The crawler dozer is a tracked earthmoving machine with a front-mounted blade. Also called a bulldozer, the largest can approach 900 horsepower and weigh nearly 240,000 pounds. Large dozers often are involved in applications that involve moving massive volumes of material, such as mining, site-development, and roadway construction.
Only a few manufacturers of crawler dozers includes models having horsepower ratings greater than 300.
Power-shift transmissions often use electronic controls that can automatically shift gear ranges to precisely match speed and load demands for maximum tractive effort, and a number of models use a hydrostatic drive system that transfers engine power to the tracks hydraulically. In addition, machine control is simplified via using electronic controls for steering systems, many of which use a single joystick and allow full-power to both tracks when the machine turns.
More bulldozer models in the market today also are being equipped with automated grade-control systems, which allow operators to achieve finished grades more quickly and accurately. Telematics systems have significantly increase the dozer's "intelligence." These systems allow the machine to report important information to assist fleet managers in achieving optimum value from equipment assets.
Here’s a list of the best dozers with horsepower ratings greater than 300.
Caterpillar Dozer
(Above) The D9 replaces the D9T and offers customizable configurations. Cat says the unit lowers overall costs per unit of material moved by up to 3 percent. Efficiencies gained through a new torque converter with stator clutch reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5 percent, and the dozer reduces maintenance and repair costs by as much as 4 percent. A Cat C18 engine meets emissions regulations. The D9 also features differential steering for a tight turning radius and the ability to maintain ground speed while turning. The suspended undercarriage delivers more track contact with the ground for less slippage and greater productivity, according to the company.
John Deere Dozer
Enhancements to the 950K and 1050K improve productivity, durability, and operator satisfaction, and include a suspended double-bogie undercarriage, new extended life undercarriage options, and updated blade offerings. The suspended double-bogie track frame on the 1050K improves ride quality. Featuring a second layer of bogies, new isolators, and refined geometry, the 1050K is designed to deliver increased durability and a smoother ride. The Extended Life undercarriage option features the John Deere-exclusive SC-2-coated track chain bushings. Produced using a proprietary coating that forms a hard shell, the SC-2-coated bushings deliver up to twice the wear life of standard bushings, significantly increasing machine uptime, the company says.
Dressta Dozer
The 330-horsepower TD-25 has 30 percent more glass in the cab than its predecessor and includes rear cameras. A new bogie undercarriage design delivers comfort for the operator, especially on extreme rocky applications, while still delivering drawbar pull and productivity. The operator environment features a pressurized cab and oper- ational ergonomics designed to improve efficiency and reduce fatigue. Improvements in the suspension and hydraulics further improve the operator experience by reducing noise and vibration.
Komatsu Dozer
The D155AX-8 crawler dozer has an operating weight of 89,300 pounds, is rated at 354 horsepower, and is powered by a Komatsu SAA6D140E-7 engine. It is equipped with a 12.3-cubic-yard Sigmadozer blade designed to give the machine a high blade capacity. The Sigmadozer blade improves dozing perfor- mance and increases productivity up to 15 percent over a conventional Semi-U blade, the company says. The blade features a frontal design concept adopted for digging and rolling material at the center of the blade. The blade shape increases soil holding capacity. Digging resistance is reduced for a smoother flow of material so larger amounts of soil can be dozed with less power.
Liebherr Dozer
The Generation 8 diesel-hydraulic crawler dozers feature a range of high-output, common rail diesel engines, designed and produced by Liebherr in-house. The SCR system combines a diesel particulate filter and an SCR cat- alytic converter to ensure compliance with emission levels. Added to this is the enhanced productivity from the new geometry, 6-way blade. Additional blade versions include Straight, Semi-U, and U-blade, as well as a wide vari- ety of rear attachment options individually tailored to the machine size and the relevant application. With the electronic pilot control, the response and the speed of the front and rear equipment can be adjusted to the operating conditions and the needs of the operator.