What to Know About Septic Tanks and Leach Fields

At Dobson Excavations, we want to ensure that your wastewater is managed properly. Septic tank installation and leach fields are necessary for the proper management of wastewater disposal. Many of our customers want to know more about how these work as well as the benefits of installing them.

 

Septic Tank

Septic tanks will safely disperse wastewater so that drinking water is not contaminated. A septic tank is a water-tight container made of concrete or polyethylene, buried underground. It will hold wastewater that travels through pipes from toilets and laundry drains in such a way that solids settle to the bottom and grease and oil float to the top. The top scum layer helps to keep the tank airtight which in turn uses naturally forming anaerobic bacteria to break down and digest the organic waste. Water will flow from the tank through an underground outlet into a leach drains. The wastewater will permeate into the soil from holes within the leach drains. The soil naturally has microorganisms that will remove harmful bacteria and particulate matter from the wastewater. The processed water then moves to the groundwater becoming part of the natural water cycle. The size of a septic tank is determined by both the size and water needs of the home. At Dobson Excavations, we recommend that homeowners pump the tank every few years in order to prevent blockage from inorganic solids. Homeowners can also support biodegradation in septic tanks through the addition of biological additives. Septic tanks can be quite beneficial. They are good for the environment, using a natural filtration system. Septic tanks are cost-effective, lowering public water usage bills. Septic tanks generally require less maintenance and will last 20-40 years.

Leach Drain

A leach drain is an underground component of a sewage treatment system. Leach drains are connected to the septic tanks and the leach drains are surrounded by sand, gravel or permeable soil, they bring wastewater away from the septic tank keeping drinking water safe. The leach drain usually extends into a flat area that is close to the house, but far enough away so that wastewater does not infiltrate the home’s walls. Leach Drains are fast and easy to install, and help to ensure that soil in the trenches do not become compacted. They offer the benefits of reliability and low maintenance costs as well as the adaptability to be relocated for new construction or high traffic areas on the land. With proper maintenance of the septic tank and leach drains can last up to 25 years.

At Dobson Excavations, we will survey your land to ensure that your septic system and leach Drains are installed properly to ensure that your wastewater and drinking water never mix. This involves looking at soil composition, tree roots, and the sloping of land into the proper design of your septic system. Do you need a professional perspective on your water system? We are happy to help where needed; whether it’s advice or installation, we do it all. We look …

When To Use a Mini Bobcat Instead Of a Normal Sized Bobcat?

A bobcat is among the most commonly used types of equipment today for many landscaping or construction projects. With different sizes and attachments, a bobcat can be used for multiple purposes and perform various tasks.
A mini Bobcat is the smallest Bobcat in the market, with a horsepower below 50. Because of the mini Bobcat’s size and ability, it is commonly used for landscaping, site development, and any residential exterior projects such as digging, trenching, trenching, and many more. It is also the most preferred Bobcat for interior projects since it can navigate in compact spaces where other types of equipment cannot.

People are always enticed to buy the mini Bobcat because of its flexibility. If you don’t need a Bobcat frequently it is always convenient to rent it rather than buying it. It is very economical to hire a (mini) Bobcat; it doesn’t require a big investment and you don’t need to worry about upkeep or storage. At Dobson Excavations we offer both Bobcats and Mini Bobcats with different attachments for hire, both with and without operator.

The Advantages of a Mini Bobcat

  1. It is quicker than manual work
  2. It can operate in a hard to access areas
  3. It is easy to clean because of the raised cutouts between the rollers
  4. It can perform the result of a big machine but in a small package
  5. It has a fast cycle time, strong breakout forces, and a very good ability to push
  6. It can easily be connected to attachments and has interchangeable tracks
  7. It is very comfortable to work with
  8. It is easy to load and transport
  9. It has a high flotation track for minimum ground disturbance
  10. It is very affordable to hire
  11. It does a more accurate work

The Limitation of a Mini Bobcat

  1. It’s small, so for large jobs it might fall short compared to a large excavator.
  2. It can manoeuvre less efficient in rough terrain as the length of the tracks is small
  3. It is not the most efficient in fixed point work
  4. It cannot be used in mines and very muddy terrains

How To Speed Up Excavation Projects

Excavation is a major part of construction projects. The process involves digging out soil or rock from the ground to create space for new buildings or roads. This can be a very labour-intensive task, especially if the project requires large amounts of earth to be moved. However, if you want to speed up the process, there are a few things you can do.

Advanced Planning

One method is using advanced planning software to help plan the excavation project. Planning is essential to ensure that you get the most out of your excavation project. If you don’t take enough time to plan, you might miss important details or even run into unexpected problems. Early planning is crucial to excavating successfully. The key to successful excavation projects is to plan ahead. This means taking the time to research the project thoroughly before starting.

Excellent Tradesmen

You will also need to deploy excellent tradesmen with experience in excavation work.  Dobson Excavations offers services by experienced tradesmen who will get the job done timely and properly.

Heavy Machinery

Another efficient way you can speed up excavation would be to use heavy machinery instead of manual tools. Hiring professional equipment can save a lot of time and energy. However, if we don’t have access to such machinery, there are rental options.  At Dobson Excavation we offer both equipment hire as well as wet hire, where a professional tradesman operates the machinery for you. With years of experience and many successful excavation projects, we can help you get the desired results in a timely manner.…

Top 3 Most Common Mistakes In Excavation Projects

Excavation is the removal of dirt or other materials from their original location. When excavating a construction site, it is important to know what your desired end goal is and how you plan to achieve that. If there is no plan, it can lead to serious mistakes that are time consuming and costly. Taking into account that not all sites are created equal, and some may be more hazardous than others, it’s essential to do your research before you start the excavation process. Below are some of the most common mistakes made when excavating, for you to learn from and avoid in your project.

1. Going in Blind

The most common mistake made when excavating is going in blind. If you do not know what you are digging up or what to expect, you can come across hazardous materials or damage underground pipelines. So, before moving any dirt, contact dial before you dig which will supply maps of underground services and to have extra piece of mind you can contact a underground pipe locator business to make sure there are no unexpected discoveries.

2. Hasty Removal

Removing something as soon as you see it can be quite dangerous. Know what you are looking for and why you are excavating before removing anything to prevent “hasty removal.” In some cases, a site may need to be adequately protected with a fence or could even need to be cleaned up again before the area is back in use.

3. Not Taking Safety Precautions

Not taking proper safety measures could lead to accidents, so make sure you take precautions by removing potentially dangerous materials away from the site and using proper safety equipment while working with heavy machinery. If a site needs to be protected, make sure you take all necessary precautions to protect people, the site and the materials.

Conclusion

Excavation Perth can be a very large undertaking that can sometimes cause more damage than good. However, there are ways to avoid these mistakes. All it takes is careful planning, research, and preparation to make sure that your excavation goes as smoothly as possible.…

What Kind of Earthmoving Equipment is Available?

Construction projects, whether big or small, require the use of heavy equipment. To make sure your earthmoving activity is done properly, you need to choose the right type of equipment or machinery. With different earthmoving equipment available, deciding which one is suitable for your project can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with construction equipment or hiring a third-party contractor for your construction project.

What are the Kinds of Earthmoving Equipment Available?

Below are the common earthmoving equipment and their respective uses.

Excavators

Excavators are one of the most versatile pieces of earthmoving equipment in construction. An excavator resembles a tank because it has a track frame that rolls as it moves on the ground. It is typically composed of a house or cabin where the operator controls the equipment and boom, arm and bucket attachments for digging up and moving soil. Besides soil excavation, excavators are also suitable for several other applications, such as materials handling, landscaping, mining, river dredging and demolition.

There are also several types of excavators besides the standard excavator. Some are:

  • Wheeled excavators: Suitable for terrains like asphalt or concrete, not soft soil or hilly terrain
  • Skid Steer excavators: Attachments face away from the operator; suitable for narrow areas
  • Long-reach excavators: Built with longer boom and arm attachments than standards excavators
  • Dragline excavators: Come with wire ropes and chains; ideal for strip-mining and canal dredging
  • Suction excavators: Blasts water to loosen soil and other materials before shovelling them up through a suction pipe

Bulldozers

Just like excavators, bulldozers can perform different functions. Also called dozers, bulldozers are typically used for digging, pushing, or flattening uneven soil. Wheeled bulldozers are ideal for levelling soft surfaces like stadium grounds. Meanwhile, crawler type bulldozers are used to manoeuvre hard and irregular soil, like fields and plains. Some classify bulldozers based on the shape of their blade.

  • Straight Blade: Short blade with no side wings is ideal for stripping and ditching fine or medium-density soil
  • Universal Blade: Curved blade with large side wings is suitable for moving, pushing, ditching or crowning
  • Semi-U Blade: Combination of the features of Straight and Universal blade bulldozers; this type of bulldozer has smaller side wings, and the blade is narrower
  • Angle Blade: No wide wings; can move debris sideways up to 30 degrees
  • Power Angle Tilt (PAT) Blade: Tilts and moves debris in almost every direction; suitable for backfilling, land clearing, scraping, and levelling

Dump Trucks

Dump trucks consist of a base frame with an open-box bed mounted on top. The mounted bed is used for removing, storing, and transporting materials and debris from one place to another. Other types of dump trucks are the articulated dump trucks that are ideal for rough terrain use and transfer dump trucks that come with either a pneumatic or an electric-powered separate trailer.

Compactors

Compactors are used in flattening and compacting soil, usually to prepare it for activities such as pouring concrete and stabilising the foundation. The metal plate at the bottom uses …

When is a Mini Digger Useful?

Mini diggers or mini excavators are a good option if your construction project is in a narrow, hard-to-reach area. Because mini diggers are more compact and lightweight than standard excavators, they are easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces without causing too much damage to the ground or the nearby structures, especially when the soil is soft.

In What Situations are Mini Diggers Useful?

Mini excavators are an efficient alternative to larger types of earthmoving equipment, whether you’re planning to carry out a construction or demolition project. They may be compact, but they perform a wide range of functions, including digging up trenches, levelling soil, and tearing down small structures.

You can hire a mini digger for the following projects:

Swimming pool installation

Building a swimming pool, jacuzzi, or hot tub in your backyard may be considered a small-scale construction project. However, manually digging up the ground is laborious and time-consuming. A mini digger can excavate soil fast and efficiently, saving you lots of time and resources when you dig a hole for your pool.

Sewer line or drainage system repair

Excavating dirt is the primary purpose of a mini digger. For projects that involve digging through the ground to access sewer and drainage lines, using a mini digger is a good choice. A mini digger can create holes without applying too much pressure on the surrounding ground. Because mini diggers are compact, they will cause minimal disruption on foot and vehicular traffic.

Road sign installation

Road sign installations will be faster and more cost-efficient with the use of a mini digger. Mini diggers can easily work their way through narrow streets and can even park on roadsides. Attachments such as drills can be fitted to make excavations quicker.

Clearing away debris

A mini digger is efficient in land clearing activities required for construction site preparation. Using a bucket attachment, a mini digger can remove dirt, debris and other unnecessary materials from the job site and transport them to another area. A mini digger can also level uneven ground. Attaching a grading blade to a mini digger lets it prepare the foundation for concrete pouring.

Tearing down structures

Mini diggers can be used in demolishing small structures such as old sheds, stone paths or driveways with a breaking hammer. They can navigate through gates and soft soil without damaging the paving or sinking into the ground. If you’re tearing down an old house and want to stay away from asbestos or other dangerous substances, renting a mini digger is a safer option instead of tearing down the structure yourself using hand tools.

 Various landscaping projects

Landscaping projects like installing fountains and stone walls require earthmoving equipment to transport heavy materials. A mini digger can do this, and more. Mini diggers can also dig and backfill trenches for flag wall installations. If you have a large tree getting in the way of your landscaping renovation, a mini digger can remove the tree stump without disturbing surrounding trees, plants or shrubs. …

How are Excavators Used in Landscaping Projects?

Do you plan on giving your front yard a makeover by installing a fountain at the centre? Or maybe your backyard has enough room for a swimming pool?

If you’re thinking about enhancing the look of your outdoor space, expect that it will involve some earthmoving activities. In such cases, you’ll need to hire excavation equipment to make the job easier.

Uses of Excavators in Landscaping Projects

Excavators are a versatile piece of earthmoving equipment. They are not only ideal for large-scale construction projects or in mining operations. Compact excavators can be useful in landscaping projects, whether in residential or commercial properties. The following are the common uses of excavators in landscape construction.

Excavation works

Mini excavators are a suitable alternative to standard excavators if you’re planning to dig a hole in a small lot for the installation or repair utility lines. They can fit and manoeuvre easily through narrow spaces without creating too much noise or applying too much pressure on the ground.

Demolition of old structures

If you have an old shed that you no longer use and you plan to tear it down to widen your backyard space, an excavator is a go-to machinery. Excavators can demolish small structures like a shed and it won’t cause any disturbance or damage to nearby structures or vegetation. Even mini excavators are strong enough to tear down concrete walls and pathways.

Swimming pool installation

Having an outdoor spa right in your backyard is possible with an excavator. Renting an excavator makes digging a hool, whether it is swimming pool excavation, hot tub, or pond, safer and quicker than going the DIY route.

Levelling soil

If an uneven landscape is holding you back from turning your backyard into a flower or vegetable garden, hiring a mini excavator can flatten the soil and make it more suitable for gardening. Excavators can be fitted with a plate compactor for faster and more even compaction.

Land clearing

Excavators prepare your lot for landscape improvements by removing unwanted debris and transporting them to a designated area. They can also move large stones and dig up trees whilst keeping the root system intact. If you want to remove materials from hard-to-reach areas, you can rent an excavator with an extendible arm to do the job. Excavators can also mow and clear excess grass.

Fence installation

Fence installation projects not only increase curb appeal but protect your property from pests whilst giving you an increased sense of security and privacy. You can hire an excavator to dig out trenches for your fence installation. An auger attachment will ensure that the excavator digs at the right depth. Meanwhile, a blade attachment will cut posts to the same size.

Landscape grading

Smooth slopes can help add shape to your landscape, making it more visually attractive. Excavators not only flatten the ground, but they can also create the desired angle and slope.

Paths and driveway construction

Excavators can help achieve the desired shape for walkways and driveways. For spaces …

Various Soakwell Materials

A soakwell is one of the essential structures in any new or existing property, whether it’s a residential or commercial building. Also called a dry well, a soakwell acts as an underground tank that temporarily holds stormwater or water runoff and then dissipates the water to the surrounding ground soil to prevent flooding and erosion.

Soakwell installation in your property can help prevent many problems including soil erosion, subsidence of the structure, and rising dampness on floors and walls. If your home is made from wood, having a soakwell underground can guide water away from your property, which can help avoid rotting wood, mould growth, and termite infestation. Besides the benefits it’s also required to keep water that falls on your property to stay on your property, making soakwells the go to solution.

What are the Various Soakwell Materials?

Soakwells come in different types and each of them has its advantages. Below are the common materials used in building soakwells:

Concrete Soakwells

Concrete soakwells are by far the most durable option compared to other soakwell materials. If installed properly, a well-made concrete soakwell can last for many years up to 30 years in most cases. Construction of concrete soakwells can be expensive because it requires expertise and the use of heavy machinery, but the long-term benefits outweigh the high upfront costs.

Soakwells made from concrete can withstand high water pressure and expanding soil. They are also efficient in containing large amounts of water whilst slowly dispersing it to the encircling soil. Concrete soakwells are suitable in many soil types, especially to less permeable soil like clay or limestone. They are also ideal in high-traffic areas as they can bear the weight of passing vehicles above ground.

If your property is near a forest or reserve, concrete soakwell installation is a good option because it has a large opening, making it easy to remove fallen leaves or other waste materials to avoid clogging. Because of their hard-wearing properties, concrete soakwells require minimal maintenance, allowing you to save on upkeep or replacement costs.

Polypropylene Soakwells

Polypropylene soakwells are more lightweight compared to concrete soakwells. Polypropylene material is also durable and has a high load-bearing capacity, which makes it suitable for areas with high traffic. This type of soakwell is also an eco-friendly option as it is also recyclable after its service life. Some polypropylene soakwells come in a modular design, which allows you to connect them easily, either vertically or horizontally, depending on the size of the project site.

PVC Soakwells

PVC or Polyvinyl chloride is another material used in constructing soakwells. Like polypropylene soakwells, PVC soakwells are lightweight, which makes them easier to transport and install than concrete soakwells. Because of this feature, PVC soakwells are ideal in tight spaces and hard-to-access areas.

Dobson Excavations Offer Concrete Soakwell Installation Service

Protect your property from foundation damage and other structural problems caused by long-term water retention and soil erosion. Let our team of soakwell installation experts handle your build. Our personnel are …

When are Diggers Useful During Construction?

An excavator or digger is one of several construction heavy equipment that you typically see in a job site. Its primary purpose is to dig up earth, but a digger can also serve several functions, making it an extremely versatile machine.

Types of Diggers and their Uses in Construction

There are various types of diggers you can hire, so it helps to know what features separate one from the others. An excavator typically features a rotating house or cabin where the operator controls the movement of the machine and its parts. Diggers also come with boom, arm and bucket attachments.

If you’re considering hiring one, knowing what diggers are available can help you choose which type of excavator suits your requirements.

Below are common types of excavators.

Crawlers

The distinguishing feature of a crawler excavator is its two rotating track frames that allow it to manoeuvre easily on uneven, muddy or sloped terrain. It moves slower than wheel-type diggers, but this characteristic provides a crawler increased stability. Crawlers are useful in landscaping, trenching, and mining operations.

Wheeled

Wheeled diggers have wheels instead of rolling tracks. This type of digger is suitable for hard, smooth surfaces like concrete. Wheeled diggers are typically used in urban earthmoving projects such as road clearing, scrapyard works, material movement, and installation of buried services.

Long Reach

Long-reach excavators come with an extendible arm attachment that allows the machine to dig up and move materials at a safe distance. Depending on the design, the arm of long reach excavators can range between 40 to 100 feet. Digging up wells, cleaning rivers and canals, and demolishing old bridges or flyover are some projects where long reach diggers are efficient.

Suction

Suction or vacuum excavators come with a suction tube attachment instead of the usual boom, arm and bucket attachments. This type of excavator uses a heavy-duty fan system to suck up debris from a hole or remove materials from buried utility services without coming in contact or damaging them. Suction diggers are common in deep excavation projects and the installation or repair of underground cables and pipes.

Hydraulic Shovel

Hydraulic shovel excavators are the most powerful type of diggers, typically used in large-scale construction and mining projects. Its bucket attachment is larger than that of a standard excavator and it comes with pointed blades. Hydraulic shovel excavators are recommended for coal mining operations and similar projects requiring heavy digging and lifting.

Backhoe

A backhoe is a type of digging equipment that resembles a tractor and is smaller than standard excavators. It also has arm and bucket attachments, but these parts are found both at the front and back of the cabin. Unlike standard excavators, the boom and chassis of a backhoe can only rotate at a 200-degree angle instead of 360 degrees. Construction projects such as laying down the foundation of structures and earthmoving activities like digging up ditches and trenches and installing underground cables use backhoes.

Skid Steer

Skid steers are smaller than standard excavators. …

Advantages of Bobcat Wet Hire Over Dry Hire

When hiring machinery for excavation and construction projects, you’ll likely encounter the terms “wet hire” and “dry hire”. If you’re not familiar with these terms or it’s your first time renting equipment, you can easily confuse one with the other.

So, what is wet hire and dry hire, and what are the advantages of these two equipment rental options?

Bobcat Wet Hire versus Bobcat Dry Hire: What’s the Difference?

Bobcat wet hire is when you hire a bobcat machine with a qualified operator. Meanwhile, a bobcat dry hire is renting the equipment alone. Dry hire is also called self-drive hire, meaning you can choose to operate the machine yourself.

However, keep in mind that certain machinery and equipment may require a certification, license, or specific qualifications for a person to operate them. If you don’t meet such requirements, you need to look for a qualified bobcat operator, like skilled bobcat operators from Dobson Excavations, to run the machine or equipment. Besides that there are different sizes as well, from large to regular and even mini bobcats.

Advantages of Bobcat Wet Hire

Below are the benefits of a bobcat wet hire:

 Experienced operator

Operating heavy equipment requires skill and technical knowledge that only highly trained and experienced operators have. If you choose the wet hire option, you can rest assured that the machine is handled properly to avoid any damage.

Fast and Quality Work

Because a bobcat wet hire includes the service of a skilled operator, you don’t have to worry about training them on how to use the equipment. Skilled bobcat operators will immediately start working on your project. They not only work fast, but experienced operators also make sure that they deliver high-quality work.

Increased Safety

With the wet hire option, you have better peace of mind because you get a machine and an operator who is an expert at operating it. Seasoned bobcat operators have spent many years operating the equipment and have worked on numerous different projects, so the likelihood of mistakes or accidents occurring is slim to none.

Advantages of Bobcat Dry Hire

Selecting the bobcat dry hire seems like an interesting option for those who want to stay budget-friendly. Because you do pay for the operator. However because the operator has a lot of experience, he can do the job much more efficient, saving you cost on the time it takes for the project.

Looking for a Bobcat Hire for Your Earthmoving Project?

At Dobson Excavations, we offer bobcat wet hire rentals. You can trust us to provide high-quality equipment and licensed and insured operators for your excavation or earthmoving projects. Contact us here for a quote or to know more about our services.

As seen on https://www.dobsonexcavations.com.au/advantages-of-bobcat-wet-hire-over-dry-hire/