Bulldozers are used in different types of terrain thanks to their design. The main features that differentiate dozers are blades, rippers and whether tires or tracks are used.
Rippers
A ripper is the extended attachment located at the rear of the bulldozer that resembles a claw. Rippers are used to break up land to allow agriculture to grow or break down rock and earth to be moved. You can find both single-shank rippers and multi-shank rippers depending on your project needs.
Final Drive
A bulldozer’s final drive is likely the most used and most replaced part of a bulldozer. Modern final drives distribute the load over multiple gear teeth and lift the drive motor away from suspension.
Cab
The bulldozer’s cab is an important part of this machine since it’s where the operator controls this machine. There are different features for some cabs that increase both their level of comfort and safety. You should check to see if your cab reduces sound and absorbs impact while you’re moving around the work site. These are crucial since operators can spend hours at a time inside the cab.
Tracks/Tires
Tracks and tires greatly impact a bulldozer’s mobility. Tracks are great for navigating hard, uneven terrain, while tires are better suited for soft ground. You may also want to consider tires if you’re working in a sensitive area that you don’t want to damage.
Engine
Bulldozers generally require high-powered engines since they move loads of heavy materials around the work site. Different types of engines fulfill different needs. For example, some newer engines produce fewer emissions compared to older engines to comply with certain EPA requirements.
Push Frame
The push frame is essential when positioning materials for different tasks. This bulldozer part is responsible for moving the blade.
Bulldozer Blades
The blade is the heavy metal plate located at the front of the bulldozer that is used to push and dig through materials. As we mentioned earlier, different types of blades are better suited for specific projects.
How to Choose a Bulldozer
Purchasing or renting a bulldozer for your project can improve the efficiency of your project if the right one is selected. Here are a few things to keep in mind when reviewing bulldozer types for your next project:
- Identify its purpose. Are you leveling the ground? Pushing material?
- Analyze the work site. Do you need to maneuver in tight spaces?
- Consider the terrain. Are you working on a hard or soft surface?
- Pinpoint material types. What type of earth are you moving? What’s its density?
Several bulldozer types can fulfill most of your hauling, pushing and leveling needs. Taking the time to weigh your options and familiarize yourself with each unique feature of the dozer will greatly benefit your job site.