Bulldozer for Rent or Sale: FAQ
Nothing moves more material than a Bulldozer and we want to help you find the right bulldozer for rent or sale. These powerhouses are perfect for clearing dirt, aggregate, anything. Bulldozers come in a variety of sizes and can feature a ripper on the back to tear up tough ground.
Below is a list of common questions we’re asked about these machines. Hopefully, it helps answer any questions you may have.
Bulldozer FAQ
What are Bulldozers?
Bulldozers have a powerful engine and hydraulic blade mounted on to wide tracks with a powerful grip. They are useful for moving soil and loose materials, clearing debris, grading, and cutting brush and tree stumps.
Bulldozers are available in sizes between 40 horsepower (hp) to 400 hp and even higher. The 100 to 240 hp range are the most common models used for general-purpose bulldozing. The larger bulldozers are primarily used for mining or massive trash and recycling operations, as well as other large-scale jobs.
The primary advantage of the treads on bulldozers is that they provide a lot of traction for mud and loose terrain. Given that the weight of the dozer is spread across a large surface area, they do relatively little damage to the surfaces they are used on given their weight.
For a bulldozer with more float (the ability to stay on loose surfaces) aim to find a bulldozer with extra wide tracks. This will allow you to make the most out of this weight distribution effect.
How do You Choose a Bulldozer Blade?
Make sure that the bulldozer you buy has a blade that matches your needs, whether you need a blade for fine grading or making deep cuts. Universal blades, known as U-blades, are a kind of curved blade with “wings” for holding more material. Straight blades, or S-blades, don’t have wings or a curvature, making them great for grading. Then there are combination blades, known as S-U blades. These blades are designed for pushing small piles of heavy materials. A sharper blade is best for clearing brush or cutting tree stumps.
The attachments on bulldozers aren’t handled the same as those on skid steers and backhoe loaders. While it is possible, you won’t be using a bulldozer to carry tools. If you want a tracked vehicle that you can use with attachments, then you should get a compact track loader.
What do Bulldozers Cost?
There are too many factors to give a specific price, but below are some ballpark prices for you to consider.
New bulldozers between 100 and 200 hp cost upwards of $75,000. That’s why it’s so important to find a dealer you can trust. Generally, the cost for a new bulldozer starts at around $30,000, but you should be able to find a used bulldozer for less.
What Sizes do Bulldozers Come in?
Typically the physical size of the Bulldozer matches the raw horsepower it can produce. Bulldozers range in power from 40 horsepower (hp) to 400 hp and even higher. The 100 to 240 hp range are the most common models used for general-purpose bulldozing.
Be sure to look at the actual physical size of a bulldozer before purchasing. The blades on bulldozers can be between 9’ and 14’; the protective cabs can be between 8’ to 12’ high. Understanding any height and width limitations you have is a great way to narrow down the choices, so be sure to measure gates, garages, and other small spaces you need your bulldozer to maneuver through.
What to Look for When Evaluating Bulldozers?
After narrowing down your options to a handful of bulldozers that are the right size for what you need, give each one a test drive. Here are some things to keep in mind while comparing the models;
Comfort
A bulldozer operator could be stuck in the cab for several hours. How comfortable is the cab seat? Is it easy to reach the controls and use them? How difficult is getting into – and out of – the bulldozer?
Visibility
Having a wide field of vision makes work go faster and reduces accidents. Are the edges of the blade visible from the seat of the cab? How well can you see to the sides?
Maintenance
While bulldozers are tough, they do require some maintenance. Can you gain access to the engine and the hydraulic pumps without a problem? How difficult is replacing damaged track links? What kind of recommended service schedule does the machine have?
Are Warranties Available?
Many providers will offer a warranty so it’s important to ask the representative. Regardless of what they tell you, be sure to get the warranty in writing and signed.
It’s common for Bulldozers to come with 1 year warranties. These machines operate in stressful environments and are prone to damage long-term. Thankfully they’re also typically designed to have parts swapped out and be repaired easily.