. Cold Planer (Milling Machine) 

Asphalt milling machines, or cold planers, are built to grind and remove pavement or concrete surfaces. As they operate, they break up the surface and collect the milled material, making them great for projects that require resurfacing without a full teardown. The machine uses a rotating drum equipped with cutters to slice into the pavement at a set depth and slope, allowing operators to control how much material is removed. Once the surface is milled, the broken-up asphalt gets collected and sent to a dump truck for recycling.

Cold planers come in a range of sizes — from small models for tight spaces to large-scale units designed for highways and major roadwork. Depending on the job, they’re durable enough to run for hours or days.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect and replace the cutting teeth regularly as they wear down from use on tough surfaces. 
• Lubricate the milling drum and related parts to ensure smooth operation and avoid excessive wear. 
• Check the conveyor system for blockages or wear, and clean or repair it to ensure proper material transport. 

15.Trencher 

Trenchers are explicitly built for digging long, narrow trenches. They’re commonly used for laying underground utilities like water pipes, electrical lines or fiber-optic cables. Its rotating metal chain lined with steel teeth is what makes a trencher so effective. This chain chews through soil, tree roots and other ground material, lifting it out of the way as the machine moves forward.

While trenchers and excavators may seem similar, the type of cut they make is very different. Excavators dig a wide, V-shaped trench that leaves a lot of loose dirt to deal with afterward. Trenchers carve out a clean, uniform trench with flat sides and a flat bottom, making them ideal when precision is key. It’s a go-to tool for installing utility lines, setting up drainage systems and laying cables.

Preventive maintenance tasks: 

• Inspect and replace the chain or teeth when worn. 
• Check hydraulic lines for leaks and replace filters. 
• Perform regular oil changes, and maintain engine performance.

Of course, if you’re planning on implementing a preventive maintenance schedule into your overall heavy equipment repair and maintenance strategy, a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) like Coast can help with assigning, tracking and completing work orders with ease.