Starting Out in Demolition with Existing Equipment

[MikePhua]

Transitioning from Gravel Operations to Demolition
Expanding from a gravel business into demolition work is a natural progression for operators familiar with excavation, material handling, and site grading. The skill overlap is significant, but demolition introduces new challenges—structural unpredictability, debris management, and safety-critical planning. For an owner with a CAT 312 excavator equipped with a thumb, a Volvo L90 loader, and access to multiple larger loaders and a Dresser TD15 dozer, the foundation is already strong for small-scale demolition.
The CAT 312, a 14-ton class excavator, is well-suited for residential and light commercial tear-downs. Its thumb attachment allows for material sorting and handling, while the Volvo L90 can assist with debris relocation and loading. Larger loaders may be less maneuverable on tight sites but can be useful for bulk cleanup in open areas.
Essential Equipment for Entry-Level Demolition
To begin residential and small commercial demolition, the following equipment setup is recommended:

• Mid-size excavator with thumb: For structure teardown and debris handling
  
• Skid steer or compact track loader: For final cleanup and grading
  
• Hydraulic breaker or shear: Optional for concrete and steel separation
  
• Roll-off containers or dump trucks: For debris hauling
  
• Dust suppression system: Water tanks or hoses to control airborne particles
  

While wheel loaders are useful for gravel pits, they are prone to tire damage from rebar and sharp debris on demolition sites. Track loaders or compact track loaders are preferred for their durability and traction.
Debris Management and Hauling Strategy
The most expensive part of demolition is waste disposal. Hauling debris off-site requires coordination with local trucking companies or ownership of roll-off containers. Building relationships with haulers and recycling facilities can reduce costs and improve turnaround time.
Concrete and steel separation is critical. Recyclers often require clean loads, and some municipalities offer rebates for properly sorted demolition waste. Investing in a magnet attachment or manual sorting crew can improve profitability.
Safety and Experience Considerations
Demolition is inherently hazardous. Even small structures can collapse unpredictably, hide asbestos, or contain unstable utilities. Operators should:

• Conduct pre-demolition inspections for structural integrity
  
• Disconnect all utilities before work begins
  
• Use spotters and flaggers during teardown
  
• Wear PPE including hard hats, eye protection, and respirators
  

Experience matters. While operating skills from gravel work transfer well, demolition requires a different mindset—anticipating collapse patterns, managing debris flow, and protecting adjacent structures. Starting with small sheds, garages, or single-story homes is advisable before tackling multi-story buildings.
Lessons from Large-Scale Demolition Projects
On superfund sites and industrial demolitions, engineers face decisions like:

• Whether to implode or mechanically dismantle tall buildings
  
• How to separate rebar from concrete efficiently
  
• Choosing between roll-offs and end dumps
  
• Timing shear blade replacements and equipment upgrades
  

One safety engineer recalled a failed implosion of a seven-story building that required recharging and re-shooting—highlighting the importance of precision and contingency planning.
Recommendations for New Demolition Contractors

• Start with residential projects and build experience gradually
  
• Use existing equipment wisely and add attachments as needed
  
• Partner with experienced operators for initial jobs
  
• Track disposal costs and optimize hauling logistics
  
• Document each project for training and marketing
  

Conclusion
Entering the demolition field from a gravel background is both feasible and strategic. With the right equipment, safety protocols, and operational mindset, contractors can expand into a profitable niche. The key is to start small, learn from each job, and build a reputation for safe, efficient teardown work.