Bull Dozers.

Bull Dozers Effectively Balance a Unique Blend of Power, Mobility

Bull Dozers are the quintessential construction equipment, readily accessible from all corners of the world.

Distinguished by a large, front-end ‘push blade,’ dozers are aggressive, powerful machines that serve a vital purpose within many contemporary industries.

This machinery is frequently called-upon to adequately displace large volumes of material (e.g. dirt, loose rocks, debris, etc.) present at the work-site.

Additionally, bull dozers are used to clear paths for trailing vehicles

that would not be able to successfully pass-over uneven, rough terrain.

Most commonly, one associates this equipment with the tracked models (crawlers) which strongly resemble modern military tanks.

Equipped with rugged, durable ‘tracks,’ dozers can reliably gain traction and effectively cross multiple variations of sub-optimal grounds. This innovative functionality allows them to efficiently negotiate softer land, unfavorable earth where wheeled equipment would not be productive.

Moreover, the tracks prevent dozers from getting stuck on treacherous land even though they are significantly heavier than several other vehicles.

Essentially, bull dozers are very large tractors that entail the basic mechanisms thereof; however, are differentiated by substantially increased power capabilities and fortified undercarriages.

Furthermore, in addition to the front-end blade, bull dozers are fitted with a very useful rear attachment as well.

A claw-like implement known as a ‘ripper’ is found at the back of most dozers and is exploited to perform grueling assignments such as breaking-up difficult, stubborn cement/rock.

After the matter has been amply reduced, the dozer can then turn around so-as-to employ the blade which can push the smaller material to its ultimate destination(s.)

Subsequently, lighter machines like skid steers would follow by scooping-up the rubble and transferring it to dump trucks or other forms of hauling equipment (containers.)

Leading Makers of Bull Dozers

The most well-known and widely distributed brand is Caterpillar Inc.

A United States based company, Cat Equipment is purchased and relied upon all over the world.

Caterpillar is an impressively organized corporation which has consistently pioneered in the construction industry for many years.

Not only does it make some of the most robust, durable bull dozers around, but also fabricates a full-range of exceptionally built machinery in general.

Furthermore, as CAT is an undisputed leader, there are other companies that proffer reputable equipment as well.

Notably, Case CE (Case Construction Equipment) is a top fabricator of dozers and construction equipment of all varieties.

As the dedicated construction entity of CNH Global, Case CE has done well to solidify its prowess in the competitive market-place of equipment manufacturers.

Additionally, Deere & Company builds solid, versatile crawlers in conjunction with its vast array of fore-running agricultural machinery.

Not always considered when referencing construction equipment, John Deere constructs terrific products that exude quality from top-to-bottom.

Admirably, Deere has penetrated this spectrum with the addition of multiple construction models; however, it is most revered for agricultural machinery for which it is the leading brand in the world.

Moving forward, a few other top names in dozers are: Kubota, Komatsu, and JCB respectively.

Finally, we will now transition to the topic of specific uses for bull dozers and, pertinently, the difference between the chief extensions thereof…

Bull Dozer Blades vs. Rippers

As aforementioned, bull dozer blades are the front-end implements which are responsible for the pushing ability most associated with this type of equipment.

Even as the basic functionality remains consistent, there are indeed three (3) separate forms that can be exercised—variable to the requisite purpose for which the machine is needed.

Initially, there’s the straight-blade which is implemented to smoothly grade land and is less suitable for large quantities of soil/debris movement when juxtaposed to a universal blade.

Speaking of which, the universal blade is considerably more concave which allows for greater depth and material handling due to the unique design of this model.

While the former is great for both cosmetic and practical applications, the latter will most often ‘get-the-call’ for strenuous, heavy-duty earthmoving.

Conclusively, a third blade exists and is a combination of the two.

The ‘utility blade’ embodies the characteristics, attributes of both a straight and universal blade: Not as straight or sharp as the ‘S-Blade,’ and less curved/deep than ‘U-Blades.’

This provides tremendous flexibility in-terms-of optional engagement since one can quickly decide which type is best suited for the job.

Furthermore, the ripper serves a distinct purpose by emulating a jack-hammer (or similar groundbreaking tool) and is located at the rear instead of the front.

Conveniently, rippers can methodically disassemble extremely dense/compact structures and prepare them to be successfully dozed

out-of-the-way. Without this secondary capability, the bull dozer would be somewhat limited; thus, would require supplemental machinery to complete the job(s.)

Fortunately, well-made, quality equipment eliminates the necessity of several machines in the same location.

In conclusion, blades and rippers are essential devices which complement the overall versatility/efficacy of bull dozers and allow them to remain the foremost earthmoving equipment for construction and land-clearing operations.