When Space Is Tight, Follow these Tips for Working on Confined or Urban Jobsites

Operating in dense urban areas or residential neighborhoods has unique challenges. Limited space to maneuver, strict noise regulations, and close proximity to homes, vehicles, and pedestrians all require contractors to work with extra precision and careful planning. The good news is that the latest generation of compact construction equipment is designed specifically for these types of environments, delivering strong performance without the large footprint of full sized machines.

Choose the right equipment for confined work areas

Using the correct construction equipment will make all the difference when maneuverability and access are limited. Today's compact machines offer the power and efficiency you need, while retaining their agility and fitting in spaces that bigger equipment can't. The result is that you can use them to complete tasks that would otherwise need to be completed by handheld tools and time consuming manual labor.

Mini excavators

Mini excavators are ideal for trenching, utility work, landscaping, demolition, and foundation prep on tighter jobsites. Their key advantages include:

• Zero or reduced tail swing to prevent accidental contact with structures
• Compact dimensions that fit through gates, alleys, and narrow access points
• The ability to use a wide range of attachments for digging, grading, breaking, and more

Skid steers and compact track loaders

Skid steers and compact track loaders excel in urban and residential environments and are perfect for material handling, site cleanup, grading, and more. Their advantages include:

• Tight turning radiuses and precise control
• Powerful loading forces to move large volumes of material
• Stability on soft, wet, or sloped ground
• Excellent visibility near structures and people

Mini track loaders

Designed to fit through gates and openings as small as 36”, mini track loaders are the workhorses of choice for jobsites with very limited access. They offer:

• Stand-on operation for unmatched visibility in cramped areas
• Narrow profiles that are ideal for backyard projects and tight utility work
• Great maneuverability on tough terrain
• A wide variety of available attachments

Compact wheel loaders

When you have a little more space to work with, but a full size machine still won't fit, compact wheel loaders are a popular option for urban and residential jobsites. They deliver:

• Faster travel speeds and larger bucket capacities than skid steers or CTLs
• Articulated steering for smooth navigation around buildings, vehicles, and tight corners
• The ability to scoop, load, and transport large volumes of material easily

Plan for local noise restrictions

In addition to using compact construction equipment that helps you access smaller areas, you also need to be aware of local noise ordinances that are often in place on residential and urban jobsites. First, you should know the permitted work hours for construction activity in the city or municipality. We also recommend implementing machines with quieter engines and noise reduction technology whenever possible. You can schedule louder activities, like breaking, hammering, and loading, for the middle of the day or during approved time windows.

Proactively communicating with neighbors and businesses also goes a long way in reducing disruptions and complaints from the surrounding community.

Prioritize safety on confined jobsites

Working in close proximity to traffic, pedestrians, and buildings introduces added risks to your operation. You have to take extra precautions, including:

• Conducting a full site walkaround prior to starting work to identify utilities, power lines, retaining walls, basement windows, fences, vehicles, and other potential obstacles and hazards.
• Using spotters when maneuvering equipment in cramped areas or around blind corners.
• Implementing barricades, cones, and signage to separate the worksite from public walkways or roadways.
• Reinforcing operator training for working in mixed use areas where people and vehicles may come near equipment.
• Scheduling staggered deliveries to prevent overcrowding.
• Designating material drop zones and storage areas that don't block traffic or sidewalks.
• Using dust, debris, and noise containment devices, materials, and technology.

Urban jobsites often have more utilities

Worksites in more built up areas will have a large number of both underground and overhead utilities, including:

• Gas lines
• Fiber cables
• Water and sewer lines
• Overhead electrical lines
• Sprinkler systems
• And more

It's crucial that you review all utility maps and on-site markings before beginning the project. You should also employ smart excavation practices, like digging slowly, working parallel to lines instead of directly over them, and using a narrow bucket for exploratory trenching. For overhead powerlines, it's important to understand your machine's height and working radiuses.

If you have any questions about working on confined jobsites or about which compact machines to use for your project, contact our team today!