The term bulldozer technically only represents the shovel-like blade, but over the years people have come to associate the term bulldozer with the entire vehicle both blade and crawler tractor combined. Usually, bulldozers are believed to be the most heavy-duty machines on the market. The crucial aspect of what makes most bulldozers unique is their continuous tracks. Their track design allows them to float over the soft ground by distributing the weight of the machine over the tracks. It can successfully function on terrain where a wheeled machine would have difficulty maneuvering or find itself stuck. These tracks also provide the enormous amount of power needed to push material with the dozer blade or rip up hard surfaces with the ripper.
Bulldozers are essential in a variety of industries, including but not limited to construction, mining, and forestry. With various attachments available to extend their functionality, it is no surprise that they have remained popular since the first prototype was developed back in the 1700s.
Here’s a fact: did you know the world’s biggest bulldozer has never been used? It is the ACCO Superdozer that is named the largest in the world. But in terms of operational dozers, the Komatsu D575A-3SD is the current champion. Manufactured by Komatsu, this monster’s size drives its major benefit: reduced operating costs. The size of this machine allows greater loads to be pushed in a shorter time frame.
Types
Crawler dozer – is a heavy bulldozer that has tracks. Extremely versatile, it’s often the most required bulldozer on site. Found mainly on construction and mining sites, these machines are perfect for clearing land or leveling it out.
Mini dozers – also known as compact bulldozers, this kind is ideal for grading or cleaning smaller spaces such as driveways.
Hybrid dozer – as the name suggests these machines are made to be more efficient and produce fewer emissions by using less fuel. This piece of machinery uses electronic components and is fitted with blades that are perfect for working in waterlogged, swampy, and muddy conditions.
Wheeled bulldozers – also known as tire dozers these machines are equipped with robust structures that can endure the roughest conditions. It is not recommended to use this type of dozer in very soft terrain because it will sink.
History
There has always been slight confusion around the inventor of the dozer. This is because, on Thanksgiving Day, 1904, grain harvester manufacturer Benjamin Holt tested a new earth-moving machine on a farm near Stockton, Calif. By the time he finished his experiment, more than just earth moved. However, it wasn’t until 1923 when James Cummings and J. Earl McLeod developed the first bulldozer, as we now think of it today in Morrowville, Kansas. They attached a blade to the front of a tractor which was then patented as an “attachment for Tractors” in 1925.
Omnia Machinery is an industry expert in used construction equipment and a trusted machinery trader. We stock a wide variety of quality used construction equipment to suit many different jobs such as cranes, road equipment, quarry, earthmoving, piling, drilling and underground mining. We provide our customers with all information and pictures with their quotation before any sale is agreed. From inspections to shipping, we are here to support you through every step of the transaction and keep you informed throughout the whole process enabling you to purchase in confidence. Contact us today with your machinery requirements.