Top 10 Bulldozers 2024

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Buying Guide for Bulldozers

Introduction

The modern bulldozer has innumerable uses and comes in a wide array of sizes, weights, and power outputs. These, along with other considerations, will determine the cost of the equipment, which can range anywhere from $64,000 to $1.3 million.

There are a number of bulldozer manufacturers from which to choose. They include but are not limited to:

• John Deere
• Caterpillar
• Komatsu
• Bobcat
• Liebherr

Benefits

Bulldozers are utilized in a number of different types of business, with their simple ripper and blade attachments being integral to project efficiency in several industries, including:

• City planning
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Landscaping

Since the advent of the bulldozer, many tedious tasks have become far less labor-intensive and time-consuming. The bulldozer has proven itself to be invaluable for:

• Stump removal and brush cutting
• Ditching and backfilling
• Grading
• Loading
• Excavating
• Demolition
• Snow removal

Types of Bulldozers

There are two primary types of bulldozers, namely crawlers and wheel-based dozers.

Crawlers

Crawlers are equipped with rolling tracks and are the more common of the two types, largely because the superior traction they provide makes them both safe and suitable in almost all situations. The tracks of the crawler make it ideal in situations where the ground is uncertain, i.e. refuse piles, fields, gravel, clay, soil, etc. Another distinguishing feature of the crawler dozer is its ripper, a claw located on the vehicle's rear that can be used effectively for demolition, ground breaking, and the like.

Wheel-Based Bulldozers

Wheel-based bulldozers possess all-terrain tires that are conducive to driving on all surfaces. While less common than their crawler counterparts, wheel-based dozers may prove more useful under certain circumstances. For one thing, wheeled dozers are often larger than crawlers, which come with both its advantages and disadvantages. While wheeled bulldozers often boast a higher horsepower, their large size makes them ineffective in smaller spaces and more prone to damage certain surfaces, such as those that are paved or otherwise costly and/or fragile.

Additionally, while wheel-based dozers do come equipped with a blade, only a select few of the largest models possess a ripper. Despite this, wheeled bulldozers do have a distinct advantage over crawlers in certain situations due to their hydraulic steering, which makes them able to maneuver tight turns.

Bulldozer Attachments

Blades

Perhaps the most important attachment on any bulldozer is its blade, the metal plate attachment located on the front of the dozer. Blades come in a number of different variants and sizes, and are designed to effectively push materials, such as dirt, refuse, and rocks.

The following are the types of blades currently available:

• S blades
• U blades
• SU blades
• Angle blades
• PAT blades

S Blades. The most common blade, the S blade, is straight and rectangular. Its primary use is for pushing construction materials and clearing land. It's controlled hydraulically and can be angled, or tilted, to facilitate digging. It's most effective with semi-compact materials, such as soil and clay.

S blades typically cost between two and six thousand dollars and will often come attached to your standard small to medium sized dozers.

U Blades. Unlike the S blade, the U blade is slightly curved with spill plates that keep the materials secure within the blade during movement. This type of blade is ideal when materials must be transported for a longer distance, i.e. across acreage or a large construction site. The U blade is also controlled hydraulically and, like the S blade, can tilt slightly to facilitate penetration, such as that needed for digging ditches.

U blades are more expensive than S blades, and vary widely in price, from $5,500 up to $75,000.

SU Blades. As the name implies, an SU blade is a hybrid of the S and the U blade. It combines the positive attributes of both to create a blade that features both spill plates as well as moderate ground penetration. It's most effective on softer surface, although it can be used in conjunction with a ripper in order to excavate harder work surfaces.

An SU blade will range in price from around $4,000 to $35,000, depending upon the size and whether it's purchased new or used.

Angle Blades. An angle blade is essentially an S blade that has been manufactured to be more maneuverable. Like an S blade, it is rectangular, but it is mounted onto a C-frame, which allows the blade to be pivoted to the right or left. While it's more easily adjusted, the angle blade does not possess spill frames, so using it to move materials over long distances is not effective. However, it's quite adept at a number of tasks, including ditching, stump removal, and road maintenance.

The typical price range for angle blades is between $2,000 and $25,000.

PAT Blades. PAT, or power, angle, and tilt, blades are S blades that are built to be easily adjusted by the operator. The user is able to adjust the blade's angle so as to more effectively complete the task at hand. Used primarily for soil transport over short distances, the PAT blade also does not possess spill plates.

PAT blades typically range from $1,500 to $17,000 in cost.

Rippers. Rippers are another, often essential attachment on the modern bulldozer. As previously stated, rippers are primarily found on crawler bulldozers and are used primarily to tear up earth, pavement, or other hard surfaces. Located on the back of the bulldozer, the ripper is essentially a large claw composed of alloy steel. They are several types of rippers available that vary primarily based on the number of shanks they possess. Keep in mind that the fewer shanks a ripper possess, the deeper it's typically able to penetrate.

Rippers can range drastically in price, from $2,400 to $45,000, with the average ripper costing approximately $8,500.

Selecting the Right Dealer

Keeping the following factors in mind will help the purchaser to determine whether the dealership is reputable and able to provide the necessary services. The following are a couple of items to consider before selecting a dealer:

Training

Bulldozers are complex machines that require knowledge and training to operate successfully and safely. To drive a bulldozer, most states will require the proper licensing and training. A quality dealer will offer purchasers the training they need, which will often include information regarding work surface types, dozer maintenance, safety precautions, etc.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

A bulldozer is an enormous investment that needs to be protected. Any purchaser should consider the dealer's service level agreement in detail. This will outline the warranties and guarantees provided by the dealer. A comprehensive SLA should include:

• A guarantee on the part of the dealer that they keep the required replacement parts on hand.
• An established plan for basic and comprehensive maintenance and service that includes any and all costs.
• A list of all customer service options and numbers, including online or phone 24/7 support.
• A commitment to service efficiency and short response times.
• On-site service agreements, if possible.

Once a reputable dealer is found, it's still essential for the purchaser to take the precautions necessary to ensure that the correct purchase is made. This is especially true if the individual or business is in the market for a used piece of machinery. While considering options, the purchaser should pay close attention to the following:

• Any leaks or cracks.
• Damage to the undercarriage.
• Responsiveness of the gears.
• Running temperature and pressure.
• Issues with the arms and/or blade.
• Service records.