A steam shovel is a massive, track- or rail-mounted excavator powered by a steam boiler. It uses a boom and a bucket to dig and lift soil, rock, and debris. While largely replaced by diesel-hydraulic excavators, they were the primary earthmoving workhorses for major infrastructure projects and large-scale mining operations.
Heard on the job
They found parts of an old steam shovel buried in the fill soil at the quarry site.
Related terms
Earthmoving
The process of excavating, transporting, and grading soil and rock to prepare a construction site.
Heavy equipment
Large, heavy-duty vehicles and machines used for earthmoving, lifting, and major construction tasks.
Heavy machinery
Large industrial vehicles and equipment used to perform major construction and earthmoving tasks.