Moving the Earth: The Workbook of Excavation (Hardcover)

by Herbert L. Nichols (Author), David A. Day (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This groundbreaking new edition of the classic guide to heavy excavation projects and equipment provides the latest, most comprehensive guidance in the field. From site preparation to blasting and tunneling, pneumatic drills to the largest power shovels, it covers every step of every kind of excavating project and all the practical aspects of using the machines and vehicles involved. This first major revision in 20 years features insight into the latest general construction technology and methods, updated material on the costs and management of excavation projects, and an abundance of new clarifying photos. As easy to read as it is expansive in scope, the new edition is indispensable "heavy equipment" for every professional involved in excavation and construction.

From the Back Cover
"The most comprehensive source of basic excavation information available."
--Construction Methods & Equipment.

Since 1955, Moving the Earth has stood as the standard source of practical know-how for the excavation and construction industries. Geared to the needs of the men and women who do the actual earthmoving, this is a book as massive as the tasks they perform -- an all-encompassing guide that covers every aspect of site preparation and management, and that details every machine and vehicle needed to perform each task. This edition--the first in twenty years--completely updates all the information to cover the latest advances in equipment and operating techniques, as well as important safety and environmental issues. From clearing the land to tunneling beneath it...from old-fashioned hand leveling to highly accurate laser alignment...from freeing a tractor from the mud to basic bookkeeping to keep your costs from bogging down...this book explains how to do it correctly and efficiently. For the small contractor, the foreman, and the operator--as well as the engineer,the architect, the superintendent, and the student--Moving the Earth is a professional accessory as indispensable as your hard hat.

"The down-in-the-dirt standard work for the excavation industry."
--Military Engineer.

"Helps solve the thousands of problems that face the earthmoving contractor. Complete, well-illustrated."
--Construction Equipment.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1400 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Professional; 4 edition (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070464847
• ISBN-13: 978-0070464841
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.6 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,177,278 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent basic reference, September 5, 2004

By	M. Miller "avid reader" (eastern Montana) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I ordered the latest edition of this book for my husband, who had spent hours studying the previous one. Whether you're operating a dozer or an excavator, or even a Bobcat; transplanting trees, landscaping, making stock ponds or building roads... this is a valuable reference.

5.0 out of 5 stars A excellent resource for a construction manager, April 12, 2008

By	J. F. Mccarthy "Pareto - Building Improvement" (WESTCHESTER, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Moving the Earth, 5th Edition: The Workbook of Excavation (Hardcover)

Although this book is intended and best suited for those working full time in excavation, it is also a useful reference for the construction manager/general contractor.

The treatment of excavation methods seen from the viewpoint of those actually doing the work provided additional information and insight for those managing the whole project. The explantions were both detailed and practical, and the pictures and diagrams were helpful. Although the later sections on equipment problably will not be useful to me, I could not help reading them.

A valuable addition to my reference library.

Choosing Project Success - A Guide for Building Professionals

4.0 out of 5 stars Fine Book, March 17, 2007

By	civilnick "civilnick" (PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Moving the Earth, 5th Edition: The Workbook of Excavation (Hardcover)

I wish I had this book when I was starting off; would have saved me a few grey hairs. Moving The Earth does a fine job at covering many situations that "dirt guys" find themselves in. This book won't teach you everything about earthwork, but it is an excellent reference that I would recommend to anyone involved excavation projects.