Heavy machinery like bulldozers require extra care throughout their lifetime. Since these machines are used for big jobs, their parts can get damaged and their engine might be worn. It is important to inspect these machines regularly to make sure that there is not any permanent damage.
There are a lot of bulldozer operators who think of maintenance as an unnecessary additional expense so they avoid it. But delaying maintenance will only cause more trouble for you. Sometimes the damage is so extensive that a considerable portion of the dozer needs to be dismantled for repairs. If that ends up happening, you will be faced with expensive downtime and repairs that you could have avoided with simple maintenance and inspection. The following are a few dozer maintenance tips that you should know before you start looking for a used bulldozer for sale. These tips will help you avoid any unnecessary downtime and ensure that your dozer is up and running whenever you need it.
Park the Dozer Properly
Just like other equipment and tools proper storage impacts the lifetime of dozers as well. Make sure that you always park your bulldozer on a level surface and monitor its fluid levels closely. If you are unsure about whether or not the fluid levels are indicated correctly you can peruse the dozer’s user manual. When you are looking for used dozers for sale make sure to ask the dealer to provide you with the machine’s operators manual. But even if you do not have the manual, you can look up the information online.
You also need to make sure to relieve the pressure on the dozer’s hydraulic system. In order to properly park the dozer, you need to engage its parking brake. Remember that the transmission should be in neutral while the machine is undergoing maintenance procedures.
Greasing
There are a number of different grease points all over the machine such as its U joints, hinges, pins, linkages etc. Grease application is an important part of dozer maintenance. But grease points vary depending on the machine so when you are looking for used bulldozers for sale ask the supplier about where all the grease points are located on the system. Smaller areas like fan bearings and linkages require two to three shots of grease, whereas, for bushings and pins you will need at least eight shots of grease. You need to make sure that all the points are clean once you are done greasing them.
Keep the Dozer Clean
If there is any waste in the cab it will eventually deteriorate the condition of the dozer overtime. That is why it is important that you discard everything after use.
Make sure that the pivot plans and engine are clean and there is no accumulation of dirt and debris. Keep the windows and mirrors clean always and wipe off any excess grease. Failure to keep them clean might result in you having to look for other bulldozers for sale while you are in the middle of a job.