Transport vehicles are the backbone of every construction logistics. They deliver tools, attachments, and materials to the point of use and ensure continuous operations in concrete demolition, special demolition, rock demolition, tunnel construction, and natural stone extraction. In projects where concrete demolition shears, hydraulic rock and concrete splitters, hydraulic power packs, combi shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears, or tank cutters are used, the quality of the transport chain determines cycle time, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This article examines the topic comprehensively—technically sound and practice-oriented—and situates it within the typical fields of application of Darda GmbH.
Definition: What is meant by transport vehicle
A transport vehicle is a vehicle that moves loads, equipment, or gear between locations. This includes road vehicles such as flatbed trucks, box vans, crane trucks, and low loaders, as well as site-capable crawler carriers, dumpers, or in-plant material handling equipment. In the context of demolition and extraction, they transport attachments (for example, concrete demolition shears), stone and concrete splitters, hydraulic power packs, hoses, protective covers, as well as auxiliary and operating supplies. The transport vehicle must be distinguished from the carrier machine: an excavator or a compact loader can move loads, but its main function is working with attachments; a transport vehicle is primarily designed for the safe and compliant movement of loads.
Function and types of transport vehicles on the construction site
Transport vehicles handle three core tasks: delivery, on-site transport, and return. They differ by area of use (road vs. construction site), build (box, flatbed, low loader, crane superstructure), drive (diesel, electric, hybrid), and accessibility (low-floor, low overall height for tunnels, high ground clearance for rough terrain). For heavy attachments such as concrete demolition shears or steel shears, low loaders with ramps and adequate lashing points are common; for modular stone and concrete splitters, flatbed vehicles with systematic load segregation and short setup times are suitable. Hydraulic power packs are often transported on pallets or in equipment boxes to carry hoses, couplings, and protective hoods in an organized manner.
Use in concrete demolition and special demolition
In concrete demolition, the transport vehicle must deliver tools, power supply, and accessories with pinpoint accuracy. Routes are often narrow, the load-bearing capacities of floors/ceilings limited, and emissions and noise sensitive. Logistics therefore plans the sequence: first hydraulic power packs, then attachments such as concrete demolition shears, and finally consumables and protective equipment. In special demolition—such as on sensitive building structures—low axle loads, compact dimensions, and precise load securing are crucial. A well-thought-out transport shortens setup times, reduces downtime, and increases safety.
Transport of concrete demolition shears
Concrete demolition shears have high dead weight with relatively compact dimensions. The center of gravity is often asymmetrical by design. Adequately dimensioned lashing points, edge protectors, and anti-slip underlays are required. Mounting plates and quick couplers are secured, moving jaws are fixed with transport locks. During crane loading and unloading, easily accessible lifting points facilitate safe handling. On traffic routes apply: lash loads down, cover protruding parts, cap hydraulic connections.
Transport of stone and concrete splitters
Stone and concrete splitters consist of cylinders, wedges, tie rods, and hydraulic hoses. Sensitive surfaces are protected, wedge sets transported separately and labeled. Hoses must be secured against kinking, couplings covered dust-tight. Temperature management is important: oils and seals react sensitively to extreme cold or heat. For longer trips, low-vibration stowage and separate storage of sharp-edged components are recommended to avoid damage.
Safely transporting and staging hydraulic power packs
Hydraulic power packs feed concrete demolition shears, combi shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears, and splitting cylinders. They are transported upright, secured against tipping, and positioned so that the controls remain accessible. Ventilation openings must not be covered. Fuel or power supply is decoupled, and drip trays are kept ready when working with liquids. After transport, perform a functional check: hoses, couplings, filters, fill level, tightness. When specifying or staging these systems, align dimensions, interfaces, and operating parameters with current Hydraulic Power Units.
- Place power packs on anti-slip mats and position them positively against stop strips
- Select lashing angles and lashing equipment according to the load case, protect edges
- Separate hydraulic hoses, fit the ends with protective caps
- Keep the operating manual at hand, observe hazardous substance notices
- Select a level, ventilated setup location away from ignition sources
Load securing: principles and procedure
Load securing is based on applicable regulations and recognized rules of technology. The goal is to secure loads against sliding, tipping, rolling, or falling. In practice, a combination of friction-enhancing underlays, positive-fit arrangement, and direct lashing has proven effective. Statements regarding legal issues are general and do not replace an individual assessment.
- Determine load and vehicle: mass, dimensions, payload, axle loads, lashing points
- Select the securing method: tie-down lashing, direct lashing, slings, or a combination
- Increase the friction coefficient: clean loading deck, anti-slip mats, dry substrates
- Protect edges and sensitive components: edge protectors, padding
- Stow small parts and accessories separately: boxes, partitions, locks
- Control and documentation: visual inspection, re-tensioning, photo/checklists
Transport vehicles in tunnel construction and rock demolition
In tunnel construction, low overall height, narrow width, robust lighting, and reliable brakes are key. Exhaust and noise limits are often strict; electrically driven transport vehicles or locally low-emission solutions can offer advantages. Gradients, wet rock, tight radii, and changing friction conditions require sure-footed tires or tracked undercarriages. In rock demolition, loading is often irregular: splitting cylinders, wedge sets, and tank cutters are stowed so that shocks and vibrations are absorbed.
Supplying the tunnel face and heading
Short cycle times demand precise supply: hydraulic power packs, splitting cylinders, and wedge sets are provided in clearly defined modules. Returns (blunt chisels, blunt wedges, damaged hoses) are transported separately and marked. Illuminated loading zones, highly visible markings, and weather-resistant labeling facilitate material flow.
Logistics planning, setup times, and interfaces
An effective transport concept reduces unnecessary trips and setup times. Tools are preconfigured on pallets or mesh boxes, slings and lashing straps are firmly assigned. Loading and unloading areas are level, load-bearing, and free of obstacles. Communication between site management, equipment operators, and transport coordinates time windows for changing attachments such as concrete demolition shears, combi shears, and Multi Cutters.
- Match ramp angles, ground clearance, and wheelbase
- Provide access for crane hooks and fork tines
- Standardize tool sets: splitter + hoses + protection + documentation
- Label power connections, carry protective caps and blanking plugs
- Organize the return transport of damaged parts with lockout tags
Selection criteria for the right transport vehicle
The selection depends on the type of operation, site conditions, and tool portfolio. In addition to technical metrics, ergonomic and organizational aspects also matter.
- Load capacity and dimensions: loading deck length, lashing points, clearance and ceiling heights
- Driving dynamics: turning circle, gradeability, braking performance, maneuvering assistance
- Drive and emissions: electric or low-emission solutions for indoor areas and tunnels
- Loading concept: flatbed with stakes, box body with racking system, low loader with ramps
- Superstructures: loading crane, winch, tool boxes, drip trays
- Power and hydraulic needs at the point of use: power pack transport, cable/hose management
- Environmental conditions: dust, moisture, cold/heat, corrosion protection
- Permits and qualifications: access rights, weight limits, driving authorizations (general, not legally binding)
Special requirements in special operations
In sensitive environments such as hospitals, city centers, or listed structures, noise, vibrations, and exhaust gases must be minimized. Transport vehicles with quiet drives, clean emission behavior, and precise maneuverability have advantages. Floor and edge loads must be observed, especially on slabs with limited load-bearing capacity. In contaminated areas, plan protection concepts, separate transport routes, and decontamination zones. For concrete demolition shears, tank cutters, and steel shears, protective hoods, drip mats, and clean separation surfaces are useful to protect the surroundings.
Maintenance, care, and documentation
Regular inspections of lashing points, sideboards, stakes, and braking systems increase safety. Lashing straps, chains, and slings are checked for wear and replaced according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Loading decks remain clean, dry, and free of oil to ensure friction. For hydraulic power packs and splitters, documenting transport, operating hours, and inspection intervals is recommended. Checklists help with handovers between shifts. Notes in this section are general and non-binding.
Distinction: transport vehicle and carrier machine
In day-to-day site operations, roles can blur: a forklift can transport and position, and an excavator can move attachments briefly. Nevertheless, the difference remains essential: the transport vehicle is designed for safe, compliant transport; the carrier machine for the working function. For logistics, this means: align load distribution, lashing concept, and routing to the respective transport vehicle and view the work system with concrete demolition shears, stone and concrete splitters, combi shears, Multi Cutters, steel shears, and tank cutters as a whole.