Equipment inspection tips: dozers - Ritchie Hub - RB Global

Heavy equipment, notably dozers, stand as the backbone of multiple industries. From construction to mining, these versatile machines are invaluable. Originating in 1904 by Benjamin Holt, the dozer, also known as the crawler tractor, has powered countless projects for over a century.

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Essential Tips for Inspecting a Used Bulldozer

Whether you're in the market to buy, add, or replace a dozer, our comprehensive inventory has you covered. Explore various options at upcoming Ritchie Bros. live auctions, and online on IronPlanet and Marketplace-E. Before you finalize your purchase, these bulldozer inspection tips are essential for making an informed decision:

1. The Blade

A dozer's blade type is task-specific. Whether inspecting an angle, straight, universal, semi-u, cushion, 6-way, or push block blade, adhere to these blade inspection guidelines:

Blade face, cutting edge, and corner bits
Examine the blade face for plate lines, indicative of refacing and excessive wear repairs. Inspect the spill guard at the blade's top and for any rock or heavy material damage. Pay attention to the bottom sides and corner bits for wear, corrosion, or welding. Check the cutting edge for remaining wear.

Blade push arms and cylinders
Scrutinize the blade push arms, especially the trunion pins and caps. Loose trunion caps or gaps may signal excessive wear. Inspect both push arms for scarring and for any scratches, dents, or leaking seals on hydraulic cylinders in semi-u or angle blades.

2. The Undercarriage

The undercarriage is a critical and costly component of the crawler tractor. Thoroughly inspect every part of the undercarriage, considering some operators' biases in steering direction or side-hill applications that could cause uneven wear. Check both sides to assess the true condition.

Rails, rollers, and idler

Start with the rails, known as chains. Feel the tops and bottoms of rail bushings to check for wear, comparing rounded shapes to worn compressed ovals. Wear on the top indicates that pins and bushings have been turned, reducing wear-life below 50%. Inspect the links for height and uneven wear patterns. Measure how extended the slack adjuster is to gauge internal wear.

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Next, inspect the rollers supporting the rail’s movement. Check for damage and flange wear, and note cupping. Move to idlers, assessing surface wear and overall edge thickness.

Sprockets and Segment Pieces

Inspect sprocket segments for sharp, pointed teeth or noticeable thinning, similar to idler checks.

Track pads
Assess the track pads from the idler's view. Examine plate thickness and grouser bar height. If the grouser bar aligns with the pad bolts, consider rebuilding or replacing the track pads.

High Drive System
Uniquely for Caterpillar tractors, inspect the high drive system driving the tracks for leaks, cracks, or performance-impacting damage.

Other Undercarriage Components
Don't ignore the track frame, sway bars, and stabilizers, checking for scars from hard material contacts.

3. Hydraulic System and Engine

Inspect all hydraulic cylinders for leaks, dents, or scratches. Open engine panels to check for visible leaks, loose belts, and dirty filters. Check fluid levels and inspect for leaks around the machine.

4. Cab and General Operation

While inspecting the cab, note the steering system (e.g., differential steering or fingertip control). Ensure all windows are intact in an enclosed cab, or check for structural damage in canopy-style enclosures. Start the engine, observing exhaust for dark color or carbon build-up as indicators of service needs. Test all installed systems, such as air conditioning and heating.

5. Rear Attachments

Ensure rear attachments like single-shank or multi-shank rippers, winches, auxiliary hydraulics, or drawbars are functional, as they add value. If unavailable, explore our current inventory for crawler tractor attachments.

If you're interested in buying dozers at upcoming Ritchie Bros. onsite auctions, visit the site to test, inspect, and compare models. Alternatively, check IronPlanet and Marketplace-E for a selection with IronClad Assurance Equipment Condition Certification.

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