In the late 1800s in America, the term “bulldozing” was used to describe the use of force in pushing over or pushing through some obstacle. By the 1930s the term was used to describe a machine that would be used to push over or through obstacles. Generally speaking, a bulldozer is a tracked vehicle with a large metal plate attached to the front. The plate is known as the blade, and it is used to feel the weight layers of soil or two cut through tree stumps or push other obstacles away.
Perhaps the best-known manufacturer bulldozers is Caterpillar, but over the years as engineers needed equipment to complete large-scale operations in earthmoving, other companies like, Komatsu, Fiat Allis, John Deere, International Harvester, and Case, to name a few, developed and manufactured their versions of the large track type earthmoving machines. Over the years bulldozers have become bigger and more powerful and much more sophisticated. Some of the areas of improvement include engines that are more powerful, more dependable drive trains, superior tracks, raised and enclosed cabins, and hydraulic arms that allow for precision in the movement and control of the blade. All of these developments have made bulldozers indispensable in commercial and even military construction.
Bulldozer manufacturers offer of an assortment of attachments for their basic bulldozers in order to adapt the machine to the particular commercial venture the user has for the vehicle. The most frequently found attachments at the rear of bulldozer would either be a ripper or a winch. Dozer equipment for sale used in logging sometimes are provided with grapples at the back.
Ripper are most frequently found on large bulldozers, such as the type they are used in quarrying or strip mining. The function of the ripper is to break the surface rock into small pieces that will be easier to handle and allow for the grading to take place with the blade at the front of the bulldozer. There are several type of rippers, such as the multi-shank or the single shank. The choice of which type ripper to install will be dictated by the type of enterprise in which the dozer will be involved.
Another accessory to consider for your bulldozer is a canopy. The camp is attached at the top of the dozer and is intended to be a protective structure to help avoid injury in the case of a rollover or perhaps something falling on the bulldozer. To determine whether or not to add a canopy to your bulldozer you would weigh the cost of the canopy to the cost of injury to your bulldozer operator. Canopies and seatbelts have saved many lives.
Choosing a bulldozer for your commercial enterprise means that you’ll need to see various manufacturers of bulldozers to determine which bulldozer company provides you the best quality, most versatility for your vehicle, and of course the best price. Traditionally the first name that comes to mind when you are thinking of a commercial bulldozer is Caterpillar. They have a long history in a wide line of bulldozers from which to choose. They have a good reputation for durability, power, and quality.
But they are not the only manufacturer of commercial bulldozers. Those machines that have been competitive to Caterpillar and had to provide equipment that perhaps is a little cheaper, or a little more powerful than the comparable Caterpillar model. Among American based manufacturers, Fiat Allis is disappearing from the bulldozer market, but John Deere’s equipments have a good name. Allis Chalmers has a good reputation and the good history with their bulldozers. Also manufacturing bulldozers in America are Case and International Harvester.
A Japanese manufacturer of bulldozers, Komatsu is becoming a very important company in the in the commercial bulldozer market. Komatsu is comparable to Caterpillar and power and quality and very competitive in price. Komatsu has a wide range of bulldozers from which to choose. They manufacture the world’s largest bulldozer, which has an engine that produces over 1000 hp. They also make smaller bulldozers with rubber tracks that are just right for landscaping, even in small yards. The rubber tracks allow them to work on paved surfaces without destroying the pavement. The strikes are not as durable, and they do not provide as much traction as the typical and tracks. But they are versatile and the ability to work on paved surfaces, making them attractive for some commercial enterprises.
There are other lesser factors that that may play a part in the decision you make regarding your acquisition of a commercial bulldozer. There are options that address the comfort of the operator. The dozer may be equipped with an enclosed cab that allows for the air conditioning. Monitoring systems for the controls and the mechanisms are available. An engine controller can help manage the flow of fuel and air to the engine, providing the peak efficiency from the vehicle.
Sight lines from the operator’s seat to both the front and rear work areas are something to consider in choosing a bulldozer. Such design features as a tapered hood, a fuel tank that is notched and a single-shank ripper can all contribute to the ability of the dozer operator to see clearly what is happening as he works. The placement of the controls in the cab can make a difference for the operator. If they are properly positioned an operator could be able to control the bulldozer with one hand. There is a lot to consider in selecting a commercial bulldozer.
