Tag Archives: heavy equipment dozers

How to use a bulldozer

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Operators at times have a hard time while operating heavy equipment. They feel that while they are used to one particular type of machine when they are given to work on an equipment that has new configuration it takes time for them to understand those configurations and get their hands used to the system. They also have to understand the various features and their importance that is installed in a machine making the process more complicated. However once they are used to the system and they understand the features well they do not see much problem in using it. Using a bulldozer in particular has been found to be tougher amongst operators as compared to any other form of heavy equipment. The most common issue encountered by many operators is with steering the machine in the right direction. They sort of tend to lose their control while maneuvering the machine which leads to casualties and losses.

There has to be a systematic way to use a bulldozer and that is discussed as follows:-

Enter the cabin with a calm mind:-

We have enough problems to deal with in our day to day lives but we can’t carry the load of those problems with us wherever we go and especially when it is about going to work you simply can’t carry it there. You have to leave all your worries and hassles right before you enter the workplace and this stands right for the operator as well. You should not enter the cabin if you are tensed or worried about anything. You had a quarrel at home or an argument with your boss. It is better that you take some time doing nothing and clam your mind. You should not work on a bulldozer while you are angry or running through emotions. It can turn out into a bigger mess. Have a chat with your friend, check out a funny video on YouTube and once you feel that you are fresh and ready to work, get inside the cabin.

Have good control on the paddle and the brakes:-

Keep your legs strong while you are using a bulldozer. You use your legs to increase or decrease the speed of the machine as well as when you apply brakes on it. Your legs should not be shaky while you are using the bulldozer. Ideally, the paddle of the bulldozer is located just behind the brake. This means that you should be well trained and have practiced enough before using the mechanisms.

Use joystick to steer the machine as well as to use the blades:-

Joysticks are quite a helpful device as long as you know how to use them. It can be used to steer the machine and also used to move the blades in the right direction. The blades of the bulldozer are used to shove the mud to give a plain surface. An operator who has loads of experience in using joysticks to move the blades can do the work the right way at the first time. Rest may take some time to master the work.

Caterpillar D9T Bulldozer

The role of a bulldozer is quite eminent in the construction and mining industry. It is needed more at sites where there is an existing structure that needs to be demolished. You need a big dozer to maul that down and a company that has been producing dozers for years can make a big difference when it comes to manufacturing big heavy dozers. Caterpillar is one such company that has pioneered in making bulldozers and is known for making real tough machines. It is not just known for high quality dozers but is also renowned for manufacturing other forms of heavy equipment that is required in day to day construction activities. Having said this, they simply specialize in manufacturing dozers. They try to know the changing needs of the customers and give their shot in producing as per the customer’s expectations.

CAT has introduced D9T dozers which has achieved accolades from millions of people from all over the world. Talking about its specifications, it is a C18 ACERT model having a gross power of 464 hp and a net power of 410 hp. The power is measured at 1800 rpm and has a displacement of 1106 cu in. The operational weight of the machine is 47900 kg and the fuel capacity is 889 litres. The cooling system fuel capacity, engine oil capacity, hydraulic fluid capacity and power train fluid capacity are 104 litres, 38 litres, 89 litres and 164 litres respectively. The operating voltage of this piece of metal is 24 V with alternator supplied amperage of 95 amps.

If we check the transmission we see the type as Power Shift with 3 forward and reverse gears. The maximum forward speed is 7.3 mph and maximum reverse speed is 8.9 mph. The ground pressure of the machine is 16.1 psi and the ground contact area is around 6569 in2 with a standard show size of 24 in. The number of shoes it has on each side is 43 and the total number of track rollers it has on each side is 8. The track pitch is 9.4 in and the track gauge is 7.4 ft in. It has been fitted with hydraulic pump system that has a relief valve pressure of 5875 psi and the pump flow capacity is 101 gallon per minute.

The total width of the standard blade is 14.3 ft in, height is 6.4 in. It has a capacity of 17.7 yd3 and a cutting depth of 23.9 in. Moving to the dimension of the machine, the total length with and without the blade is 21.8 ft in and 16.1 ft in respectively. The total height of the cab is around 12.5 ft in and the length of the track on ground is 11.4 ft in with a ground clearance of 2 ft in.

Caterpillar has made sure that the price of the dozer should be within the reach of most of the customers and that they should not find it unaffordable to buy. Therefore, if one is looking for a bulldozer, they should definitely check the specification of this machine and check if that suits their requirements. Most it will fit in their budget and should not be hard for them to buy it.

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