and other answers you need to know about earthmoving scrapers.

When it comes to construction, earthmoving scrapers can be one of the most useful pieces of equipment for your team, offering a fast, efficient, and reliable piece of machinery. But what exactly is a scraper used for – and how can you best utilise it on your project site? In this blog, we’ll look at some common uses for scrapers in construction and other need-to-know information.

What is the main use of a scraper?

The primary use of a scraper in construction is to efficiently move large volumes of earth, debris, and other materials. Scrapers are designed with a hopper or bowl at the front, which can be hydraulically raised and lowered. The bowl is filled by pushing or cutting into the soil, and once loaded, the scraper transports collected material to a designated location within the construction site. 



Scrapers are particularly effective for tasks like grading, levelling, and hauling materials over long distances, which makes them invaluable for large-scale earthmoving projects.

Is a scraper an excavator?

No, a scraper is not an excavator. While both machines are commonly used in construction, they serve different purposes, since an excavator is primarily used for digging, trenching, and material handling tasks and features a hydraulic arm with a bucket attachment that can rotate 360 degrees, allowing precise digging and placement of materials. 

On the other hand, a scraper is specifically designed for efficient bulk material movement and hauling, with a focus on maximising productivity during earthmoving operations.

Why use a scraper instead of a bulldozer?

Scrapers offer several advantages over bulldozers in certain construction scenarios. Firstly, scrapers have a larger hauling capacity, allowing them to move significantly more material in a single pass, which reduces the number of cycles required to transport materials and results in time and cost savings. 



In addition, scrapers are better suited for long-distance material transportation, thanks to their built-in hoppers or bowls which minimise spillage and maintain a consistent load. Scrapers also provide enhanced productivity on large job sites, as they can efficiently move large volumes of soil, sand, or gravel, contributing to faster project completion.

What are the disadvantages of scrapers in construction?

While scrapers offer numerous benefits, they also have some limitations. One disadvantage is their limited versatility compared to other equipment like bulldozers or excavators. Scrapers are primarily designed only for earthmoving tasks involving loose or semi-loose materials. They may not be as effective in handling materials such as rocks, large boulders, or densely compacted soils. 



Moreover, scrapers require adequate space for maneuvering and turning, which may be challenging on smaller or congested worksites. Another potential drawback is the need for skilled operators to use these machines and ensure safe operation.

How do I make the right choice for an earthmoving scraper?

It’s important to take a careful consideration of the benefits and drawbacks of using scrapers for earthworks applications – such as their large hauling capacity and productivity, as well as their limitations in handling materials like rocks, large boulders and compacted soils. 



But it’s also important to make sure you choose an equipment provider that will walk you through the best options for your project so that you can make exactly the right choice. This is why, if you’re in need of a scraper to improve efficiency or productivity on your job site, the team at National Dry Hire can guide you through the process and help you decide which scraper is best for you.