When it comes to heavy equipment, nothing is as pervasive as the dozer. It can be found hard at work clearing ground, pushing material, removing stumps or performing rough grading within the construction, agricultural, logging and mining industries. First conceived by Benjamin Holt in , the dozer – or crawler tractor – has been the muscle behind many projects for over 100 years.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Xiangyao.
If you’re looking to buy, add or replace a dozer, search our current inventory. We have a large selection of dozers for sale at upcoming Ritchie Bros. live auctions and online on IronPlanet and Marketplace-E. Before you inspect the machine you want, read our bulldozer inspection tips and buy with confidence:
Each type of crawler tractor blade is designed for a specific task. No matter whether you’re inspecting a machine with an angle, straight, universal, semi-u, cushion, 6-way or push block blade, follow these general blade inspection tips:
Blade face, cutting edge and corner bits
Check the blade face for any plate lines. Plate lines are visible on blades that have been refaced, showing that excessive wear on the blade has been repaired. Check the top of the blade, the spill guard, and look for any damage caused by rocks or other heavy material. Move to the bottom sides of the blade and inspect the corner bits for any signs of wear, corrosion or welding. Inspect the cutting edge for remaining wear.
Blade push arms and cylinders
Inspect the blade push arms, paying close attention to the trunion pins and caps. If the trunion cap is loose or space is evident between the trunion and the cap, it could be a sign of excessive wear. Check both push arms for any signs of scarring and, in the case of a semi-u or angle blade, check the hydraulic cylinder(s) and rams for any scratches or dents or leaking seals.
As the most important part of the crawler tractor, the undercarriage is also the most expensive to repair. Take your time to inspect every component of the undercarriage. Some crawler tractor operators may favor steering left or right, or may have operated the crawler tractor primarily on a side-hill application, causing uneven undercarriage wear, so it’s important to check both sides of the undercarriage in order to properly assess its true condition.
Rails, rollers and idler
Start with the rails, also known as chains. Reach under the rail and feel the tops and bottoms of the bushings connected to the rail links. Determine if the bushing has an ideal rounded shape or a compressed oval shape caused from wear. Also determine if wear is evident only on the bottom or on the top of the bushing as well. If you can feel wear on the top of the bushing, that means that the pins and bushings have been turned, leaving less than 50% wear-life remaining. Look at the links and note remaining rail height and uneven wear patterns. Excessive spread may also indicate internal pin wear.
Also check the amount of internal wear by measuring how far the slack adjuster has been extended out.
After checking the rails, move on to the rollers on which the rail travels. Inspect the top rollers and bottom rollers. Look for cupping on the surface on which the rails travel. Note any damage and excessive flange wear as well. Carry on your inspection to the idlers, looking for surface wear. Check the idler’s overall outer edge thickness to determine the amount of wear.
As with the idlers, check condition of the sprocket segments to see if the segment teeth have taken on a sharp, pointed shape or have a noticeably thin appearance.
Track pads
Step back from the idler and assess the track pads. Check the thickness of the plate and the height of the grouser bar. If the grouser bar is level with the pad bolts, then you should consider either rebuilding or replacing the track pads.
High drive system
Unique to Caterpillar crawler tractors is the use of a high drive system. The high drive system drives the tracks. Check the high drive for any leaks, cracks or any other damage that can affect performance.
Other undercarriage components
Don’t forget to check the track frame, sway bars and stabilizers for any scarring caused from coming into contact with hard material or surfaces.
Check all hydraulic cylinders for any signs of leaks or damage, including dents or scratches. Open the engine panels and check the engine for any obvious leaks, loose belts and dirty filters. Check all fluids. Look underneath and around the machine for any signs of leaks.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Used Volvo Excavator.
When inspecting the cab, make note of the steering system (e.g. differential steering or fingertip control). If the cab is enclosed, check that all windows are intact. In the case of ROPS or other canopy-style enclosure, check for any structural damage to the roof and its supports. Next, start up the machine and look at the exhaust coming from the stack, making note of any dark color, any carbon build up or other signs that the engine may be due for service. Make note of systems included – air conditioning, heating etc. – and test their operation.
Take the time to ensure that rear crawler tractor attachments, such as a single-shank or multi-shank ripper, winch, auxiliary hydraulics or drawbar are in good working condition. Rear attachments add value to the machine. If the machine you are planning to buy does not include a rear attachment, search our current inventory for crawler tractor attachments for sale.
If you’re interested in buying dozers being sold in upcoming Ritchie Bros. onsite auctions, visit the auction site to test, inspect and compare different models before you bid. Or see what’s available for sale on IronPlanet and Marketplace-E, including a large selection with IronClad Assurance Equipment Condition Certification.
Purchasing a new piece of heavy machinery is a hefty investment, which is why many buyers will opt to purchase used machines to get the best bang for their buck. When it comes to purchasing a used bulldozer, it is more than just the cost that should be taken into consideration. To get the most value for your money, it is important to know what to look for before signing on the dotted line. Here are some of the best ways to find the best used bulldozer for sale.
After you've determined the type of bulldozer you'll need and what your budget will be, you're ready to begin your online search for inventory of used bulldozers near you. Since finding just the right bulldozer to suit your needs will require that you do your research, it is best to use a site like Boom & Bucket that neatly outlines the price, specifications, and details of each available machine. They deliver the information you need on a user-friendly platform and help pair you with reputable sellers. Boom & Bucket' site allows you to carefully evaluate a variety of options and the site even provides the pros and cons of each machine. This allows you to go into your purchase confidently and the site outlines the benefits of each bulldozer, as well as the areas in which it may require some care or attention.
Before finalizing any purchase or sale, a comprehensive inspection is essential to identify any damage or signs of wear. Focusing on specific areas can provide insights into the bulldozer’s overall condition.
Examining the undercarriage is crucial. Damage or wear in this area can indicate improper usage and potentially hidden issues. Ensuring the undercarriage is suitable for your requirements is imperative, as replacements or repairs in this area can incur substantial costs.
Assessing the functionality of the hydraulics, attachments, and their respective controls is fundamental. Testing these components ensures smooth operation and functionality. Detecting leaks, loose belts, or dirty filters is crucial to avoid potential problems post-purchase.
Gathering information about the hours logged on the blade of the machine is critical. A bulldozer blade with around 5,000 logged hours, given proper maintenance and appropriate usage, typically maintains its value and quality.
The undercarriage of a crawler dozer can tell you a lot about how the machine was used by its previous owner. If the undercarriage has damage or dents, it could indicate that the bulldozer was not used correctly, and could also be a sign of more hidden issues.
Most used dozers models built with a heavy-duty undercarriage that will allow the machine to operate on rough terrains. Be sure to ask the seller which models and type of undercarriage their bulldozer has and how it was used. If the machine you are considering does not happen to come with the type of undercarriage you'll need, or if it is not in good condition, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars to replace it. If your intention in buying a used bulldozer is to save money, it is best to ensure that the machine has the features you need to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
If you're thinking about purchasing a used dozers, make sure the hydraulics and attachments and their controls are working properly. Take a moment to test the machine out and move it in all different directions to make sure everything moves smoothly, especially the blade and the ripper if it has one. You'll want to check the systems for signs of leaks, loose belts, and dirty filters.
When purchasing a used bulldozer, it is important to gather additional information, about the hours logged on the machine. Try to choose a bulldozer that has no more than approximately five hours to 5,000 hours logged. As long as the machine was maintained well and used properly, a bulldozer with 5,000 hours or less will prove to be a valuable asset.
When it comes to access to heavy machinery, safety should always be a priority. While shopping for a used bulldozer, it is important to verify that all of the equipment adheres to the latest safety standards. Make sure that no illegitimate modifications have been made to the machine, which could compromise the integrity and safety of equipment on the bulldozer. You should also take the time to interview the seller to ask questions about how the machine has been used, and make sure that it was not put into any situations that would damage or compromise equipment on it.
Buying a used bulldozer is a great way to get a quality machine for a great bargain. Although used dozers are almost always cheaper than buying new ones, you should always vet your sellers and do your research to ensure that you are getting the best price for a particular machine. the website browsing Boom & Bucket makes this process simple by taking the leg work out of your search. They provide you access to detailed specifications about each machine and work with verified sellers to ensure that you find just the right crawler dozer, at a great price, from a reputable seller.