Few machines are more iconic to a construction site than the hard-working, no-nonsense, dependable dirt-moving bulldozer. And, if you’re searching for a used dozer, you’ll quickly discover the market for used bulldozers often offers up a great inventory to choose from – but finding the right dozer for you can be easier said than done.
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To help with your search, we’ve put together this simple bulldozer buying guide to help you identify the perfect bulldozer for your business with simple tips on what to look for and what questions to ask yourself and the seller.
Whether you’re searching for a used dozer to round out your fleet, you’re going to add a bulldozer to your team to amp up your offerings, or even if you’re after a replacement dozer for one you have, now is the time to ask yourself what types of jobs you’ll be doing with this new dozer.
Ensuring the dozer will appropriately match the general size of the work you do will lead to efficiencies in your work and help ensure you don’t have a dozer too big or too small for many of your jobs. Beyond size, you’ll also want to narrow your search to fit the appropriate blade type and to ensure any other attachments fit your size and type of work.
The size of your dozer will also affect how it’s transported from job site to job site, its ability to keep up with the demands of other equipment on the site, and how maneuverable it is on the site, so take a minute to layout how the dozer will work as a member of the team and not as a solo working unit.
Learn more about bulldozer blades in our Bulldozer Blade Buying Guide.
Determining the appropriate size of the bulldozer you need is an important step towards narrowing your used bulldozer search.When it comes to determining what bulldozer manufacturer consistently makes the best bulldozers, often it’s a matter of personal preference – and disagreeing with a loyal customer base can be the equivalent to wearing the wrong cap to a baseball game. That being said some bulldozer manufacturers have developed a reputation in delivering consistently high-quality dozers.
Generally the top brands in bulldozers are considered to be:
When it comes to buying construction equipment, it generally goes that everyone likes new or nearly new except whomever is paying the bill. For a used bulldozer, you’ll want to balance price with how long you can expect to use the machine and make your investment back.
You’ll also want to think smartly about the availability and cost of replacement parts. An older machine might be entering a market where replacement used parts have already gone onto other machines, but a too recent model might also suffer from a lack of inventory for replacement parts, especially given current worldwide shipping and inventory issues.
Online or in-person, starting a checklist, noting the condition of parts, and planning ahead for repairs and maintenance can help you better evaluate the dozer.When you’re inspecting a bulldozer (in person or online), it’s important to take a close look at some of the important components on the machine. While not always a dealbreaker, knowing the conditions of these parts will help you evaluate the suitability of the dozer for your needs.
The blade on the dozer should be of an appropriate style for your work (or plan on the cost to change). It’s also important to note that while a complex blade can add new dimensions to your work, it also introduces new points for wear and repair.
Beyond style, it’s important to look for welds or overwearing in the blade. A good weld can last, but it should be noted. And if cutting surfaces are worn thin, you’ll want to plan for improvements.
You’ll also want to examine the back of the machine and determine the condition of winches or rippers.
The undercarriage on a used bulldozer can often be one of the most costly areas to repair or replace so extra care should be taken to ensure it is suitable for your needs. In inspecting the undercarriage:
Inspect the cylinders on the bulldozer, including the lift cylinder, tilt cylinder, any additional angle cylinders, and the ripper cylinder (if appropriate). In inspecting hydraulic parts:
The cab can be an often skipped point of evaluation, but given the advancements in cabs and technology, a good look at the cab can reveal needed repairs on the horizon. In inspecting the cab:
Even before inspection, you might know if the dozer is right for you and your work, and after inspection you should be closer to determining if the dozer is priced right for you. Given increased demand, the used bulldozer market can be competitive and understanding what to pay can seem complex. To find the perfect dozer, you might need to do a little math.
Being able to spot issues on the dozer can help in your negotiations and often a dozer might be discounted due to easily fixable issues (or even worries that issues will develop). If you have time and resources, plan for the costs of parts and repairs and determine if a lower cost should be negotiated. If the machine will need work, you can always weigh the cost and time of that work to see if it is dwarfed by the savings in the machine.
When you’re searching for a used bulldozer online, you should always consider the seller. A responsive seller with an established history is a good indication that they are committed to working with customers and delivering a good product. And you should never hesitate to ask for pictures (or even video) to ensure you both agree on the condition of the machine and its component parts.
Often the history of the machine — what it's done and how it's been taken care of — is written in the condition of the machine and its parts, and a reputable seller will be glad to show they’re accurately representing the machine.
Hopefully, these short dozer buying tips will help you in your search.
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At H&R, we’re dedicated to a rigorous inspection and evaluation process and that starts the second we interact with a machine. For machines we resell, that inspection process helps us ensure our customers purchase a machine that will meet their needs.
The bulk of the heavy construction equipment we source at H&R is headed to salvage, but being thoughtful in how we analyze the dozers we buy helps ensure the parts we'll salvage are the parts our customers need.
As always, if you’re searching for replacement parts for your dozer (or other heavy construction equipment) our Parts Specialists are here to help. As a leader in salvaging bulldozers, our inventory of available parts is hard to match and with special tools and connections our Parts Specialists are always happy to search our vast, connected parts network, too. Just drop them a line.
Businesses across the spectrum are always looking for ways to cut costs and remain competitive. On many jobsites, one of the most common means of achieving this goal is to purchase used equipment. A recently manufactured used bulldozer provides much of the same technology for 30% to 70% less than the price of a comparable new machine.
But investing in a used bulldozer doesn't suit every application. Here's a quick rundown on the pros and cons of new and used equipment, as well as the industries and applications each is best suited to.
New bulldozers
From refuse centers and general construction to forestry and agriculture, bulldozers are largely responsible for the greatest volume of materials handling on any given jobsite. For this reason, they are engineered for efficiency and productivity within specific applications. The good news is: with proper service and maintenance, they run for decades.
The following are a few pros and cons:
New technology: Machinery and its electronic components are continuously advancing. In the bulldozer category this translates to increased fuel efficiency, better real-time monitoring, improved emissions, and advances in cab comfort and ergonomic design. These improvements not only make them easier, safer, and more comfortable to operate, they also increase their productivity, lowering the cost of ownership while making them more cost-effective on every job.
Customizable Large-scale operations tend to work in extreme environments. Whether it's dramatic temperatures and unforgiving weather or rough terrain and remote locations, a new bulldozer can be built with specific modifications that meet an endless variety of specifications. In this way, a new machine may be more productive as it's been designed for a specific application. This includes both the mechanical features as well as specific attachments.
Warranty coverage: A new bulldozer is typically backed by at least a one-year warranty, with optional coverage provided direct through the manufacturer that can extend the initial warranty up to three years or 10,000 hours (monthly fee/deduction applies). This coverage travels with the machine wherever it's in operation. So from jobsite to jobsite, you're protected against defects in material or workmanship.
Pricey : A new bulldozer represents a serious investment. Looking at a new mid-range model, one that offers 335 hp, you can expect to pay $180,000 to $340,000 depending on the brand and any additional customizations. This outlay is not viable for many small to mid-range businesses without financing and may even represent more of a financial risk for this type of buyer in the event of economic fluctuation.
Used bulldozers
Despite their extreme usefulness, bulldozers are one of the most expensive pieces of heavy machinery you can buy. This has led some business owners and managers to rent or lease their equipment to supplement an existing fleet or accommodate a short-term contract. But these setups may not always be financially beneficial in the long term. So many are now turning to used bulldozers for their overall value.
The following are a few pros and cons:
Substantially less expensive: On average, a used bulldozer can be found for 30% to 70% less than a new machine. To revisit the example used in the 'new' category above, a similar mid-range model with around 300 hp and between 1,900 and 5,000 hours on its hour meter can go for $45,000 to $160,000. It's important to note that major attachments may also include hours of operation on many used listings. If the attachment is an important factor to you, make sure the one you're considering has a level of use relative to the machine.
Reliable: Bulldozers are built to withstand extreme operation for decades. While each individual application will dictate the machine's ultimate longevity, they're reliable for at least 10,000 hours without any major repairs - and some a lot longer with proper service and maintenance. This lifespan enables a solid return on the initial investment.
Older technology: Used bulldozers are available with manufacture dates that go all the way back to the 1970s. But this isn't what we mean when referring to older technology. Newer used models with manufacture dates within the past 10 years provide many of the same developments in terms of joystick control and cab design as new models.
They also comply with EPA standards for their particular engine type. Nevertheless, with operators increasingly used to the conveniences of the latest technology, an older machine may represent a problem for some. Plus, with models older than 10 years, you may not get a comparable level of fuel efficiency due to the improvements recently made to diesel engines, increasing the cost of operation in comparison to a newer machine.
Business recommendations
Used bulldozers are typically seen as the most solid investment within the farming and landscaping demographics, as well as for those who only plan on using the machine part-time. On the other hand, local and state governments, large construction or mining operations, and other companies that manage a fleet of machinery prefer new equipment for greater performance and efficiency.
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