A bulldozer is a serious investment for anyone looking to purchase heavy equipment. A new piece of machinery can cost a lot of money, which makes used bulldozers an attractive option for businesses with limited budgets. Buying a used bulldozer for sale can be risky if the buyer knows what to look for. Several important factors must be considered, from checking plate lines to examining trunnion pins.
Engine
A bulldozer is an essential piece of equipment for many different construction projects. It can push a lot of heavy material, and its specs will vary depending on the heaviness it can move. When considering a used bulldozer for sale, it is important to check its condition thoroughly. This will include examining the engine, transmission and hydraulics. In addition, it is important to consider the seller’s or dealer’s reputation. Look for excessive undercarriage wear and tear, rust, and leaks. If the machine shows excessive wear, it may be a sign that it was run too hard and needs repair or replacement parts. This can be costly. Look for a Cat(r) Certified Used bulldozer with extensive records, original features and preventative maintenance, which can improve resale value. Some newer bulldozers also offer cab enhancements like isolation-mounted pressurized environments that limit noise, dust and vibrations from affecting the operator. This can increase comfort and efficiency. Some other features to look for in a used bulldozer include an electro-hydraulic joystick that allows the operator to control steering, direction, speed and transmission more precisely.
Hydraulics
Whether you are looking for a wheeled bulldozer or a tracked bulldozer, the machine’s hydraulics are critical to its performance and productivity. Inspect the hydraulic system for excessive wear and signs of problems. The hydraulics should be controlled easily, and the blade should function properly. You also want to inspect the undercarriage for cracks, flattened track pads and general wear and tear that will lead to expensive repairs.
Hydraulic systems utilize a series of pistons and cylinders, which have been used for thousands of years, to operate equipment. They are used in many different types of machinery and can operate equipment such as backhoes, loaders, dump trucks and more. Hydraulics can be dangerous, especially if workers aren’t familiar with safety procedures. Hydraulic energy can cause crushing accidents, amputations and lacerations if not handled correctly. Always follow the proper lockout/tagout procedures and verify that there is no residual pressure before working on any equipment. This helps prevent the uncontrolled release of hydraulic energy. Having a qualified dealer who can perform service on-site is often helpful.
Undercarriage
The undercarriage is the heart of a bulldozer. It determines how much life remains on the machine and how well it will perform in various environments. It also affects operating costs. A sloppy track will increase the required effort and put extra pressure on other undercarriage parts, including the bottom and carrier rollers. The same holds for an overly tight way, which will cause the dozer to lose working power and force its parts to work harder. A skilled service rep can inspect the undercarriage visually and take measurements showing the components’ overall condition. These numbers allow the equipment manager to alter items within his control and minimize undercarriage wear, which can affect production downtime. Contractors can buy a tool kit and take these measurements themselves, but it’s best to have trained professionals inspect and evaluate it. A dealer can provide this service. This can save time and money in the long run by preventing costly repairs. It also allows contractors to make wiser purchase decisions and plan for undercarriage replacements.
Electronics
Electronics refers to an incredibly wide range of technology, from televisions, cell phones and computers to DVD players, video cameras, stereos and answering machines. Its definition comes from the discovery and subsequent advancement of electron behavior and movement principles that allow them to be utilized by various devices. A bulldozer is a piece of heavy equipment with many applications across the construction industry. It is often used to clear sites of brush, natural vegetation and garbage before a dig or build can begin. It is also commonly used to construct roads and strips of pavement. When considering a used bulldozer for sale, it’s important to understand what makes up the machine and how it differs from a newer model. Knowing what to look for will help ensure a quality purchase and prevent costly mistakes. The most important parts of a dozer are the blade, engine, undercarriage and cab. Inspecting these components will provide insight into the condition of the equipment and whether it is suitable for the job at hand.
Safety
Purchasing equipment like a used bulldozer requires a thorough inspection of different components to ensure that it functions properly. This is important for safety reasons as well as to maximize resale value. For instance, excessive track or undercarriage wear is a red flag that indicates the dozer may need a full replacement. Performing a walk-around inspection with the help of a second opinion, such as a certified technician, is recommended to ensure that any potential issues are identified. Look for signs of fluid leaks or murkyness, electrical issues that might indicate a faulty component and any general wear or tear that could impact functionality. Bulldozers are essential in construction and mining projects but can be dangerous to operators if the proper safety measures are not followed. For example, cab protection is crucial to avoid injuries or deaths due to on-site accidents. In addition, ROPS and FOPS (Rollover Protective Structures and Falling Object Protection Systems) protect operators from falling objects or rollovers. This is especially important since many accidents involving bulldozers are caused by these hazards.
