Bulldozers differ in size, capabilities, features, attachments, and application. Choosing the right bulldozer for each job is crucial for project results and efficiency. Before purchasing or renting a bulldozer, it’s important to consider the tasks you perform and the type of land you work on.
Choosing the right type of bulldozer for your application makes all the difference in the success of your project. To determine the best option for your fleet, weigh the pros and cons of how each type of dozer works. Consider the following kinds of dozers and how they differ so you can get the job done.
A crawler is a heavy-duty bulldozer that operates on tracks. It’s also known as a track bulldozer and contains a heavy plate, allowing it to load and push heavy materials and objects. Crawlers are the most common type of dozer, and they are exceptionally versatile. Traction enables them to traverse irregular and dense terrain, and larger crawlers feature rippers that can help break and clear thick ground.
A crawler is the best type of bulldozer for the following applications:
A mini or compact bulldozer is smaller than other models, making it perfect for residential projects. It operates on tracks and offers excellent power, but it’s small enough to fit in tight spaces. You can transport it using a standard trailer and maneuver it with ease. Its small size also allows you to operate it at faster speeds than other bulldozers.
Mini dozers are ideal for the following tasks:
A wheel dozer is the largest and heaviest type of bulldozer, and some people refer to it as a tire bulldozer. It’s a larger and more powerful machine that can help crews complete large projects efficiently. It operates on wheels instead of tracks so it can work on firm and soft surfaces with less impact. Wheel dozers are perfect for working on soft surfaces such as turf and sand.
The axis and turning radius are smaller on a wheel dozer than on a crawler dozer, allowing crews to handle it easily. It also features articulated hydraulic steering for greater maneuverability.
A wheel dozer is the best option for high-performance construction jobs like:
When choosing a bulldozer for an upcoming job, it’s important to consider blade types. The blade is responsible for digging through and pushing materials, and the right type can increase efficiency. A bulldozer’s blade determines the type of material and weight capacity the machine can handle. Consider the following kinds of bulldozer blades.
Universal blades or U-blades are curved and contain side wings to keep material contained while the bulldozer moves. A universal blade is the tallest and widest type of blade, and it’s the best option if you need to push material across a long distance. It’s also good for working with medium- or soft-density soil.
Straight blades or S-blades are the shortest type of dozer blade. While they lack side wings, their shape enables them to handle hard-density, medium-density, and fine-grained materials. While the straight blade has limited carrying and lifting capabilities, it’s an excellent choice for leveling soil, back-filling, grading, and stumping applications.
A semi-U or S-U-blade combines a U-blade and S-blade for greater versatility and strength. Its shape is similar to the U-blade but with smaller side wings, less curve, and a narrower shape. The S-U-blade is a great option for pushing materials across long distances, and it offers more penetration strength than the U-blade. It works well on medium- or soft-density soil and sand.
The S-U-blade works best for applications like:
An angle blade is also known as a two-way blade, and it has angling abilities because of its attachment to the center of a bulldozer panel. It can angle to the right or left in order to move materials to the side as it moves. Since there are no side wings, it’s easy for material to spill out using an angle blade. Even so, it’s a great option for working with gravel, snow, and soils of all density levels.
The angle blade works well for tasks such as:
A power-angle-tilt or PAT blade is highly versatile. As the name suggests, it offers lifting, angling, and tilting abilities for better maneuverability. Since a PAT blade can move in all directions, it’s ideal for:
A dozer’s tracks are another important consideration when choosing a machine. A bulldozer can have one of the following two types of tracks:
Selecting the right bulldozer and blade for a specific project increases efficiency and helps ensure optimal results. Thompson Tractor offers a wide selection of bulldozers for various applications, allowing you to choose the ideal machine for every job.
We distribute Cat® dozers to provide the highest quality machines for the toughest jobs. Whether you need to purchase a bulldozer for your fleet or rent a machine, Thompson Tractor can help. Contact us to request a quote and learn more about finding the right dozer for your next project.
Dozers, also known as bulldozers, have a large metal blade at the front and are designed for pushing and leveling various materials such as soil, rocks, and debris. While all dozers share a common purpose, there are different types, each tailored to specific tasks and terrain conditions. In this article, we will explore each types, highlight their distinctions, and shed light on the diverse applications for which they are utilized.
Crawler dozers, or track dozers, are the most common type of dozer and are characterized by their continuous tracks or "caterpillar" treads. These tracks distribute the machine's weight evenly, ensuring optimal traction and stability on rough and uneven terrains. Crawler dozers are highly versatile and widely used in construction, mining, and forestry applications. They excel at tasks such as clearing land, grading, and pushing heavy materials.
Unlike crawler dozers, wheel dozers operate on wheels, offering enhanced speed and mobility on flat surfaces. These machines are often equipped with large, robust tires designed to provide traction on varied terrains. Wheel dozers are commonly employed in quarry operations, mining sites, and infrastructure projects where faster movement is required. Their ability to travel on public roads makes them suitable for projects that involve frequent relocation between job sites.
Mini dozers, also known as compact dozers or mini loaders, are smaller in size and weight compared to traditional dozers. They are designed for applications where space is limited or maneuverability is crucial. Mini dozers are commonly used in landscaping, residential construction, and urban development projects. Their compact size allows them to navigate through narrow spaces and perform tasks such as grading, backfilling, and snow removal with ease.
Angle dozers, also referred to as angle blade dozers, feature a blade that can be angled to the left or right. This unique blade design allows for more precise material control during pushing and grading operations. Angle dozers are commonly utilized in road construction, site preparation, and agricultural projects. The ability to angle the blade enhances efficiency when working on slopes, embankments, and uneven surfaces.
Coal U-blade dozers, as the name suggests, are specifically designed for handling coal and other loose materials. These dozers have a large, curved blade that can carry a significant volume of material without spillage. The U-shaped design helps contain loose materials, allowing for efficient loading and transport. Coal U-blade dozers are primarily used in coal mines, open-pit mining operations, and stockpile management.
Push dozers, also known as pushing-type dozers or cushion dozers, are specialized machines designed for pushing large volumes of material over long distances. They feature a unique blade design that allows them to gather and push materials efficiently. Push dozers are commonly employed in land reclamation, land clearing, and large-scale earthmoving projects. Their high productivity and material-moving capabilities make them invaluable in operations that require extensive pushing and spreading of material.
Dozers play a vital role in the construction and earthmoving industries, providing exceptional pushing and leveling capabilities.
Each type of dozer caters to specific tasks, terrains, and project requirements.
From the versatility of crawler and wheel dozers to the agility of mini dozers, and the specialized functionalities of angle dozers, coal U-blade dozers, and push dozers, the diverse range of dozers ensures that there is always a suitable machine for every job.
Want to know more about dozers? Learn about key features and capabilities, attachments, plus some advantages and limitations in Bulldozers: What you need to know. Also, find useful tips on what to look for when buying your next used dozer in this Buying Guide.
View the used dozers in our inventory that we have available for you to buy now. If you don’t see one here, there might be one listed in one of our upcoming auctions that could meet your needs.
Don't currently see the dozer you’re looking for? Tell us. We may know someone who has it to sell and is just waiting for a buyer. With our extensive network of contacts, it won’t be difficult for us to find a dozer, or any other type of used equipment for you.
This article is our representation of useful information and is not intended to be a complete guide for making the right decision for your company. Ask our experts - or your own - for specific advice based on your unique circumstances.