Bulldozer Altoona PA

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 around Altoona.

The weight and balance of the bulldozer are among the most important factors that need to be considered in selecting a commercial bulldozer. As a matter of course, more weight and horsepower are necessary for pushing the heavier loads in high levels of production. The weight of the blade on the front of the bulldozer should be offset by either a counter balance weight or an accessory like a ripper or a winch, especially when the dozer will be used for finish work.

Selecting the proper amount of horsepower for the bulldozer is one of the primary considerations in your purchase. If you are going to do high production dozing work around Altoona, then high horse power is very critical. If you are going to do more finish dozing, the horsepower helps determine the ease of steering the bulldozer. The ratio between weight and horsepower is also important. If you have too much horsepower for the weight of your bulldozer, the track will spin without traction. That diminishes productivity as well as the life of the undercarriage. On the other hand, if the horse power of the engine is not sufficient for the weight of the dozer and its accessories, your vehicle will have a difficult time measuring up to the productivity standards that are necessary.

The transmission of the bulldozer is another important specification. More often in heavy commercial bulldozers the power shift transmissions that are operated by push buttons are preferable to the types that are controlled with levers. Ease of operation makes for less fatigue on the operator. Bulldozers with power shift transmission have three forward and three reverse speeds. Using the third gear for long periods of time can be detrimental to the undercarriage of the bulldozer.

Hydrostatic transmissions give smaller bulldozers more maneuverability and variable speeds. Hydrostatic transmissions, however, are more likely to be contaminated, making them undesirable for heavier dozers. Torque divider transmissions are more expensive and require more space than torque converter transmissions, thus they are seen most often in larger and heavier bulldozers.

Steering a bulldozer is one more element of specification that should be given consideration. The clutch-brake steering systems allow the dozer to turn in pivot when the track on one side is locked and the one on the other side is turned. Differential steering systems are more expensive, but they provide for power turning and counter rotation, allowing turning in tighter spaces around Altoona.

Earth Shapers, LLC

814-525-2074
PO Box 89
Summerhill, PA