3.1. Standard Equipment

Based on utility of the equipment generally the equipments are categorized into standard equipment and special equipment. See standard equipments are just common equipments which are commonly used in so many construction projects.

Standard equipment refers to tools and machinery that are widely used across various construction projects. These are not unique or specialized tools; rather, they are popular items that many contractors rely on for common tasks. Examples include bulldozers, excavators, and concrete mixers, which can be found on most construction sites.

Imagine going to a grocery store. Just like you often find staples like bread and milk that everyone regularly buys, standard equipment is the 'bread and butter' of construction, regularly employed for many types of tasks.

Standard equipments are commonly available because there will be lot of manufacturers available for the standard equipments. Because it is used commonly in so many construction project sites and its delivery will also be very quicker.

One of the key advantages of standard equipment is its availability. Since many manufacturers produce these items, they can be sourced quickly and efficiently. This accessibility means that construction firms can obtain necessary machinery without long waiting periods, thus ensuring that projects stay on schedule.

Think about ordering a popular toy during the holiday season. If it's a widely produced item, chances are you can find it at several stores, and it will likely be in stock. Similarly, for construction equipment, being widely produced ensures quick availability!

If your equipment breaks down due to some reason the spare parts availability will also be very quicker. And another advantage is it can be used on more than one project that is also one of the advantages.

When standard equipment breaks down, finding replacement parts is typically easier and faster. Because these pieces of machinery are widely used, spare parts are commonly available. This results in reduced downtime, allowing contractors to keep their projects moving smoothly.

Consider a popular video game console. If it breaks and needs repairs, parts like controllers or chargers are easy to find since they are commonly used. This is akin to standard construction equipment, where it’s easy to replace or fix them due to their popularity.

At the end of the useful life of the machine. It is easily possible to dispose it or sell it at a reasonable price that is also possible with the standard equipments.

Standard equipment typically retains some resale value, which makes it easier to dispose of or sell after its useful life is over. Contractors can sell these machines at the end of a project or when they upgrade, helping to recoup some of their initial investment.

Think of selling your used smartphone. If it's a popular model, you can often find buyers easily, and typically, it still holds some value. Similarly, standard construction equipment can be sold relatively quickly due to its common use.

But there are some special equipments which are of use only in some particular project sites. See, as I told you in the beginning itself, in the introduction lecture, we have achieved a lot of advancement in equipment technology.

In addition to standard equipment, there exists special equipment designed for unique tasks or projects. Unlike standard equipment, these machines may be custom-made or highly specialized, suitable for specific types of projects such as tunnel construction or complex demolition. This specialization often means they are not as widely available or easily interchangeable as standard equipment.

Imagine a specialized kitchen gadget, like a sushi rolling mat. It's great for sushi making, but you wouldn't use it for every kind of cooking. In construction, special equipment is just as focused and is only used when the project requires it.

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