All About Bulldozers
Bulldozers are heavy-duty machines used in construction, demolition, roadwork and more. They push debris and earth forward and provide shallow digging capabilities. Farmers, construction workers and some military members use this versatile equipment to carry out many different tasks.
What Is a Bulldozer?
Bulldozers are large, heavy-duty equipment used to move large quantities of debris, sand or soil. It’s a tracked tractor used in construction. The tracks enable bulldozers to grip the ground, giving it stability and mobility even in questionable terrain. The tracks also help distribute the weight of the machine. This keeps it from getting stuck or sinking in soft or sandy ground.
Some people call these machines “dozers.” In addition to the tracks, dozers also have a heavy steel blade in the front of the machine. Hydraulic rams move the blade, allowing operators to control the lowering and lifting the blade as needed.
Bulldozer Uses
Bulldozers are commonly used at construction sites. They’re also used in farming, to aid in digging trenches and in military work.
Moving Earth
One of the main ways people use bulldozers is to move large amounts of earth. That could mean moving soil, sand, rocks or other materials. Because dozers can push materials in front of them, workers don’t have to use a backhoe to lift earth and move it to another location. Bulldozers are sometimes used with backhoes, but they don’t have to be.
Building Roads
Creating roads is a delicate dance. The area needs to be excavated to remove grass and topsoil. Topsoil has too much moisture to provide a good base for gravel and fill materials. Bulldozers make easy work of pushing topsoil away.
Demolition
Knocking down old and dilapidated structures is easier when bulldozers are in use. These heavy-duty, sturdy machines can knock some houses over without any additional equipment. In addition to knocking structures down, bulldozers can also push debris into a pile and help with cleanup.
Construction
Many phases of construction benefit from using bulldozers. Preparing the site by removing vegetation is one way bulldozers contribute to construction work. They also move large amounts of materials from one place to another. Bulldozers remove debris and waste, making it easier for construction workers to load it up for disposal.
Types of Bulldozers
Bulldozers come in three main types. Workers typically choose one based on the job they’re doing and the terrain they’re working on. Each has benefits that make it ideally suited for different uses.
Crawler Dozers
Crawler bulldozes look much like tractors. It has optimal traction and works well for moving heavy materials. Large crawler bulldozers sometimes have rippers to help them better clear terrain.
Wheel Dozers
These bulldozers are typically smaller than crawlers. They have a smaller axis, making them easier to maneuver and handle. The tires are gentler on the ground than tracks, making them a good option for working on sensitive or soft ground.
Mini Dozers
The compact size of a mini bulldozer gives it faster speed and easier handling. This makes these bulldozers more versatile than their larger counterparts. Mini bulldozers are ideal for use in small spaces.
