Bulldozers are machines classified as heavy-duty earthmoving equipment that use metal plates, or “blades,” to clear sites of waste, excess soils, rubble and other materials. They run on rubber tracks instead of wheels, which helps them move through muddy sites. Bulldozers are ideal for use in farming, construction, road building and more.   

The different sizes of bulldozers are organized by horsepower. The bigger the horsepower, the bigger the size and blade capacity. Bulldozers between 85 horsepower and 105 horsepower are considered standard-sized or medium bulldozers; they are used for general construction and can move around smaller jobsites. Dozers with 160 horsepower to 200 horsepower are used in larger construction sites, road construction and mining applications. Bigger, heavier-duty machines used in highway construction and on large sites are 200 horsepower and higher.

FAQs about Bull Dozers

Can a bulldozer remove stumps?

• A bulldozer may break a stump off the ground or clear fallen trees, but will have trouble removing roots. In fact, a large tree stump may damage the blade. Equipment like a backhoe or an excavator with a thumb or hammer attachment can remove tree stumps more easily without damage. 

How many hours do bulldozer tracks last?

• The durability of the bulldozer tracks depends on the work you're doing and the materials the bulldozer is clearing. A general rule of thumb is that after 2,500 to 3,500 hours the tracks will need some maintenance. The tracks may need to be replaced after 5,000 to 7,000 hours.

What size bulldozer do I need?

• The right size dozer depends on the work you are doing and where you are working. Consider what your site can handle. Make sure the bulldozer can move around your site without damaging the ground or structures. Also consider whether your dozer can keep up with your other equipment.