Nigeria Construction Equipment Market: What are The Types?

Nigeria is a country which has seen rapid infrastructure and construction initiatives in recent years. In the construction sector, equipment is an essential part. Without using this equipment, it would be hard to complete the project. Moreover, the quality of the work will also be compromised. Therefore, utilizing construction equipment can ensure that the works are finished in a timely manner while still on the budget and meet the standard requirements. It also enhances safety and security on the construction sites as it can minimize the risk of injuries and accidents.

As there is a rising project in the country, there has been a growing demand for Nigeria construction equipment market. A leading market research firm, GMI Research, in their Nigeria construction equipment market forecast predicted that the market would see substantial growth in the years ahead. This rapid growth is owing to the growing investment by the government to develop infrastructure along with the rising technological enhancement.

Construction equipment can also be divided into heavy and light, which we will discuss further in this article.

Heavy Equipment

This type of equipment requires powerful and big machines which are important in construction projects. This equipment is essential to deal with heavy-duty workloads and the application includes in construction, mining, agriculture, among others.

1. Excavators

Excavators are important to dig and transport extensive volumes of rocks and other kinds of materials. They are supported by a hydraulic system for efficient heavy lifting and movement.

In Nigeria, various excavator types exist. Crawler excavators typically come with tracks, enabling them to traverse rugged terrain smoothly. They find extensive applications in mining and construction sectors. Meanwhile, wheel excavators are more maneuverable, and the application includes road construction. The smaller ones are mini excavators and useful for projects that demand precision. Amphibious excavators can work in water and on land. The application includes dredging rivers or lakes.

2. Bulldozers

Designed to transport substantial quantities of soil and other materials in construction projects, bulldozers are also important for duties like grading and molding landscapes. In addition, they are also able to clear land for various purposes. Bulldozers with wheels, rather than tracks, are specifically for softer surfaces including muddy and sandy terrain. Meanwhile, crawler bulldozers are specifically for rugged terrain. It can also come with special attachments for precise construction duties.

3. Cranes

Cranes are vital in construction and other industries for lifting and transporting heavy loads and are available in diverse sizes and shapes depending on specific needs. There are several crane types. Mobile cranes are attached to trailers or trucks. They are essential for outdoor projects that emphasize the need for mobility. Tower cranes are important to build tall construction. They present atop building structures. The cranes are primarily to lift heavy loads to upper floors of buildings.

Meanwhile, crawler cranes excel in maneuvering over rough terrain, which is advantageous for outdoor projects.

Light Equipment

In contrast with the heavy one, light equipment is smaller and generally applied for less intensive construction projects. The machines are usually simple to use, portable, and need minimum operators.

1. Concrete mixers

In construction, these mixers are instrumental in mixing cement and aggregates to form concrete. They are important, especially in projects requiring large volumes of material. Stationary mixers are large-scale machines predominantly in commercial or industrial construction projects. They are immobile and require a specific location for installation. Meanwhile, mobile mixers are compact machines that can be easily transported to various locations. It makes them ideal for small to medium-scale construction projects.

2. Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a temporary framework in construction to give workers entry to high sections of structures. It ensures their safety during tasks on tall buildings and similar structures. There is a scaffold system comprising steel couplers and tubes that interconnect them to create a structure. This type is widely utilized in Nigeria because of its versatility and user-friendly assembly. There are also H-frames, cantilever, and suspended scaffolding.

3. Backhoes

Another component in Nigeria construction equipment market is backhoes. It is a versatile construction equipment unit that integrates the capabilities of a backhoe and a loader. This machine is primarily utilized for digging, loading, and various other construction activities. Several types of backhoes in the country include standard, center pivot, extendable dipper, and mini backhoes.