Bulldozer repair expenses could quickly create a major dent in your company's overhead expenses, which is why preventative maintenance is vital for this type of construction equipment. Whether you are renting a new bulldozer or have purchased a used one, you should check these three parts regularly to keep it running smoothly.

Electrical System

When operating a bulldozer, especially at a busy construction site, it is rather easy to overlook the electrical system. Focusing on the condition of the wires and battery seem to take second-place to other parts that workers seem to use more frequently – such as the push frame, blade and shank protector.

Keep in mind, though, that the battery, wiring and other aspects of the electrical system are vital. If they do not function properly, nothing else will. You should primarily check for damage in the wiring, dead batteries and short circuits.

Track Links

The track links of your bulldozer could very easily malfunction. Track links that are not functioning correctly could create major safety hazards at a busy construction site – especially if the issue is not addressed in a timely fashion. It may seem as if removing the links from the track to adjust them is the best way to fix the problem. On the contrary, doing so could cause permanent damage to the bulldozer track in addition to becoming a major safety hazard. If the bulldozer has a loose chain, the best thing to do is replace the entire track – not repair it.

Bolts

Another set of overlooked parts on the bulldozer, which should be a primary focus for proper maintenance, are the bolts.  Keeping each of the bolts tightened regularly is of the utmost importance. Remember, loosened bolts that have not been tightened for quite some time will lose their value and function – causing damage to the bulldozer.   Check all bolts monthly or weekly (based on frequency of use), tightening all loose bolts immediately. Do not hesitate to call for professional assistance in this regard to ensure that the job is done correctly without any difficulties or unexpected issues.

The Bottom Line

There always seems to be so much work that needs to be completed on the typical construction site each day. Placing the maintenance of your bulldozers on the backburner in order to accomplish more of those tasks might seem to be the best course of action to take. However, think about the amount of time that you would lose if your bulldozers were to shut down completely because of not maintaining them properly. If that is the case, you might want to look into temporary equipment rental.

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