Commercial Excavation

Excavation Services Offer More Than Just Digging

When you contract for any business, you should know what you are getting. If you find a business that offers more than you expect, that’s a plus. For example, if you are in the market for excavation services, you might think it’s just digging, but there is so much more.

More than anything, business should offer honesty, productivity and smart decisions. They should also be a well-rounded business that can offer you anything you might require to bring a project to completion. That’s why it’s so important to know that excavation services offer more than just digging.

Why you might need excavation services

To fortify a foundation – for any new home or building, the first step is digging a hole large enough to secure a strong foundation.

To restore your property after a disaster – major storms can wreak havoc on an area. Fallen trees and structures that have been blown down can leave your property or access roads blocked or uninhabitable. You might also experience flood damage, which can create erosion or drainage issues. Having standing water on your property is never wise as it can damage your land and breed insects. You may need excavation services to clean up the area as well as minimize any future risks.

To clean up an environmental contamination – a leaking underground storage tank or a malfunctioning septic system can pollute the soil and eventually affect the groundwater for other nearby homes or businesses. If this occurs on your property, it must be handled right away, typically using excavation services.

To install or repair underground pipes – let’s face it, pipes often leak. Those located underground require excavation services to reach them so they can be repaired. You may also need to install them in the first place.

To remove trees or other unwanted materials – there are many reasons why you might need to have trees removed. They could be threatening existing structures or be in the way of new builds. You might simply want to gain more usable space for recreation or landscaping. There are perhaps just as many methods for getting rid of undesirable trees but nothing is as effective as excavation services.

To even out uneven land – grading or adding slope might be necessary for construction projects or drainage improvement. Professional excavation services can give you the right contouring for your property to be more attractive and efficient.

To dig sewer lines or ponds – if you are installing a pond, excavation experts are especially necessary. They will determine high and low areas, create the right slopes and account for winter temperatures. Sewer lines can also pose huge challenges. Backups, blockages and even tree roots make this work particularly demanding, which is why you should only trust experienced contractors.

To add a basement – building down is perhaps one of the most complex construction projects. If not done right, it can actually cause the kind of structural collapse you should only see in the movies. It takes an excavation services firm that is qualified, experienced and insured.

To get rid of a swimming pool – some people dream of owning a home with an in-ground pool. Others consider it to be an expensive, dangerous money pit. If you are in the latter category, pool removal might be in your future. There is more to this project than just filling in the hole. Sunken land, poor drainage and leaks are just a few of the issues that can occur if it is not handled properly. It should be removed without a trace that it was ever there and that takes the professional touch.

Why you should only use professionals for excavation services

Do it yourself projects have become almost a way of life for many people. There are numerous sources online that show you how to do everything from building your own computer to flushing out your water heater. Excavation services should not be one of them.

For one thing, excavation is dangerous work. Without the proper tools, training and equipment, you could end up causing irreparable damage to your property or seriously injuring yourself.

Some people believe they will save money by handling these types of jobs on their own or hiring a contractor who does not specialize in excavation. You will only waste your valuable time by working with amateurs. In addition, handling excavation services yourself will end up costing you more money in the long run. If it’s not done right or you make a mistake, you will have spent money doing it wrong and then additional money to fix it correctly.

What else is involved in excavation services other than digging?

1. Site preparation

To get your project off on the right foot, there is work to do before the real work begins. Inadequate site preparation can cause unnecessary delays and increased costs. This work may involve soil testing, zoning restrictions, and plan designs as well as site surveys and investigations.

2. Knowledge about soil erosion and ground integrity

When it comes to excavation services, experience is everything. For instance, professionals will know the right approach to take in order to preserve the safety and sturdiness of the land once the work is complete. Also, there are different types of soil and each reacts differently to excavation. That may be nothing compared to what’s underneath the top soil. A top quality contractor will have experience working with all kinds of conditions to give you the best possible outcomes.

3. Minimizing noise and vibrations

In excavation work, there is more to be concerned with than just the land you are on. The surrounding area, neighbors and other nearby structures must also be considered. Heavy vibrations can cause damage to buildings in close proximity of your project. Professionals will ensure that work can be done with as little nuisance and mess as possible.

4. Adherence to rules and regulations

In most cases, you can’t just go digging willy-nilly. There are usually laws and codes that must be obeyed. If you run afoul of these guidelines, you may face fines, lawsuits and even orders to put things back the way they were. Your contractor will be aware of aspects such as the various building codes to follow and how much advance notice to neighbors is required.

5. Safety and protection protocols

Experienced contractors already possess the proper safety equipment for any situation. When conducting an excavation, you never know what you will encounter. Trenches can collapse, material can fall, and adjacent structures could prove to be unstable. These things can injure or even kill you if you are not prepared with the right tools and safety procedures. Worse yet, if you use an unlicensed, uninsured friend or contractor, you will be liable for these disasters. It’s also worth noting that your own property insurance might not cover you in the event of such an accident.

6. Proper equipment

Having the right equipment for the job is vital for project success. You may need a bulldozer, excavator, loader, backhoe, dump truck or any combination of these. Still, you must know which ones and what size you need. How much time and money it will take to transport this machinery to your site is also a consideration.

7. Hauling away debris

Digging up all that dirt or other materials is only half the battle. You must also have somewhere for it to go. It can’t just be dumped anywhere you please. Once the work is completed, you will want the site cleared right away so you can move forward. Most areas have rules and regulations regarding different kinds of waste and how it must be disposed. And they are not sympathetic to those who dump illegally or improperly. You could be subject to expensive fines or penalties. There may also be environmental concerns, such as hazardous materials or trying to recycle as much as possible. Research shows that construction and demolition waste accounts for approximately 40 percent of total waste in America. That amounts to about 170 tons of debris every year. It has also been determined that more than 70 percent of this waste could be recyclable.

8. All that occurs after the excavation services

Just when you think your excavation project is complete, there is still work to be done. You should have the area inspected to be sure there are no hidden dangers left over. These could include spikes, glass or hazardous materials.

9. Finding the right company to handle your job

Getting a reliable, competent excavation services team for your project may be one of the most important choices you can make for your home or business. Choose wisely.

Look for contractors that have tons of experience in performing the type of work you need. They should also have a good reputation, fair pricing and the proper bonding, licenses and insurance.

Excavation projects take experience and training. Mikula Contracting handles foundation and construction excavation as well as rock removal and trench excavation. You can trust us for all your excavation needs. We service Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Union and Morris counties. Call today for a fast quote.

by djm

Excavation and Preparation: Hire Mikula Contracting When Adding to Your Home

Excavation is the first and most important step in the construction process. Through excavation, the foundations of grand structures are laid out. It is that proverbial single step that launches a journey of 1,000 miles. It’s also an involved, complicated, and often dangerous process. Not just anyone can do it. That’s why you need an experienced and licensed excavation team like Mikula Construction laying the groundwork for your next project.

What is Excavation?

The process of moving rock, earth, and other materials through the use of equipment, tools, or explosives is excavation. The process includes trenching, earthwork, tunneling, wall shafts, and underground. It is typically used in applications of exploration, mining, environmental restoration, and construction.

Residential excavation refers to the process of excavating for the sake of home construction, whether that be an all new house, an add on, a garage, a pool, or any other structure that stands on residential property.

Excavation forges building foundations, roads, and reservoirs using the processes of digging, trenching, dredging, and site development. Unique tools, machinery, techniques, and expertise are required for all of these.

Surveying the Site

Excavation is more than just blind digging. Professional excavation contractors are more than just children playing in the dirt.

Before any shovel or heavy machinery touches the ground, a thorough site survey must take place. We make careful note of the natural habitats and artifacts that surround the site, taking care to preserve these for the future.

Then, sizing and depth plans are determined. We mark out the site’s boundaries before any excavation can occur.

The Process

Once surveys are complete, we can begin.

Typically, we start out by setting out the corner benchmarks and excavating to the approved depth. We dress the loose soil, install dewatering wells and trenches, mark the boundaries of the new structure, and build out the protection bunds and drains.

Drainage is incredibly important, as excess water sitting on your property can cause damage to your foundation and erode topsoil. To counter this, we may install a seepage pit underground.

When new homes are being developed, excavation occurs in large scale. Foundation, plumbing systems, electrical services, and utility cables have to be installed underground. Failure to use a skilled team could cause the foundation to sink, threatening the stability of your new home.

Before we start digging we have to clear the land of undesirable elements. Trees, debris, and large rocks, including boulders are included in this classification. This is done both to beautify the site and to avoid a potential fire hazard.

Removing undesirable elements from your property has a positive effect on your property value, significantly increasing it. Something so important is not a job that should be undertaken by anyone other than a skilled expert.

Excavations for Additions and Repairs

Adding onto your home requires precise excavation. We need to determine the ground’s ability to handle additional foundation before we begin the process. Shoring systems then have to be put in place once the soil has been removed.

Excavation is also needed to fix a number of issues that might be plaguing your home. With plumbing, septic, and electrical units all found underground, we have to dig in order to access them. Underground utility installation, trench shoring, and sewer digs also require excavation.

Who Should Excavate Your Property?

Excavation has to be delicate and precise. Because of this, you want a team that pays close attention to detail and comes fully equipped with the experience, skill, and licenses needed to do the job the right way the first time.

Advanced techniques, tools, and heavy machinery are needed in order to do the best possible job on your property. That’s why its best to hire a contractor instead of trying to take on a task like this yourself.

Mikula Contracting has been serving the people of New Jersey since 1946. That’s over 70 years of high quality experience. We handle everything from new home excavation to additions, repairs, installations, and the installation and removal of swimming pools.

We also specialize in demolition and disposal, drainage, tank scans, trucking and material delivery, as well as commercial excavation, oil tank removal, and snow removal.

We guarantee that your residential contracting project will be completed on time and on budget. We ensure this through a winning combination of integrity and excellence.  

For more information on how Mikula Construction can keep your home safe and secure through residential excavation services, call us today at 973-772-1684, or visit us online.

by djm

Residential & Commercial Projects that Require an Excavation Company

Working with a fully licensed excavation company can expedite the process of your residential or commercial property project. Excavation companies provide services ranging from removing soil to engineering draining systems to delivering or removing materials. There are a large variety of projects that require the assistance of excavation companies. Listed below are six kinds of projects that can an excavation company can complete and manage.

Residential Excavation Projects

New Home Excavation

If you plan to build a new home, then there are a few steps that must be completed by an excavation company before you can begin building. First, it is necessary to go through the process of a site excavation. Site excavation is the process during which the desired construction space is made level and safe to work. This is done by excavating the space to a desired depth, width, and length. The site excavation sometimes occurs weeks before intended construction. This is because soil shifts naturally over time. Site excavation includes preparing a site for soil movement. Once a site is level and settled, the next steps of construction can begin.

Regardless of architectural style, all homes require a strong foundation. A foundation serves many functions: a proper foundation will protect the walls of your home from collapsing under weight or age, they will prevent groundwater from seeping into your home, and, they will keep your home level, ensuring that your floors, doors, and windows all lie flat. An excavation company can remove soil and prepare a site for a foundation installation. In order to prepare a site for a foundation installation, the ground needs proper preparation. First, excess water in the soil of the site needs to be removed. Dry soil is ideal when working with foundation installation. Any other soil impurities will be removed in the early stages.

Installation of utilities – for example, a sewer lateral – will typically occur early on as well. The next few steps include the installation of basement-level walls and flooring, as well as waterproofing the walls and installing insulation. A drainage system – which excavation companies also specialize in – will need to be installed around the foundation. Then, they can backfill the foundation. Backfilling is the process of removing soil from a site temporarily and then returning it to its original place later on. Once the soil around the foundation is level, the next steps of your new home’s construction can commence. An excavation company can help you get started on setting the foundation.

Installing a New Pool

If your family wants to install an in-ground pool on your residential property, then an excavation company can help with the project. Excavation companies offer a service known as land clearing. Land clearing occurs when an excavation company clears desired construction of potential obstacles: they remove tree stumps, boulders, and prohibitive materials that may hinder construction. When deciding where to place your new pool, you may not think about which part of your property is easiest to dig into.

New Jersey is home to a variety of bedrock. Depending on your location, your property may be sitting on top of quartz beds, clay, or shale. The hardness of the materials under your property will determine how difficult it is to dig. Land clearing can assist you with examining what types of obstacles hide underneath your property’s soil. An excavation company can advise the best placement for your in-ground pool. Once you determine the location, many excavation companies can prepare the dig site for the pool. Knowing what hides beneath your property will make it much easier to install a pool later.

Rock Wall Installation

If your property is full of rocks, consider turning them into a rock wall. Rock walls are beautiful property fences. They require little maintenance compared to wood or metal fences. Additionally, they are very environmentally friendly, since you are recycling rock from your property as opposed to contributing to deforestation or the creation of compound metals. Rock walls are very sturdy and safe, which means that they will not topple over easily. On larger residential properties, rock walls can create a natural barrier for your property.

Excavation companies can assist not only with removing rocks from your property but also with installing them as a rock wall. If the installation of a rock wall is unappealing to you, then an excavation company can merely remove the rocks for you. An excavation company can also help you stabilize rocks on your property. For example, if you use rocks as a retaining wall, then some excavation companies can assist in improving the wall’s stability. Retaining walls typically consist of rock or stone. They hold back water or soil and are useful in both landscaping and construction. Excavation companies can do more than dig holes and move earth: they can contribute to the aesthetic improvement of your property.

Commercial Excavation Projects

Installing New Underground Utilities

Perhaps your business needs to install a new underground utility line. This could be a new Ethernet connection, which is a line that directly connects a device to the internet. Or, perhaps your business needs to improve its electrical system. Regardless of the utility you need to update, an excavation company can help you with the installation process. They can help by excavating underground trenches. These trenches are long, narrow ditches that allow employees – of both the excavation company and the utility company – to get around during the underground installation process.

Underground trenches are one of the most dangerous forms of excavation, so they require careful design and the installation of many safety features. It is imperative that you work with a licensed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Certified excavation company if your project requires underground trenching. Proper trenching includes building walls to keep soil in place. Once the trenches are examined and approved for their safety, the installation of utility lines can occur. Upon completion of the project, the excavation company can backfill the trenches and return your commercial property to its previous state. You might need underground trenching for a variety of projects, but they are more common with utility installation.

Updating Your Landscaping

Normally, you may think to work with a landscaping company when you want to improve your commercial property’s landscaping. However, excavation companies are soil experts. They understand how the quality of soil affects everything on your property from the foundation of your building to the quality of water drainage.

If you are looking to improve your commercial property’s landscaping, then there are a few improvements you will need to consider making. First, you should consider the slope of your property’s lawn. If you have a flat lawn, then you need to make sure that rainwater properly drains from your property. When rainwater is not drained properly, then it pools in deeper parts of the lawn, eroding grass and plant life. If you can re-slope your lawn, you can improve water runoff. If you cannot re-slope your property, then an excavation company can guide you through alternatives.

An excavation company can also assist with examining the current quality of your soil and they can assist in determining better soil for promoting plant growth. If you want to install other landscaping amenities, such as a fountain or a gazebo, then an excavation company can assist with creating an installation space or setting a small foundation. Excavation companies are highly knowledgeable about soil engineering.

In-Ground Pool Removal

In-ground pools are common features at hotels, apartment complexes, and senior living facilities. While some consider an in-ground pool a nice amenity to offer guests, you should not keep an in-ground pool if it rarely gets used. Unused pools can be a risk to wild animals and to your guests. By removing an in-ground pool, you are removing a major liability from your property.

An excavation company can assist in this demolition and removal process. The company can walk you through the pool removal permit process, as well as inspecting the area surrounding the pool. Typically, the pool removal process has a few steps. First, the excavation company will help you disconnect any lines connected to your pool; next, they drain the pool of any existing water; then, they demolish the pool and remove all of its debris; and finally, they fill the leftover hole with soil and other desired nature elements. By removing an unused in-ground pool, you create space for a park or a picnic area.

If you are considering working on one of the above projects, then an excavation company can schedule your project and help you manage its complexities. If you are considering working on a project not discussed here, then be sure to read more about the other services that excavation companies provide here. From landscaping efforts to foundation preparation, there are a large variety of projects that require the assistance of excavation companies. Be sure to work with a fully licensed contractor in order to achieve the safest and highest quality outcome.

by djm

Excavation Projects: Why You Might Need To Hire An Excavation Company

What Does an Excavation Company Do?

Typically, when people think of excavation companies, they think of bulldozers and backhoes digging holes in the ground. Excavation is the process of moving earth – soil, dirt, or stone – from one location to another. There are many kinds of excavation projects. However, excavation companies are far more versatile than you may believe. Below are other kinds of services that excavation companies provide.

Permit Navigation and Project Management

Many bloggers talk about the simplicity of do-it-yourself home improvement projects; however, most residential and commercial construction efforts require the use of proper permits. Permits are a confirmation that you plan to move forward with a project on your property. A permit will outline the local and state rules and regulations that you must follow throughout a project’s lifespan. The guidelines for a permit change depending on the type of property and the project itself. Typically, common rules outlined in a permit include hours of project operation, noise regulations, and procedures for material delivery or removal.

While doing a project on your home by yourself may seem appealing, it can quickly become hard to keep track of your projects’ permits and deadlines. A licensed excavation company can not only help you manage your property’s required permits, but also they can develop a project timeline for you. Having a professional navigate your project’s management will ensure that you stay ahead of schedule and within your budget.

Demolition and Removal Services

Residential Home and Garage Demolition

Excavation companies can do more than merely excavate a property. Excavation projects often use machinery that is also used in demolition and removal services. This is why excavation companies are versatile in their services – their equipment is multifaceted. Some projects will be similar in scope, regardless of whether the property is residential or commercial. However, residential demolition and commercial demolition are very different services. Many excavation companies specialize in at least one of these demolition services.

Residential home demolition and garage demolition both require concise preparation. An excavation company can walk you through the process of demolition. Your home will require inspection before you move forward with demolition, which is a service that some excavation companies offer. The home’s structural integrity needs to be examined. Risks or hazards must also be noted, such as the presence of wood rot, mold, or hazardous materials. Knowing where these weaknesses lie will help the company engineer a safe demolition.

An excavation company can also assist you with disconnecting services and utilities before moving forward with demolition. These services can include disconnecting gas lines, sewage connections, water lines, and electric lines. It is imperative that the gas and electricity lines are disconnected. If they are active during a demolition, then you pose a serious health risk both to your property and to your neighbors.

Your garage may have a large amount of piping underneath it, then this may require removal by hand. If you are planning to build a new home on the land where the demolished home sat, an excavation company can assist with the first steps of building the new home as well. Rather than having to work with different project managers on a demolition and an excavation, working with a licensed excavation contractor can save you time and money since they can provide both services.

Drainage Services

Residential Vs. Commercial Drainage

The solutions to drainage problems on residential and commercial properties will vary depending on the property’s issues. Problems leading to improper drainage include the slope of the property, the quality of the soil, and the property’s existing drainage system. Remember that you typically need permits in drainage construction projects, and the permit’s requirements will change depending on the property’s type and location. A contractor can help you navigate the nuances between these property types.

The Risks of Rainwater

Excavation companies can help navigate the drainage needs of both commercial and residential properties. Rainwater is a common cause of damage on properties that lack proper drainage. Rainwater follows the flow of gravity, so oftentimes rainwater will accumulate in the areas of your property that are the deepest. Improper rainwater drainage can lead to soil erosion, which in turn will slowly destroy grass and plants. Sometimes a solution to rainwater damage is to introduce plants that help facilitate the absorption of water in soil. However, when rainwater leads to more complex damages, there are other drainage solutions for you to choose from. Excavation companies can work with you to decide the best drainage solution for your property.

In Ground Drainage, Lawn, and Backyard Drainage Solutions

Some drainage systems are located in the ground. These pipe or trench systems can carry water from your property to proper water reclamation sites. If your lawn or backyard is facing soil erosion problems or drainage problems, then resolving this problem is imperative. If water pools around your property as opposed to properly draining outside of it, then you risk damaging your home’s foundation. In ground drainage systems can resolve many of these risks, and excavation companies can install them for you.

Driveway Drainage Solutions

People typically overlook driveways as a cause of water drainage problems. Most driveway pavements consist of nonporous materials, meaning that water cannot slip through the pavement. This can cause water to pool on your driveway. Driveway drainage problems are often caused by a driveway being flat. By installing a sloped driveway, water can simply run down your property and into street-side storm drains. If your property is not sloped, then installing trenches on the sides of your driveway will help improve the drainage. Driveway drains are installed with a metal grate on top of them, which makes them easy to clean and safe to walk over. Excavation companies can assist with both re-sloping your driveway and installing trenching around it.

Seepage Pit Installation

Seepage pits are one way to collect the black and gray water that develops in a septic tank. They are dug very deep into the ground and they are installed vertically. By installing a seepage pit deep in the ground, anaerobic bacteria can process most of the waste water. Anaerobic bacteria are an organism that does not require oxygen to grow or survive. Seepage pits commonly use anaerobic bacteria to treat waste water, so understand that not all bacteria are necessarily bad.  Seepage pits treat water inside a tank before returning clean water to the local water table. If your seepage pit is not designed to drain properly, then you risk flooding your yard with waste water. Seepage pits can be a great option for homeowners who need to treat their wastewater. An excavation company can ensure the proper installation of the seepage pit.

Delivery and Removal Services

Trucking and Material Delivery

Excavation companies own a large fleet of trucks that are capable of delivery materials. Even if you are working on a project that does not require excavation, an excavation company can still assist you in the delivery of materials. The most common materials include sand, stone, or filler materials such as soil. If you are working on an excavation project, then working with an excavation company that offers material delivery services will save you time and money.

Underground Oil Tank Scan and Removal

Years ago, when heating homes, they relied on petroleum products stored in underground tanks made of steel. However, the problem with using a tank made of steel is that steel rusts over time. When the rust corrodes a hole in the tank, all of the tanks’ contents spill into the environment. They no longer make modern oil tanks out of steel, due to the environmental hazard that they pose.

The old-fashioned steel tanks were widely used in New Jersey for many years, so scanning your property for an old oil tank is necessary for both the health of your property and for the health of your family. Licensed excavation companies can help scan your property for these old tanks. This is particularly important if you are looking to buy or sell a residential property. Because the tank has dangerous contents, carefully and safely removing it from the ground is a specialized task. An excavation company can remove it for you without causing harm to your home or property.

Snow Removal

For commercial properties, excavation companies can offer snow removal services. Since excavation companies own a large fleet of trucks, it is easy for them to attach plows for inclement weather conditions. By contracting out an excavation company to remove your property’s snow, you can ensure that customers and employees can safely visit your property during the winter. In the event of unexpected heavy snowfall, excavation companies can offer emergency snow removal services as well.

Excavation companies are capable of more than moving dirt around. They can manage your project and help you receive proper permits. Excavation companies can work with both residential and commercial property owners to demolish an old structure, improve a drainage system, or deliver and remove materials. Do not attempt to do major projects by yourself: if you install something incorrectly or if you miss a crucial construction step, then you will only have to pay more money to fix your mistake. Work with an excavation company to see that your project is safe and well managed.

by djm

Excavation Equipment: Why It’s Important To Have The Right Tools

At their core, excavation projects come down to a company, its personnel, professionalism, and the excavation equipment. That’s why it’s so vital to have the right tools.  In any kind of job or project, having the right tools is essential for success. When it comes to excavation equipment, there is so much at stake for your residential or commercial property that, it could be said, it’s not only the most important thing, it’s the only thing that matters.

Different Types of Excavation Projects

• Lifting and moving – sometimes, you may need to remove trees, debris, and structures from an area. This also requires disposing of these materials or moving them to another location.

What excavation equipment might be necessary for your project?

Backhoe loader

These have an adjustable shovel in the front and a bucket in the back. It is usually used for medium-sized or smaller jobs. You may typically see this machine moving dirt, placing pipes and performing backfill duties. Its greatest advantage is that it moves on tires, so it can be used in urban areas and for trenches of various widths.

Bulldozer

You can think of this piece of machinery as the monster of the excavation industry. It is one of the strongest and most reliable tools in construction. Powerful and extremely heavy, it runs on treads and has a wide, flat blade in the front. It normally used pushes large piles of dirt or breaks up huge boulders among other duties.

Crawler loader

Combining the track mounted power of an excavator with the bucket capability of a backhoe; this machine is most helpful for moving materials off-site. You may often see them loading material into a truck or taking soil to a different location.

Excavator

This is the machine most often associated with excavation projects. It has a long bucket arm attached to a cab where the operator sits and can rotate 360 degrees. Running on tracks, this is a large piece of equipment used for big jobs. It is typically used to dig trenches, demolition, snow and forestry removal, lift pipes and heavy objects, and grade the ground. You can also use different attachments for them, such as a clamshell attachment to pick up dirt and debris. There are several types of excavators, including:

• Spider excavator – designed to work on all types of terrain, such as steep inclines and narrow ditches, it moves on “legs” instead of tracks.
• Swamp excavator – specially made for jobs near water, it has a special kind of track that makes it perfect for dredging projects.
• Zero swing excavators – this machine has an arm that can only swing within its own width, making it the perfect piece of excavation equipment for confined spaces.

Skid-steer loader

Simple to operate, these machines are quite flexible with a tight turning radius like a military tank. This makes it ideal for small spaces and in areas with numerous structures around or other completed excavation projects. It has wheels for better traction in mud and snow and reduced soil compaction.

Trencher

You will find trenchers of many sizes and capabilities, such as walk-behind models and heavy trenching varieties. It operates with a conveyor system that takes the excavated material and moves it to an area next to the trench. There are different digging tools, depending on the type of excavation required and how hard the excavated material will be. You can find both wheeled and chain trenchers. For example, a professional might use it to dig up pavement or asphalt. They are most often used for drainage purposes, or laying pipes and cables. The right excavation equipment can prevent dangers like cave-ins.

No matter what type of excavation equipment you have, you will need professionals who possess the skill and experience to use them correctly. It also must have the features and attachments you need to get the job done. In addition, it’s vital that your equipment be in excellent working condition with no leaks or excessive smoke. Make sure that all equipment receives regular testing to avoid accidents, delays, and costly repairs.

Not having the right excavation equipment can impede the progress of your project. Over time, if you can’t complete jobs in a timely fashion, you will lose customers and maybe even your business. There is constant pressure to decrease costs and increase productivity. By reducing small equipment and project deficiencies, you can achieve big results.

What you need to consider when deciding on the right excavation equipment

1. Your site

Large areas require the most powerful excavation equipment. Also, flat landscapes have different needs than uneven urban areas.

2. Your job

Is this just a quick operation or will you need to prepare for the long haul? Are there lots of hazards and different phases for your project? What you need for digging, lifting, and carrying may be dissimilar from the tools needed to dredge or avoid nearby obstacles.

3. The comfort and skill of the operator

Never forget the person actually operating the excavation equipment. If this person seems uncomfortable or does not have the tools he needs, the job goes undone. Make sure that the seats provide flexibility, the temperature of the cab is adjustable and the controls are easy and sensible. You will get better performance and results when these aspects are in place.

Excavation projects take experience and training. Mikula Contracting handles foundation and construction excavation as well as rock removal and trench excavation. You can trust us for all your excavation needs. We service Essex, Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Union, and Morris counties. Call today for a fast quote!

by djm

Why You Need to Hire a Professional Excavation Company, Not Just Any Contractor

When it comes to contractors, you can either hire a professional or someone inept and unskilled. Choose wisely. This is especially true when you need a professional excavation company.

Hiring an excavation company is not a decision you make lightly. There is a lot at stake. Your property, your finances and your safety could all be affected if you select the wrong company for the job. Learn why it’s vital to choose a professional and how to find the company that is right for your home or commercial business.

Reasons why you need a professional excavation company

1. Too many things can go wrong.

Things like trench collapses, not properly assessing risks and equipment dangers are just a few of the perils of excavation work. For example, there may be tight or limited space to work with so you must obtain a detailed plan to compensate for these cases to make sure that the job can be done safely. You also need to know the best kind of machinery for each specific project. What is required to remove large boulders or trees is a lot different than what’s needed for removing a swimming pool. Using the wrong or inadequate equipment combined with inexperienced operators is a recipe for disaster. A professional excavation company must evaluate the ground condition, how surrounding structures will be affected and how site cleanup will be handled. If everything is not managed correctly, your job will quickly turn into a mess.

2. Professionalism is important.

The word professional conveys a level of quality, training and experience and these are the traits you should expect from an excavation company. Look for a company that has been in business for many years. This is a good indicator for whether a business is worth your time. The inferior, unprofessional ones don’t last very long. A professional will have a culture of safety and a strong work ethic you can count on to get the job done.

3. The unexpected may occur.

While many excavation jobs go off without a hitch, there is always the possibility for unforeseen problems. For instance, you may be confronted with hazardous materials underground after the job has begun. Animals or wildlife may also be a factor. Uncharted pipes or cables or tree roots can damage equipment. Project specifications might need to be changed. In addition, in some areas, the weather can change suddenly and drastically, making it necessary to adjust quickly. Inexperienced amateurs will not know how to handle or work around these situations. A professional excavation company will know the proper paperwork and forms you need to file. They will also have the correct safety procedures and insurance to ensure a secure work site and protection for your company.

4. Cleanup is sometimes just as important as the excavation.

In any excavation project, lots of dirt and underground junk is often dug up. This could include slabs of concrete, non-recyclable plastics and large tree stumps. What do you do with all this? It can’t stay on your property. You may also have to manage waste during the project to make sure your neighbors and surrounding businesses are not blocked or affected by your project. Typically, there are rules and regulations regarding proper handling of these materials and what you legally can and cannot do with them. Nonprofessionals may not be aware of these guidelines and procedures.

5. There is a lot more involved than just digging.

Factors such as erosion and sedimentation control are big concerns on any construction or excavation project. If not handled correctly, these issues can damage your property and affect water quality for you and those nearby. Limiting the areas of exposed soil, diverting water with trench drains and vegetative measures are just a few of the ways to manage erosion. This is not only done for practical reasons. In some states, laws exist that govern erosion control and inspectors have the authority to shut down a project if you do not take proper care  to reduce erosion and siltation.

6. You have to consider the surrounding structures and area.

In addition to the building and project you are working on, what surrounds your work is also a factor. Neighboring property and other environmental features might be damaged by excavation and demolition work. The wrong equipment, like using a jackhammer instead of a core drill, can also create problems. A professional excavation company will know how to minimize these risks. If you use amateurs, the most they will be able to do is guess, which could lead to significant damage to your structures or property.

7. All soil is not equal.

Just looking at the topsoil does not accurately tell you what’s underneath. As a result, you could be in for a big surprise after you’ve dug several feet down. Also, different kinds of soil will react differently to various excavation procedures. You will also need to know where the softer ground sits and potential dangers to look out for. Professional testing methods are required to ensure safety and prevent soil failure.

8 . Time is of the essence.

No one wants to deal with an excavation job that takes forever. You want it done right but you also want it done in a timely fashion. When hit with a problem you cannot immediately resolve or realize you don’t have the necessary tools to handle something unexpected, this can delay your project indefinitely. You can trust a professional excavation company to handle any issue and ensure that the project is done on time and successfully.

9. It’s more expensive to hire an amateur.

Many people believe they cannot afford a professional excavation company. Therefore, they cut corners with the rationale that, even if the job is not perfect, at least it’s cheaper. You may think you can do it yourself or know an experienced do-it-yourselfer and tell yourself you are saving money. Some may decide to hire a company that is a professional in a field other than excavation. In reality, you will actually end up paying more by hiring an amateur. This is mainly due to the fact that, when a project is done wrong, you will have to pay someone else to fix it. As a result, you will be paying for the same job twice.

by djm