What to Know About Crawler Dozers and How to Buy the Right One

Getting the right tools for your construction operation is crucial, and for a while, it’ll feel like leasing heavy equipment will work just fine for what you need. But there will come a point when you’ll realize you’re renting some machines so often, that it’s actually financially smarter to buy.

This includes when it’s time to buy a crawler dozer. Crawler dozers are a big part of many projects where the terrain is a little dicey, but the work is just as tough. To help you find the right model for your operation, Stribling Equipment has provided a quick guide to narrowing down your options. You can also call us at one of our many locations in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, where our knowledgeable and friendly staff are ready to help you take the next step toward ownership. 

What is a Crawler Dozer?

We’ll start with the basics. The “dozer” part of crawler dozer simply refers to its foundational design as a bulldozer. It’s fitted with a front, flat plate used to move large amounts of material quickly and efficiently. A crawler dozer simply refers to a bulldozer that’s built on a continuous track as opposed to wheels. 

Why Choose a Crawler Dozer Over Other Options?

There are a couple of primary benefits to specifically choosing a tracked dozer. One of the biggest advantages is the kind of terrain you can tackle. Tracks in general are better for rough, uneven terrain. They’re better suited for adapting to the challenges without tilting the cab and engine so much that you risk tipping over. This is also the case for low-traction terrain, like mud.

As a bonus, you can also get better power efficiency and the weight of the machine is more evenly distributed with tracks, so you won’t dig into the ground as much. 

Size

As with any heavy equipment purchase, you’re going to want to consider the size of the crawler dozer you need. This will likely be dictated by the size of the project and the location you’ll be working in.

You’ll want a machine big enough to handle the work, but not cumbersome. If you’re working in a confined area, you’ll probably want to look for something more compact. But in general, the more material you move on a regular basis, the bigger you’ll want your crawler dozer to be. 

Undercarriage

Undercarriage considerations go hand-in-hand with your decision to choose tracked machines. You’ll want to look at both standard- and heavy-duty options, both of which are equipped for different types of terrain. Many operations do just fine with a standard-duty undercarriage, but if you’re working on particularly rocky areas or more sloped landscapes, a heavy-duty option will likely give you the protection your machine needs. 

Attachments

Believe it or not, even crawler dozers have their fair share of attachment options. Most commonly, you’ll be looking at blades, used to push the material around. But even so, there are a number of choices within this niche group of implements, from straight blades to Variable Pitch Angle Tilt blades. Consider asking other professionals in your community what works for them under a variety of circumstances. Over time, you’ll probably accumulate a number of attachments, but you’ll want to start with the most essential. 

And, of course, you’ll want to work with a reputable seller to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. That’s where Stribling Equipment comes in. We’ll help you find the right crawler dozer for your operation and help you take the next step toward ownership. Contact one of our many locations in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas, and let us know how we can assist you!