The power of the bulldozer is derived from its large blade in the front for pushing, and the ripper at the back for tearing stuff apart. The dozer is, therefore, an essential piece of kit in construction, mining, and farming.
Manufacturers of Bulldozers
There are many brands to consider when looking to rent or buy a bulldozer. Here are three of the bigger ones.
Caterpillar
CAT divides their dozers into three groups. The first group is the small dozers for low-duty loads — D1 (75hp), D2 (85hp), and D3 (100hp). The second group consists of the medium-sized, dual-purpose dozers used for heavy dozing and finish grading — D4 (125hp), D5 (160hp), D6 (200hp), and D7 (240hp). Large, heavy-push dozers make up the third group — D8 (320hp), D9 (405hp), D10 (600hp) and D11 (850hp).
Komatsu
Komatsu produces small dozers (D37, D39, and D51) that range from 89 to 131 hp, and mid-size dozers (D61, D65, and D71) ranging from 168hp to 237hp, and large dozers (D85 and D115) ranging from 264hp to 354hp.
John Deere
John Deere offers the following range of dozers: 450J (70-77hp), 550J (80-85hp), 650J (99hp), 700J (125hp), 750J (155hp), 850J (205hp), 950J (265hp), 1050J (350hp).
Safety Protocols for Operating a Dozer
All heavy machinery poses operational risks. Here are some simple safety protocols to follow:
Always Set the Parking Brake When Leaving a Bulldozer Unattended: Always using the parking brake on a dozer ensures that the equipment won't move or roll without someone to control it. This step is especially important if a machine is kept in neutral.
Operate a Bulldozer With Caution When On Uneven Terrain: Try to keep the tracks straight up and down on a slope and be mindful of the equipment’s center of gravity. Bulldozers are not as safe to operate on frozen ground or loose rocks. Always wear a seatbelt when operating a bulldozer or any other kind of heavy equipment.
Always Check the Blind Spots of a Bulldozer: Be aware of the surroundings and always check blind spots before moving heavy equipment. Use spotters and take advantage of modern tech to achieve the best visibility possible.
Always Wear Proper PPE While Operating a Dozer: Hard hats, safety shoes, hearing protection, safety clothing and reflective vests must be worn. Even when sitting in the cab of a bulldozer, personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn.
Keep Up With Preventative Maintenance and Upkeep of a Dozer: Like any vehicle or piece of machinery, prevention is important. Inspect the track of a bulldozer and take care of the undercarriage to ensure a long lifespan of a machine.
Can a dozer get stuck?
Yes, a bulldozer can get stuck. Because bulldozers are fitted with tracks instead of tires, they distribute their weight more evenly and are better for working on soft ground. However this does not mean that bulldozers cannot get stuck in soft ground or mud. It can happen and dozers can be difficult to get out once they are stuck.
There are six steps that can be taken to prevent a dozer from getting stuck:
1) Always examine the worksite plans before starting a project. Be aware of drainage ditches, cisterns, or other holes and caverns. A bulldozer could fall into these and get stuck.
2) Walk the site before bringing out any heavy equipment. There may be debris or other hazards that are not noted on a site map that could pose a danger to a bulldozer or any other equipment types
3) Look for hidden sinkholes, really wet spots or big patches of water. Pay special attention to low and uneven ground.
4) Poke the ground. If a stake can easily be pushed into the ground by hand then a bulldozer will most likely sink.
5) Get a bulldozer that matches the size of a job. Smaller bulldozers may be cheaper to rent and to fuel and are easier to remove if they get stuck. Do not opt for a giant bulldozer if it is not needed for the job.
6) If it does not feel safe to use a dozer, refrain from doing and wait until the site conditions improve.
#heavyequipment #construction #excavator #heavymachinery #constructionequipment #heavyequipmentlife #caterpillar #earthmoving #mining #excavation #komatsu #equipment #heavyequipmentnation #cat #digger #excavators #demolition #heavyequipmentoperator #machinery #constructionlife #engineering #truck #concrete #bulldozer #earthmovers #constructionmachinery #civilengineering
Comments