In construction, mining, and related sectors, selecting the correct ground engaging tool (GET) is critical. GET including buckets, blades, rippers, and more, are attachments, which are installed onto heavy machines that make direct contact with the ground. GET perform vital activities such as digging, grading, and breaking up materials.

GET are becoming more and more popular due to their reliable boost in productivity and their low operating costs. From this, it is becoming increasingly evident why Research surrounding the Ground Engaging Tools Market predict a substantial growth in this sector: expecting to grow by around £600 million by 2030.

Although GET are amazing pieces of equipment, it’s very important you are using each tool for the correct occasion. This article discusses key Ground Engaging Tools (GETs) types and where each GET is most successful.

Types of Ground Engaging Tools and Their Uses

Blades

Blades are versatile GET, which are used mostly for levelling, grading, and pushing materials. They are ideal for soft to moderately compact soils and provide a smooth finish, making them crucial in road building and grading work.

Vehicles with blades can handle extensive sections of earthwork effectively; however, they are less effective in rocky or difficult terrain, where ripping or heavy digging equipment are more suited.

Buckets

Buckets go hand-in-hand with blades and are one of the most widely used GET, used for scooping and lifting. They come in two types:

• General purpose buckets: ideal for softer materials and low weights.
• Heavy-duty buckets: Excel in abrasive environments, such as rock excavation or clay soil.

Rippers

Rippers are excellent for breaking up hard soil, rock, or frozen ground before excavation. Designed with one, or more, strong and pointed teeth, they penetrate tough materials efficiently. In agriculture or construction projects requiring soil loosening, rippers can be a game-changer.

Teeth and Adapters

GET teeth and adapters come in various designs, each suited to specific conditions. For example:

• Chisel teeth are ideal for digging in rock or concrete, providing focused penetration.
• Tiger teeth offer a sharp, tapered point, perfect for tough, compact soil.

Cutting Edges and End Bits

Cutting edges and end bits are add-ons for tools like blades and buckets that enhance durability. They are designed to handle heavy abrasion and to extend the lifespan of the respective blade or bucket. For projects with high scraping needs, like clearing gravel roads or grading construction sites, these attachments can save on replacement costs and downtime.

Trenchers

Trenchers are purpose-built for creating narrow cuts, ideal for pipelines or utility work. Their rotating teeth enable quick, efficient trenching in various terrains, and their sharpness can make a difference in speed and quality. When used correctly, trenchers can drastically cut down on excavation time and reduce labour costs.

Maximising GET Lifespan

Equipment conditions should always be a significant factor behind your work operations. In fact, a study surrounding the Factors that Influence Safety on Construction Projects, equipment condition, particularly a negative equipment condition, has been shown to increase the number of work-place accidents. 

GET represent a significant investment, so maximising their lifespan through maintenance is essential. Rotating tools based on their most optimised function, as well as following manufacturer maintenance recommendations can extend a GET life and prevent unexpected failures on the job.

For more guidance on extending the lifespan of your GET, Jaytrac have produced an article on this. Feel free to check out A Guide on How to Maintain Ground Engaging Tools (G.E.T).

Choosing the Right Ground Engaging Tools (GET) for the Job

By evaluating project needs and requirements and your GET compatibility, operators can select the best GET for the job. However, consulting manufacturers or professional guidelines can guarantee you’re optimising the use of your GET. If you want help with this, please fill out our enquiry form, give us a call on +44 (0) 1604 491 133 or email us sales@jaytrac.co.uk.

Jaytrac are also a supplier of GET parts from leading brands such as Caterpillar, Komatsu and Volvo, you can view Jaytrac’s GET here.